Poet, Jasmine Mans have been in the spotlight for her talented way of presenting her spoken word craft since her win of the 2007 Knicks Poetry Slam contest but she may sound familiar to you after this past week. Jasmine first uploaded a video on YouTube of herself performing a poem entitled “The Miseducation of a Barbie Doll” on Saturday October 23rd, 2010 and after people realized Jasmine was referring to Rapper Nicki Minaj, the video then was embedded all over the net and next thing Jasmine knew, she was “hot topic.” After such a hectic week, I’m sure; Jasmine graciously spoke to us about her experience post “The Miseducation of a Barbie Doll”, and what the future holds for the young, talented, poet.

PLUSHNYLON Magazine: First and foremost, thank you Jasmine for taking out the time to speak to us.

PNM: Right now, your name is all over the internet because of your recent spoken word act, “The Miseducation of a Barbie Doll,” which speaks about Nicki Minaj. How is that experience affecting you?

Jasmine Mans: Its becoming a lot harder to focus on school work. I had to build tougher skin because people are simply mean. The hardest part is settling with the misconceptions and misunderstandings of my work and me.

So, based on your words, I take it that you’re not exactly a fan of Nicki Minaj. (Laughing)

(Laughing…) I think only a true fan could write such a poem.

Since October 23rd, 2010, your video, which has been posted by many YouTube users, has received well over 100,000 views. Firstly, congrats and secondly, what is your reaction to this?

Wow. I never thought this poem could have the effect it is having on so many people. The poem was placed on youtube for a producer’s viewing; 2 days later huge sites are blogging about me. It’s exciting, humbling, and scary.

Do you think your audience agrees with your message to Nicki Minaj?

There are many different opinions on the poem. Many do and a lot don’t but both are respected. I believe that art exists beyond critique and after the poem is critiqued, it should simply be allowed to exist, just as Nicki Minaj’s work will be allowed to exist beyond me.

Are you looking for a response from the “Barbie” herself?

(Laughs) Yes, I’m curious to see if she, herself could recognize the honesty and sincerity in the piece. I don’t seek personal recognition. As great as it would be for her to acknowledge my poem, by no means does her opinion validate my work.

When did you first realize you had a natural talent for poetry/spoken word?

I began writing poetry in the 7th grade. When I saw the reactions of audiences and the passion I developed I was excited to continue. Poetry always felt right to me.

Things began happening for you after you won the Knicks Poetry Slam contest in 2007. How has that entire experience been for you?

It has been humbling for me, a complete blessing. My art has afforded me great, exciting opportunities and I’ve gotten the chance to see that my art affects people. It’s so moving to know that you have an impact on someone’s life. I use the written and spoken word to do so.

You were awarded full scholarship to your present University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison; how easy was it for you to accept that scholarship?

It was pretty simple. First Wave has given me a full tuition scholarship to receive an education in the subject of my choosing, create collaborative art, and be an activist.

Your “Dear Michelle Obama, The Tribute” piece is very moving to say the least and it seems that your little 4 year old cousin inspired you to write that poem. What went through your mind as you were writing it?

I wanted to pay homage to Michelle Obama in the best way possible. Though she will never understand what she means to women like myself, I had to find the best words I could to express my gratitude.

As a writer, I know that sometimes when writing about someone, I tend to tense up, careful not to offend them and careful to represent them in a way that truly shows who they really are. Is that something you deal with?

I do know what it feels like to tense up and be conscious of another’s feeling especially when you are portraying them in art. I have the truest obligation to be honest to my intentions and my opinions.

Before jumping on stage, do you experience stage fright?

Yeah, I have the worst stage fright. It feels like butterflies are soaring through my stomach. But when I speak, it all stops. I feel at home when I’m performing.

Are you ever nervous about how your audience will respond to your words?

Yes I’m always nervous, but I’m far more focused on staying true to my intention.

Do you consider yourself a feminist?

No, I’ve never considered myself to be a feminist. In fact, I’ve never been asked that. Neither my art, nor my opinions are gender exclusive.

“I Cried As If I Was His Daughter” is another powerful piece of yours. It is very graphic but yet undeniably real. Rape is and can be a tragic incident for a woman to experience. What can you tell us about that? How did you come about writing this piece?

I wrote the piece after hearing about something that happened in my neighborhood. It was first written in third person, and then I edited all the “she’s” into “I’s” because I wanted to truly personify the character.

Your words of course speak the story you’re aiming to tell, but your body gestures, facial expressions show the story which I think is extremely important for an audience, do you make it a point to do that or does it just happen while you’re performing?

Yes, my body language is intentional. I’ve been blessed to practice art for sometime now, and I am conscious of my body language. I also notice my natural tendencies and allow my emotion to influence my actions.

What messages do you try to get across to your audience through your work?

There are a variety of messages that I want my audiences to get. First, the message that is specific to whichever piece I’m performing. Second, that spoken word is the medium that I feel is most powerful for me to express, tackle, articulate, discuss, elaborate, and speak, for those who are silenced.

What’s next for Jasmine Mans?

I just declared both of my majors: Sociology and Afro-American Studies. I’m excited to know how my knowledge compels and propels me.

What message do you have for inspiring young talented artists?

“Keep writing; your poem doesn’t start until you start to tell the truth.”

Where can we learn more about you and see more of your work?
Jasminemans.blogpost.com
@JasmineMans