What if they hate her work because they think it sucks? I don’t “hate” her work, I just think it’s not very good, and not much better than almost anyone posting on this site could write if they spent 20 minutes trying.
As evidence, I would direct you to Post #41 on this thread, which is far, FAR better than anything Angelou ever penned.
Dead may have spent more than 20 minutes writing it (or not), but it was time very well spent!
I'm fairly certain that's the case . . . in their opinion. I am not a scholar of poetry and will reserve judgement for those who are, and even then I may pick and choose whether I reject it. There are some songs when I was younger that I really thought "sucked." Over time my opinion changed.
How many liberals like, and listen to, Stevie Wonder? I happen to consider him one of the best songwriters and musicians ever, but there also plenty who will flat out say he "sucks" both on account of being a liberal and a poor musician in their view. But . . . I tend to filter out the knee jerk reactions any more when I can.
Just don't pass me on the road, pull in front of me, and slow down, because in realms of road rage my mouth becomes foul and my gestures coarse.
Not that I went it search of her efforts, but this particular piece landed on my lap of late:
When I say…”I am a Christian.”
I don’t speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble
And need Christ to be my guide.
When I say…”I am a Christian.”
I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak
And need his strength to carry on.
When I say…”I am a Christian.”
I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.
When I say…”I am a Christian.”
I’m not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.
When I say…”I am a Christian.”
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.
When I say…”I am a Christian.”
I’m not holier than thou.
I’m just a simple sinner
Who received God’s grace somehow
It is because of this that I really try to hear the other side; at least to treat them as worthy of a hearing. Maybe that makes me a “moderate.” I’ll gladly let others more knowledgeable than me judge her as a poet. But I will not allow myself to judge her as a person despite the political differences we may have held in this life.