Old friend, oh how you’ve changed, is the name I produced for the story “ A letter to America” by Margaret Atwood. Atwood is a Canadian born author, poet, critic, essayist, feminist and a social campaigner. Among other amazing thing, Margaret Atwood also made many contributions to the theorizing of Canadian identity.
As I read into the first paragraph, I noticed how the author brought up happy memories and positive things that she had collected from America. The further I wandered into the story; Atwood’s main idea for her letter became crystal clear. The thesis of her text is how America has changed over the years and the negative repercussions that have occurred in Canada and the world. More importantly, how individuals have changed their view of the “Red, White and Blue “.
The author’s purpose of the essay is to express disappointment and confusion over the current state of America. The intended audience as the title suggests is for the American people . Atwood’s letter is loaded with clever quotes when exploring the worldwide frustration that is felt while watching the decline of a powerful ally. “When the jolly green giant goes on a rampage, many lesser plants and animals get trampled underfoot”. Another quote that I found ironic for our current economic state was “ We know perfectly well that if you go down the plughole, were going with you”. I found this passage particularly interesting because Canada experienced hard economic times due to the American recession. However the quote “ Romans peering over a wall at the real Roman’s, was interesting as Canadians tend to follow the American way although we don’t always agree with there actions and often question their choices.
Margaret Atwood’s “A Letter to America” is a good description that many cultures, especially Canadians have towards Americans and their cluttered style of decision-making.
What would an American citizens reaction be towards Atwood’s letter?
I believe they would be annoyed beyond belief, but in good faith that we've bitten our tongue when they haven't thought a plan out properly they would do the same towards this letter.
ReplyDeleteI do not think they would take seriously the things a Canadian author has to say. They would take it as a joke, or not care because it is not coming from an American citizen.
ReplyDeleteGood question Jordan. I believe most Americans would disagree with the letter and many would take offence to it. They would argue the fact that they are headed down a slippery slope if they continue down their current path. Realistically, I think some Americans are oblivious to their current situation.
ReplyDeleteMaybe more Americans would agree with the letter than you would think? It's possible that there are a fair amount of Americans that are not living in denial but feel powerless to change anything. I found your post very interesting Jordan!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mark. I think many Americans would be unaware of their current situation because they are in it. It's easier to see things when you're an outsider. I also think that Americans are so wrapped up in the concept of power that they are overlooking the cost and the consequences of it. In an exclusive interview for the Times, London newspaper Atwood says "...typically empires expand past where they can afford to defend their perimeters, at which point something is going to break.” She gives a dry chuckle. “The barbarians will get in sooner or later.” Atwood is a strong supporter of history and experience and her letter is a reminder to Americans to take heed.
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