Iraqi folk poets face criticism
Some Iraqi intellectuals say the the spread of folk poems butchers the classic Arabic language and serve the interests of political parties.
Many Iraqis recite folk poetry, which is written in colloquial Arabic, stating support for the Popular Mobilization Units and for the fight against the Islamic State. These poems can be found on satellite TV channels, social networking sites and Iraqi radio stations. The widespread phenomenon in Iraqi society has outweighed other forms of creativity and arts such as poetry in classical Arabic and drawing.
“Some people recite folk poetry for money, while others think of pursuing careers as poets instead of becoming doctors or engineers for instance,” folk poet Haidar al-Shamari told Al-Monitor.
Arabic teacher Kazim Hasan told Al-Monitor, “Politicized folk poems have overridden classical poetry that does not stand a chance against the sweeping wave of colloquial poems.”
Folk poems have always reflected social and political events in Iraq. Many poets excelled in this type of poetry and have been known for their expressive recital.
