I'm Not Batman

In Marco Ramirez’s spoken word poem “I’m Not Batman,” various types of intelligences were needed to order to understand the video/transcript.

For starters, Musical Intelligence is one that we found to be evident. It was interesting how the music was introduced when there was a pause or when the line was really powerful. The music was helpful in further emphasizing the meaning of what he was explaining. This was a smart way of storytelling. It caught the audiences attention and brought their focus towards important key points in the spoken word poetry. It also paces the story very well. In spoken word, there’s always a certain rhythm that the poet uses to allow the piece to flow nicely. The drum beats in the background allowed for the piece to flow nicely. The poet probably has a good ear for music and beats and that’s why he decided to tell this story in this particular way. Moreover, the repercussion going on in the background really help to illustrate the situation and add dramatic effect.

The second intelligence that is used is Linguistic. By having knowledge in different languages, we are able to write and comprehend texts that have foreign words. For example, the word “Abuela” was mentioned and we automatically know the background of the writer, because that Spanish word means “grandmother” in English. In addition, he makes reference to a friend named “Arturo.” Using knowledge of languages and cultures, we are able to depict this about the boy. 

Spatial intelligence is also put to use. For instance, throughout the story, the boy becomes very descriptive when explaining what happens in the city. He explains: “Somewhere in the city there’s a old lady picking Styrofoam leftovers up outta a trash can and she’s putting a piece of sesame chicken someone spit out into her own mouth.” This type of description helps us understand the situation better and makes the audience use their senses to understand the situation. He is painting a picture for us to help set the story. Creating this sort of setting also helps give the reader/listener context. Another example is when the boy is describing a detailed scenario that he is saving someone’s life and he is getting creative with his costume, using his hand-me-down clothes. His imagination allows him to be spatial and create an entire detailed world out of, realistically, nothing at all.

Intrapersonal Intelligence is also used. By reading this text, you start to realize how the life of this kid really is. He hints that he gets abused and demonstrates that by wanting to become Batman, because batman does not get treated the way he does.

Finally, using intrapersonal skills can allow us to put ourselves in the boy’s shoes and see his view and perspective of what he is experiencing. Having intelligence about ourselves and being self-aware makes us capable of connecting with his experiences. For instance, it helped us understand how his relationship with his father was weak and distant because we can potentially relate that experience and trauma to our own lives. Often, when we have experienced something, we are easily able to understand another who is also experiencing the same thing.