In which I explore the theme of toxic masculinity in Murakami’s “1Q84.”
Author Archives: Robin Bates
Understanding Murikami’s 1Q84
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged "Dover Beach", 1Q84, Carl Jung, Haruki Murakami, Matthew Arnold, return of the repressed, Sigmund Freud, toxic masculinity, Trumpism Comments closed
Irony and the GOP’s Big Beautiful Bill
The GOP’s “big beautiful bill” is perfect in its rottenness–like William Carlos Williams’ rotten apple in “Perfection.”
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged "Hellas: A Chorus", "Ode to the West Wind", "Shine Perishing Republica", American decadence, Big Beautiful Bill, GOP, Percy Shelley, Perfection, Robinson Jeffers, William Carlos Williams Comments closed
On Those Who Fail to Honor the Fallen
In bitter satire, Siegfried Sassoon lashes those who cheer marching soldiers but ignore war’s victims. Imagine what he would have thought of Donald Trump.
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged "Suicide in the Trenches", Donald Trump, Memorial Day, Siegfried Sassoon Comments closed
Religious Doubt in the Trenches
Looking ahead to Memorial Day, I share three Wildred Owen poems where he experiences significant religious doubt after spending time in the World War I trenches.
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged "Le Christianisme", "Parable of the Old Man and His Son", "Soldier's Dream", religious doubt, Wilfred Owen, World War I Comments closed
1Q84 Provides Insight into MAGA
Murakami’s account of cult behavior in “1Q84” applies only to well to MAGA behavior in current day America.
Flannery O’Connor’s DEI Revelation
In Flannery O’Connor’s “Revelation,” we see the status anxiety that is driving many Americans towards reactionary politics.
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged Fascism, Flannery O'Connor, racism, Revelation, status anxiety Comments closed
Calming Poetry for Tough Times
A calming poem by the most recent recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, Marie Howe
Artists Leading the Resistance
Artists like Bruce Springsteen are taking on Donald Trump, whose attacks on art and artists is straight out the fascist playbook.
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged "Badlands", Bruce Springsteen, Donald Trump, Fascism, Greg Olear, John Pavlovitz Comments closed
Unless Forced, Resist the Urge to Flee
This Cavafy poem warns about leaving a country because of our disappointment. It’s a useful caution for those who fantasize leaving Trump’s America.
