Charles Reznikov, as an American Objectivist poet, is known for his precise and concise use of words in his works, which reflect the static overall effect. Objectivist poets are different from their predecessors in the Imagist school in politics. They were mostly born into the working class and have a tendency to be close to communism, focusing on objects and Marxist materialism. Reznikov's poetry depicts the daily lives of the laboring masses, with the theme of 'the other', speaking out for the silent. His poetry reflects sympathy for marginalized urban groups and opposes pushing strangers into the realm of the 'other'. Reznikov's "otherness" writing is not only a medium for expressing emotions and ideas, but also the root of his anti otherization complex. The "other" complex in his poetry originates from his own traumatic experience of the "other", aiming to seek a poetic home for the "other".

1、 The Origin of Others: The Unforgettable Shadow of 'Otherness'

Charles Reznikov's poetry creation was deeply influenced by his childhood traumas, especially anti Semitic discrimination. In Reznikov's works, the term 'other' has a dual meaning: one is anti Semitic, and the other is socially marginalized. In Platonic philosophy, the other is relative to the same, representing differences and unknowns. Reznikov's poetry reflects the dialectical relationship between self and others, as well as the diversity of self-identity. The experience of anti Semitic discrimination in childhood made Reznikov feel anxious about his identity, and he tried to cope by avoiding or hiding his Jewish identity. However, this dual identity did not bring him a sense of security, but instead made him feel lost. Reznikov's poetry depicts his confusion and struggle in cultural dislocation, as well as how he seeks self-identity in the trauma of anti Semitism. Despite facing challenges, Reznikov's poetry showcases how he utilizes his experiences to construct an inclusive narrative space for readers.

2、 Other Witness: Empathy Representation Against 'Otherness'

In the first half of the 20th century, there was a strong call for racial equality and human rights in the United States, but ethnic minorities, especially Jews, continued to suffer persecution, constantly reinforcing their "other" identity. Charles Reznikov explores the identity and memory of the 'other' through autobiographical and bottom-up writing in his poetry. Postcolonial theorist Spivak believes that the lower classes have no history and cannot be spoken of, and intellectuals need to have compassion and empathy to truly understand them. Transference theorists Nancy Eisenberg and Janet Schreyer define empathy as the generation of emotions that are consistent with the situation from objects or similar objects outside oneself, and the corresponding cognitive and psychological responses. Reznikov expresses deep sympathy and empathy for the lower classes in his poetry, such as depicting the desolate scene of suicide victims on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York and the image of homeless elderly women on Fifth Avenue. He reveals the lives of others through conversations with strangers, allowing them to speak up for himself and building a good "self other" relationship. French philosopher Levinas believed that language is the only medium that ensures the complete differentiation of the other, and through conversation, the self and the other establish relationships. Reznikov's poetry reflects an ethical responsibility towards others, always maintaining an accepting and unbiased stance, and paying attention to the plight and suffering of those who have been deprived of their rights.

3、 Treat him as oneself: seeking a poetic home for others

Charles Reznikov opposed the alienation and objectification of the other in his poetry, advocating for the establishment of an empathetic "you me" relationship to find a poetic home for others affected by racial discrimination, social difficulties, capitalism, and totalitarianism. Through the story of Emilia in the poetry collection "Testimony," Reznikov exposed the objectification of child labor in factories and criticized the greed of capitalists. In 'The Holocaust', he objectively witnessed the atrocities committed by the Nazis against Jews in literary form, while expressing sympathy for the objectification of Nazi soldiers. Reznikov believed that treating others equally can awaken sympathy and avoid violence. He also uses the "you me" empathy model to build a home for nature and animals, such as focusing on the fate of willow trees in the poem "The Architecture Industry is Popular". Reznikov's poetry revolves around the "other" as its core, using poetry to find a spiritual belonging for oneself and others, making the "self other" relationship harmonious and the sense of belonging ubiquitous.