Essay:
A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift (1729)
A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift (1729)
“For Preventing the Children of Poor People in Ireland
From Being A Burden to Their Parents or Country, and
For Making Them Beneficial to The Public”
This satirical essay is deliciously funny. What should be done about the lack of food and overabundance of abandoned children in his Ireland? Don’t waste time, plump up the newborns and eat them. Not only would it rid the streets from children beggars, a baby can comfortably feed a family of five. I remember first reading this in high school. The reactions were priceless; there were some who were offended, the ones who failed to see it as a satirical essay. I love the dark humor, if the government was not going to act, let me propose something completely radical. Just imagine if people would have taken him seriously, there would be a fully roasted plump baby at the Thanksgiving dinner (yum). I do believe this essay is best left as an essay, although I do visualize it as a short animated video. But that is some very risky business since it does threaten the integrity of the satire. Children are expensive, yield a higher income by selling it to the butcher.
Picture:
Item 5.13 George Bush Meeting with Burned Soldier (page 282, Beyond Words)
From Being A Burden to Their Parents or Country, and
For Making Them Beneficial to The Public”
This satirical essay is deliciously funny. What should be done about the lack of food and overabundance of abandoned children in his Ireland? Don’t waste time, plump up the newborns and eat them. Not only would it rid the streets from children beggars, a baby can comfortably feed a family of five. I remember first reading this in high school. The reactions were priceless; there were some who were offended, the ones who failed to see it as a satirical essay. I love the dark humor, if the government was not going to act, let me propose something completely radical. Just imagine if people would have taken him seriously, there would be a fully roasted plump baby at the Thanksgiving dinner (yum). I do believe this essay is best left as an essay, although I do visualize it as a short animated video. But that is some very risky business since it does threaten the integrity of the satire. Children are expensive, yield a higher income by selling it to the butcher.
Picture:
Item 5.13 George Bush Meeting with Burned Soldier (page 282, Beyond Words)
I was flipping through the book to see what I was going to write about, and the book automatically stopped here. What is it? A burned soldier meeting President Bush, just like the title mentions. Why did it get my attention? Because it hurts me to see a soldier injured, a soldier who risked his life to defend his country for the sake of others. The courage they had to lose everything for liberty, for us. It hurts me because I am scared. I have too many friends contracted in the Army and Marines. I fear for their lives, and hope they return safely to their families. Labor day weekend my front door neighbor received a call, his grandson had been killed in battle. His grandson was my age and my childhood friend. We owe a lot to those brave souls who die for us.
Advertisement:
Item 1.6 Nike, My Butt is Big, 2005 (page 20, Beyond Words)
Advertisement:
Item 1.6 Nike, My Butt is Big, 2005 (page 20, Beyond Words)
My butt is big. Just how many times do you hear that statement in a day? You might hear it several times, but always in a negative way. This ad does the complete opposite. It is like Tyra Banks declaration of loving her “big booty.” It’s nice to see this, especially in a time where being twig skinny is the norm, and everyone out of that mold are excluded and feel ugly. Love and embrace your body.
“And those who might scorn it are invited to KISS it.”
Cartoon:
Item 8.9 Dick Locher, Cartoon Chicago Tribune, Nov.25,2003 (page 482, Beyond Words)
“And those who might scorn it are invited to KISS it.”
Cartoon:
Item 8.9 Dick Locher, Cartoon Chicago Tribune, Nov.25,2003 (page 482, Beyond Words)
The very basis in which America was founded. America, the melting pot, a country built by immigrants. Yet, why do we keep closing our borders to everyone? There are many who oppose immigration, saying they are true American Natives. No one is though. Everyone in this country is a descendant of someone who came to this country for a better future. My family arrived from Cuba in 1969. Imagine, if they would not have taken the step of leaving their home, I might have never come to exist. America is a land of immigrants, although there should be laws to aid immigration to cease illegal immigration. Too many people have died in attempts to reach our borders. As great as this country is, it has been a bit hypocritical.
Good to see that you understood the satire in the essay. I always laughed at how gullible some classmates in high school were. They know we’re reading something and immediately believe everything they read in the piece. Can’t say I’d look forward to a small child or baby as the main course at a family dinner. What I can’t agree enough with is showing appreciation for US military, the men and women that volunteer to fight for America deserve outstanding gratitude from the people. You called the Tyra advertisement right, seems like too many women try to maintain a near unhealthily skinny body. With the immigration issue, I agree that it’s a land built by immigrants but I do think regulations definitely need to be kept on borders for precaution of ridiculous over population.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading that essay in high school. I liked the pictures it painted in my mind. It's probably really cruel to say, but I think it's really funny to imagine a bunch of poor Irish peasants eating a fat baby. I found the picture of President Bush with the soldier to be very moving. I've always felt very emotional towards the hardships endured by our men and women in uniform. They risk their lives to keep us safe and free, and I hate to see them injured. It's good to see Bush treating the man as a hero and showing him the respect he deserves.
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