Paper Doll Poem Analysis

The slam poem “Paper Dolls” written and performed by Sierra DeMuddler is an engaging and provocative piece about common stereotypes of women as well as the effects sexual abuse has on its victims.

Stereotypes are extremely apparent in our society. When watching this slam poem, a theme that almost instantly emerged was common female stereotypes. I am passionate about breaking common stereotypes of women- we are not just fragile, soft, hairless princesses that don’t like what you’re offering unless its pink and glittery. We are strong and capable of doing anything males do. “You can only laugh cutely or cry beautifully” was a lyric that resonated with me because it is such a real expectation of being a woman. In the world, we live in today women are expected to exude beauty and grace with everything we do, and if not what a mess our lives must be. “We are taught from the moment we leave our pink nurseries we are collapsible paper dolls”. Females are expected to behave passively and be submissive to men. We are supposed to cook and clean and look after the children while our strong, successful husbands are out earning money. Apparently, we aren’t good at maths or science and are

incapable of being successful in business? It is these stereotypes that have been engrained in us since we were young that prohibit women from leading. Leading in different aspects of life, within a family, in the workplace and in society in general. I believe that gender stereotypes prevent individuals from reaching their full potential and truly being who they are. stereotypes act as a barrier within our society. This desperately needs to change. “Our worth does not live secretly in lace and cotton panties”.
Gender stereotypes and sexual abuse are distinctly linked. Women are perceived by men as passive, weak and easily influenced. “They say one in three women will be raped or sexually abused in their lifetime. I am one of three daughters”. Why is sexual abuse so apparent in our society and why does it so often go overlooked and unpunished? Sexual abuse degrades women “You are an empty museum to what used to hols so much worth”. Men use women as sexual objects and as a way of satisfying their sexual needs – even if that means going against another person’s will. Sexual abuse damages the victim, mentally, emotionally and physically. Often a victim will feel as though what happened to them was their fault, and that they aren’t worth being treated any better “Your body is not a hand me down. There is nothing that sits inside you holding your worth.” It’s this twisted blame and social acceptance of sexual abuse in our everyday lives that DeMuddler has encapsulated in her poetry performance that really caught my attention.
As the title “Paper Dolls” suggest, this poem used fragile paper dolls to symbolise the female stereotype “We are collapsible paper dolls.

Light to hold, easier to crumple” this relates to the other key theme apparent throughout the poem- female stereotypes. As I mentioned earlier the long age stereotype that all females are softly spoken, smooth skinned, incapable of important jobs and live under the strong wing of a man, has lead men and even women to believe that’s how it has to be.” Don’t stand too tall, don’t act too strong” this symbolism used in DeMuddler poem perfectly represents this stereotype. I believe that the way DeMuddler compares the characteristics of a paper doll with that of the stereotype is very well crafted and comes across so powerfully in the delivery of the slam

poem.
The slam poem “Paper Dolls” written and performed by Sierra DeMuddler is a powerful and symbolic piece describing the emotional hardship of sexual abuse. The poem explores ideas pf gender stereotypes, sexual abuse of women and the use of symbolism comparing a paper doll to a woman. This poem compelled me from start to finish and left me with many questions as well as a new-found confidence in myself and my gender. However, it is important to acknowledge that women are not the only victims of sexual abuse. Men all over the world deal with the exact same issues daily, which reminds me of a quote by Vera Nazaraian:
“A woman is human,
She is not better, wiser, stronger, more intelligent, more creative, or more responsible than a man. Likewise, she is never less.
Equality is a given.
A woman is human.”