After our discussion of Jonathon Swift's "A Modest Proposal",
for my TOW #10, I read a 21st Century imitation of this essay. In "A 21st Century Modest
Proposal", Samuel Faktorow comments on the topic of Same-sex marriage
by proposing reasons why the U.S. government should legalize marriages between
all genders. Samuel Faktorow is a graduate of Colorado College with a degree in
English and Drama. This article was published on November 18th,
2014, less than a year before the Supreme Court legalized the
issue.
Faktorow
uses parody as an element of satire in order to prove that same-sex marriage
should be legalized. He mimics Jonathon Swift's essay for similar effects of
that of Swift's. Swift's writing, already satirically structured, writes a
comprehensive lists composed of six reasons why the Irish population should eat
children. In Faktorow's proposal, he explains the different reasons why
same-sex marriage would be beneficial for our country. This helps solidify and
simplify the points Faktorow is making for his readers. Specifically, it breaks
down the issue in a way that seems that this is the most obvious and productive
solution. Like Swift, Faktorow is trying to prove to the government how they
need to get a hold of themselves and face the elephant in the room. Unlike
Swift, Faktorow is more direct (and more practical) with his suggestions to
change the policies.
This essay is
effective in proving its purpose. I especially like how he concluded his essay
with a person touch. He states “Though I do have some personal interest in this
matter, being a homosexual male, I confess that I have no desire to ever get
married to anyone, so whether or not people choose to accept my proposal is of
rather low importance to me” (Faktorow). To me, this appeals to my emotional connection
to the author, as now I understand he has experienced this oppression first
hand (This also establishes credibility). Overall, “A 21st Century Modest Proposal” would impress Mr. Swift
if he were around today.
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