Well-Read w/ Safiya Sinclair
Digest
In this episode of Well Red, Gloria Adam interviews poet and memoirist Saphia Sinclair about her journey to find her voice as a woman and poet, growing up in a strict Rastafarian household in Jamaica. Sinclair shares how her mother instilled a love of poetry in her from a young age, and how poetry became a refuge for her as she navigated the challenges of growing up in a patriarchal culture. She discusses the moment she decided to cut her dreadlocks, a sacred marker of Rastafarian identity, as a way to assert her own agency and break free from her father's expectations. Sinclair also talks about the process of writing her memoir, "How to Say a Babylon," and the importance of researching her family's history and the history of Rastafarian culture in Jamaica. She shares how the book is rooted in a desire for a better future, both for herself and for other Jamaican women. Sinclair also discusses her literary influences, including Toni Morrison, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and Audrey Lorde, and how their work has shaped her own writing. The episode concludes with Sinclair reflecting on the importance of her story for young Jamaican women and for expanding the global imagination of what Jamaica and Rastafarian culture represent.
Outlines
The Cutting of the Dreadlocks
This Chapter begins with a vivid description of the act of cutting the narrator's dreadlocks, a symbolic act of rebellion against her father's strict Rastafarian upbringing. The narrator describes the physical sensation of the hair falling away, the emotional turmoil she experiences, and the significance of the act in her journey to find her own identity.
Well Red with Saphia Sinclair
This Chapter introduces Saphia Sinclair, a poet and memoirist, as the guest on the Well Red podcast. Gloria Adam, the host, welcomes Sinclair and introduces her captivating memoir, "How to Say a Babylon," which tells the story of her upbringing in Jamaica and her journey to find her own voice as a woman and poet.
What Does it Mean to be Well Red?
This Chapter explores the meaning of being "Well Red" with Saphia Sinclair. Sinclair defines it as having a personal canon of literature that speaks deeply to one's humanity and life, providing solace and inspiration in times of darkness or despair. She emphasizes the power of literature to elevate and enrich one's life.
The Power of Poetry
This Chapter delves into Saphia Sinclair's personal relationship with poetry. She shares how her mother instilled a love of poetry in her from a young age, and how poetry became a source of solace and empowerment for her as she navigated the challenges of growing up in a strict Rastafarian household. Sinclair describes how poetry gave her a voice and allowed her to explore the expansiveness of womanhood.
From Poet to Memoirist
This Chapter explores Saphia Sinclair's transition from poetry to memoir writing. She explains how her memoir, "How to Say a Babylon," grew out of a desire to share her experiences as a woman growing up in a Rastafarian household in Jamaica. Sinclair discusses the importance of researching her family's history and the history of Rastafarian culture in order to provide context for her own story.
Researching Your Own Life
This Chapter focuses on Saphia Sinclair's process of researching her own life for her memoir. She discusses the challenges of reliving past experiences and the importance of finding a way to make sense of them. Sinclair also talks about the role of memory and the poet's eye in shaping her writing.
Keywords
Saphia Sinclair
Saphia Sinclair is a Jamaican-American poet and memoirist. She is the author of the memoir "How to Say a Babylon," which tells the story of her upbringing in a strict Rastafarian household in Jamaica and her journey to find her own voice as a woman and poet. Sinclair's work has been praised for its lyrical beauty, its exploration of themes of identity, family, and culture, and its powerful portrayal of the female experience.
Rastafarian
Rastafarianism is a religion that originated in Jamaica in the 1930s. It is based on the belief that Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia, was the incarnation of God. Rastafarians often wear dreadlocks, smoke marijuana, and follow a vegetarian diet. They believe in the importance of self-reliance, community, and social justice.
Jamaica
Jamaica is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea. It is known for its beautiful beaches, its vibrant culture, and its rich history. Jamaica is also the birthplace of reggae music and the home of many famous writers, including Bob Marley, Louise Bennett, and Claude McKay.
Memoir
A memoir is a non-fiction account of the author's own life experiences. Memoirs often focus on a specific period of time or a particular theme in the author's life. They can be written in a variety of styles, from intimate and personal to more analytical and reflective.
Poetry
Poetry is a form of literature that uses language in a creative and evocative way. Poems often use rhyme, rhythm, and imagery to create a particular effect on the reader. Poetry can be used to express a wide range of emotions, ideas, and experiences.
Womanhood
Womanhood refers to the state of being a woman. It encompasses a wide range of experiences, including physical, emotional, social, and cultural aspects. Womanhood is often defined by societal expectations and norms, but it is also a deeply personal and individual experience.
Identity
Identity is a sense of self, a set of beliefs and values that define who a person is. Identity can be shaped by a variety of factors, including family, culture, religion, and personal experiences. It is a complex and evolving concept that can change over time.
Patriarchal
Patriarchal refers to a social system in which men hold power and authority over women. Patriarchal societies often have strict gender roles and expectations, and women may be denied opportunities and rights that are available to men.
Resistance
Resistance is the act of opposing or challenging something. It can be a form of protest, rebellion, or defiance. Resistance can be individual or collective, and it can take many forms, from peaceful demonstrations to armed conflict.
Survival
Survival is the act of staying alive in the face of adversity. It can involve overcoming challenges, adapting to difficult circumstances, and finding ways to cope with hardship. Survival is a fundamental human instinct, and it is often a source of strength and resilience.
Q&A
What does it mean to be "Well Red" according to Saphia Sinclair?
Sinclair defines being "Well Red" as having a personal canon of literature that speaks deeply to one's humanity and life, providing solace and inspiration in times of darkness or despair. She emphasizes the power of literature to elevate and enrich one's life.
How did Saphia Sinclair's mother influence her love of poetry?
Sinclair's mother instilled a love of poetry in her from a young age, having her memorize and recite poems from a very young age. This early exposure to poetry laid the foundation for Sinclair's own poetic journey.
What was the significance of Saphia Sinclair cutting her dreadlocks?
Cutting her dreadlocks was a symbolic act of rebellion against her father's strict Rastafarian expectations. It was a way for Sinclair to assert her own agency and break free from the limitations imposed on her as a woman in a patriarchal culture.
What were some of the challenges Saphia Sinclair faced growing up in a strict Rastafarian household?
Sinclair faced many restrictions and limitations as a woman in a Rastafarian household. She was not allowed to express her opinions freely, she had to adhere to strict dress codes, and she was discouraged from pursuing her own interests and ambitions.
How did Saphia Sinclair research her own life for her memoir, "How to Say a Babylon"?
Sinclair drew heavily on her own memories and her past writings, including her poetry. She also conducted interviews with her parents and brother to learn more about her family's history and the history of Rastafarian culture in Jamaica.
What are some of the literary influences that have shaped Saphia Sinclair's writing?
Sinclair cites Toni Morrison, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Audrey Lorde, Lucille Clifton, and Rita Dove as some of her major literary influences. She admires their lyrical language, their exploration of themes of identity and culture, and their powerful portrayal of the female experience.
What does Saphia Sinclair hope her memoir will achieve?
Sinclair hopes her memoir will resonate with young Jamaican women and other Caribbean women, providing them with a sense of visibility and inspiration. She also hopes it will expand the global imagination of what Jamaica and Rastafarian culture represent.
How does Saphia Sinclair's memoir, "How to Say a Babylon," relate to the theme of desire?
Sinclair's memoir is rooted in a desire for a better future, both for herself and for other Jamaican women. It explores the yearning for freedom, self-expression, and a life beyond the limitations imposed by patriarchal structures.
What is the significance of the title, "How to Say a Babylon"?
The title, "How to Say a Babylon," reflects Saphia Sinclair's journey to find her own voice and to challenge the dominant narratives about Jamaica and Rastafarian culture. It suggests a process of reclaiming language and creating a new way of speaking about her experiences.
What is the overall message of Saphia Sinclair's memoir, "How to Say a Babylon"?
Sinclair's memoir is a powerful testament to the enduring power of language and the importance of finding one's voice. It is a story of resilience, resistance, and the search for identity in the face of adversity. It is also a celebration of Jamaican culture and the strength of women who dare to break free from societal expectations.
Show Notes
About:
Safiya Sinclair was born and raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica. She is the author of the memoir How to Say Babylon, winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award in Autobiography, a finalist the Kirkus Prize, and longlisted for the Women’s Prize in Non-Fiction and the OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature. How to Say Babylon was named one of the 100 Notable Books of the year by the New York Times, a Top 10 Book of 2023 by the Washington Post, one of The Atlantic’s 10 Best Books of 2023, a TIME Magazine Top 10 Nonfiction Book of 2023, a Read with Jenna/TODAY Show Book Club pick, and one of Barack Obama’s Favorite Books of 2023. How to Say Babylon was also named a Best Book of the Year by The New Yorker, NPR, The Guardian, the Los Angeles Times, Vulture, Harper’s Bazaar, and Barnes & Noble, among others, and was an ALA Notable Book of the Year. The audiobook of How to Say Babylon was named a Best Audiobook of the Year by Audible and AudioFile magazine.
Sinclair’s other honors include a Pushcart Prize, fellowships from the Poetry Foundation, Civitella Ranieri Foundation, the Elizabeth George Foundation, MacDowell, Yaddo, the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, and the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown. Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, Time Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Granta, The Nation, and elsewhere. She is currently an Associate Professor of Creative Writing at Arizona State University.
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