Activism in Art: Girl by Jamaica Kincaid

      The poem "Girl" is a beautiful work written by the Antiguan/American herself,  Jamaica Kincaid. The poem is the narrative from a mature woman giving advice to a younger girl. When first reading the poem, it sounds as if Kincaid has the older woman finger wagging and scolding the girl if she does not obey and follow the rules in being accepted into society. She goes on to tell her that if she does not complete the chores a certain way and act accordingly, she will be considered a slut and not a real woman. 
In today's society, many feminist's views would argue that the older woman is pigeonholing the girl into living up to social standards and involuntarily being told to live the life of a housewife. This idea makes us wonder who's side Jamaica Kincaid is on and what is her view. The answer is solved in hearing Kincaid deliver the poem aloud.  The message of the poem is turned around completely when Kincaid reads to an audience that laughs along as she reads in a light hearted, witty way. As she reads "Girl", her sarcastic, mocking nature, making the piece appear like a relatable "lecture" you would receive from your grandmother, rather than an unjust forcing into society. 
As artist Suzanne Lacy declared, the goal of Feminist art was to "influence cultural attitudes and transform stereotypes." I think Kincaid wanted to share something that everyone could relate to. While her piece is filled with phrases and stereotypes from her Antiguan culture, everyone can connect with her message.  In the words of Chris Gerrard, "When activists make art, a debate often follows about the nature of work they have produced: ‘is it art or is it protest?'" I feel that this work of Jamaica Kincaid has doubled as both an art piece and a form of activism.