After reading Margaret Atwood’s “Letter to America” she talks about America as if she were talking to a best friend that had grown apart. The letter conveys a disappointment in the political direction and flaws of some moral choices. Margaret states her concern because when something negative happens to America it also happens to Canada. I do agree that when Canada’s neighbour has a problem we do too, but many of the problems that she talks about are also problems that we ourselves have.
I believe that the purpose of this essay is to make people both from Canada and America think about what America used to be like and how it has strayed from its moral path. The intended audience is most likely a generation that is a bit older that can reminiscence about what good things came out of America. Other than Donald duck and Mickey Mouse, which still are present today, I do not have a connection to the people and things that she speaks about in her letter like Ella Fitzgerald and Sinclair Lewis. I believe the examples of people, books, and movies she uses are very effective, but only to her target audience. Even though I do not know many of these people I still could feel the tie she is trying to embody.
In this letter Margaret uses quite a bit of general statements like “You stood up for freedom, honesty, and justice; you protected the innocent.” (p.169). I think almost every generation in some form believes the present generation is way worse than how things used to be. There was just as much scandalous happenings back then, it was just more acceptable and easier to get away with. Many of the problems that she discusses are caused by a miniscule portion of people who are in power. To be particular George Bush seems to be at the root of most of the problems, which is why I think that the letter should be more accurately titled “Letter to George”. All in all I enjoyed reading this letter for it was a more subtle take on America’s affairs and almost humorous in a way.
If George Bush could be honest for five minutes, what do you think his reaction to this letter would be?
I believe he would be angered by the fact that a Canadian would be questioning his judgement call. No one in power likes to hear that they have done wrong especially when it causes people to lose love ones. He would probably try and pick a fight with us if he could.
ReplyDeleteI think if George Bush was honest about how he felt about this letter, he would have to say "I don't get it".
ReplyDeleteI do agree that both of these could very well be Bush's response. Kristi your comment made me smile, I literally picture him saying those exact words.
ReplyDeleteAs much as George Bush probably wouldn't take this letter very seriously, he never really got Canada at all. He could not understand why we didn't spend billions more on our National Defense department, and he often told our leaders as much.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the guy could be honest. I really would like to think that this letter would make him evaluate and regret his decision but I think the man would be too stubborn to admit it.
ReplyDeleteHe is a product of his environment. His father! I believe that Atwood would be seen as a possible threat. He throws the word terrorist around so frequently that I believe he would catagorize her as one. :)
Reflecting on what Irene said... I'm not sure that George Bush and the word honest belong in the same sentence. I'm guessing the letter would probably make him extremely defensive. He might have even said to Atwood to mind her own business (clearly missing the point in the letter being MAN KIND IS OUR BUSINESS) Since this letter was published in The National, I'm surprised Bush didn't try to eliminate every copy!
ReplyDeleteGreat question Terrilyn! :)
I'd have to agree with irene.. I don't think that he could be honest.. or would make excuses for every bad decision he made.
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