9-1-1 Illustrates Poetry's Worst Stereotype

There are plenty of negative stereotypes about poetry, but this is one of its most nefarious, particularly because it might not seem like a big deal at first glance.

Most of the cast of 9-1-1, looking as vexed as I am by this stereotype about poems (Fox)

I’m always on the lookout for it, pressing back against it wherever I see it. It’s one of the most damaging stereotypes about poetry, but isn’t exactly offensive. It keeps readers away from poetry and convinces them that poetry is somehow for “other” folks and not for them. It’s an idea that typically takes root in classrooms, sadly, during our formative reading years. It makes poetry seem like a means to an end, and that truly, truly sucks.

What am I talking about?