University of Central Florida
Gender Gazette
Spring/Summer, 2002
By Carrie Avery
Hundreds of students and community members witnessed the performance of slam poet Alix Olson On Tuesday, March 19. Kathy Ireland, president of the National Organization of Women calls Olson's voice "always honest, always political. She inspires and ignites." The event took place in the Key West Ballroom of the Student Union. The performance began with Orlando Slammaster J. Bradley's tale of dealing with a break-up. He spoke rhythmically as he proclaimed the sounds of a breaking heart. Afterwards Alix Olson warmed-up the audience with her jokes about billboard declarations from God. Then she began her satirical slants on sexuality, religion, sexism, globalization and corporatization, racism, and much more.
Olson's hard-hitting routines are hard to dissect; yet she has something to say about almost everyone and isn't afraid to say it. Her first piece examined the hypocrisy of organized religion, misogynist thinking and the political climate of the country. Her next piece, "Daughter," was about her hopes for a daughter who will break through the glass ceiling and question the establishment. But rather than relying on future generations, the change starts with Alix. She's the one who's fighting to make a difference now. She currently teaches at a gay/lesbian high school in New York, and she has also taught a range of other students from second graders and women in prison.
Alix Olson speaks with such a ferocity and intensity that no one can question her passion or sincerity. She speaks earnestly and lays everything on the table, filling her poems with strong metaphors and allusions. She speaks for herself and is not concerned with image or with offending others. Although she has been called "One of the ten most dangerous women in America" by the conservative Concerned Women for America, she neither rants nor raves. Her poetry is a wake-up call, a plea to change our value system. Her piece "America's on Sale" reminds us that we seek bargain prices instead of morality. After several more powerful offerings, she received a standing ovation and had the whole audience chanting the chorus to her poem "armpit hair", which she dedicated to Jerry Falwell. Her pieces really speak for themselves. To get a sampling, head over to her website: http://www.alixolson.com