Discuss the theme of oppression and discrimination of the African Americans in the United States.

In "Caged Bird," Angelou uses the theme of oppression as a foil to the theme of freedom. In contrast to the free bird who soars on currents of wind, the titular caged bird is imprisoned in his cage with clipped wings and tied feet; the caged bird is so frustrated with his situation that he often cannot see through his "bars of rage." But because of the oppressive circumstances that limit his natural inclination to take flight, the caged bird resorts to singing a song of freedom. The song travels far, transcending the airspace through which the bird would like to fly. In this way, the bird's song is both a consequence and overcoming of his oppression. While he is not free to fly, his soul expresses the freedom he yearns for. In an allegorical reading of the poem, the oppressive circumstances the caged bird lives in represent the systemic oppression of Black Americans.