Essay on America

Alan Ginsberg has written the first poem I have read that has actually moved me, inspired me. When America was read aloud in class, it was hard for me to hide the smirk etching it's way across my face, caused of course by my admiration for counter-culture, left wing beliefs, and general insubordination. America's history has much that is not to be proud of, yet, finding materials created in certain eras that do not support mainstream beliefs, are generally hard to come by. That is to say that this material is not generally presented to us. When this material is eventually noticed, the anticipation, want and need for said material makes the experience all the better.

Ginsberg's poem is not a critique, but rather an attack. Sure there are particular points being made about particular things, but moreover, the point of the piece is to portray an attack on everything you aren't supposed to attack. To say things that many other people are thinking but are too afraid to say. To go entirely against the grain.

The beautiful thing about the poem is that is not only going against the grain in content, but also in structure. It is two fold, offending the stiff beliefs of not only tight-assed republicans, but also traditionalist poets. The poem's structure is aimed at being just as a welcomed relief as the messages. It flows almost in a stream of conscious style, yet it is clear that many drafts and a certain amount of editing was accomplished.

Ginsberg repeats many words, usually being the first words in a sentence. The largest and most memorable is the word "America". This repeat, coupled with also being the title of the poem, is designed to hit us over the head as hard as possible. There are no metaphors, very little symbolism, and no real complex layering of any kind. Instead things are cut and dry, in your face. Repeating the word "America" was an important choice. There are many radical statements that may offend. Ginsberg speaks of smoking marijuana every chance he gets, sympathizing with communists - even admitting to at one time being one, and criticizing the military. Yet, after all this, the main thing remembered is that word, "America". Ginsberg does not let us forget who the culprit is. He does not allow us do disassociate his beliefs from this country. The repetition of the word serves as a reminder that it is America that has made him feel this way. He is not insane, and he is not irrational, he is an American, just like many of the readers of this poem, and that is understood.

Most of the poem is short bursts of thought compressed down into single sentences. That is what makes one might think it was written spur of the moment. But when investigated closer, one could conclude that it would be far easier to write run on sentences and rants about your disapproval of a situation rather than single