'You Can Be A Republican, I'm A Genocrat' by Ogden Nash

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Oh, "rorty" was a mid-Victorian word
Which meant "fine, splendid, jolly,"
And often to me it has reoccurred
In moments melancholy.
For instance, children, I think it rorty
To be with people over forty.I can't say which, come eventide,
More tedious I find;
Competing with the juvenile stride,
Or meeting the juvenile mind.
So I think it rorty, yes, and nifty,
To be with people over fifty.The pidgin talk the youthful use
Bypasses conversation.
I can't believe the code they choose
Is a means of communication.
Oh to be with people over sixty
Despite their tendency to prolixty!The hours a working parent keeps
Mean less than Latin to them,
Wherefore they disappear in jeeps
Till three and four A.M.
Oh, to be with people you pour a cup for
Instead of people you have to wait up for!I've tried to read young mumbling lips
Till I've developed a slant-eye,
And my hearing fails at the constant wails
Of, If I can't, why can't I?
Oh, to be beside a septuagenarian,
Silent upon a peak in Darien!They don't know Hagen from Bobby Jones,
They never heard of Al Smith,
Even Red Grange is beyond their range,
And Dempsey is a myth.
Oh golly, to gabble upon the shoulder
Of someone my own age, or even older!I'm tired of defining hadn't oughts.
To opposition mulish,
The thoughts of youth are long long thoughts,
And Jingo! Aren't they foolish!
All which is why, in case you've wondered
I'd like a companion aged one hundred.

Editor 1 Interpretation

You Can Be A Republican, I'm A Genocrat: A Literary Criticism

Have you ever read a poem that made you laugh, think, and question your own political beliefs all at once? If not, then you have to read "You Can Be A Republican, I'm A Genocrat" by Ogden Nash.

This classic poem, written in 1942, is a masterpiece of political satire that takes on the two-party system of American politics with wit and humor.

In this literary criticism, I will analyze the poem's themes, stylistic devices, and cultural significance to show why it is not only a great piece of literature but also a valuable reflection on the state of American democracy.

Themes

At its core, "You Can Be A Republican, I'm A Genocrat" is a critique of the two-party system and the way it limits our political choices. Nash, a self-described "trivial" poet, was known for his playful use of language and his ability to make serious points with humor.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing a Republican and telling him that he can be whatever he wants, but he himself is a "genocrat." The term "genocrat" is a neologism that Nash invented to describe someone who believes in government by the most intelligent and capable people, regardless of their political affiliation.

Throughout the poem, the speaker contrasts the values and beliefs of Republicans and Democrats with those of genocrats, highlighting the absurdity of the two-party system and the need for a more nuanced approach to politics.

For example, the speaker tells the Republican that he believes in "the best man for the job, regardless of his party," while the Republican is more concerned with "the party for the job, regardless of the man." This contrast illustrates the way in which the two-party system can prioritize political loyalty over competence.

Similarly, the speaker criticizes the Democrat for his focus on "the rights of man" without considering the "rights of woman." This critique highlights the limitations of a political ideology that claims to represent the interests of all people but often fails to do so in practice.

Overall, "You Can Be A Republican, I'm A Genocrat" is a call for a more thoughtful and nuanced approach to politics, one that values competence, diversity, and a genuine concern for the common good over party loyalty and ideological purity.

Stylistic Devices

In addition to its themes, "You Can Be A Republican, I'm A Genocrat" is notable for its use of stylistic devices that contribute to its humor and satirical edge.

One of the most noticeable devices is Nash's use of rhyme and meter. The poem is written in a loose iambic tetrameter, with lines that range from seven to nine syllables. This irregularity gives the poem a playful and spontaneous feel, as if the speaker is improvising his lines as he goes.

Nash also uses internal rhyme and slant rhyme to create a sense of whimsy and playfulness. For example, he rhymes "Republican" with "man" and "American" with "man again," creating a humorous sense of repetition that pokes fun at the narrow-mindedness of political partisans.

Another stylistic device that Nash uses is irony. Throughout the poem, the speaker makes statements that are clearly at odds with the beliefs and actions of real-life politicians. For example, he tells the Republican that he believes in "the best man for the job, regardless of his party," even though this is not always the case in American politics.

This use of irony helps to highlight the gap between political rhetoric and political reality, and to show the absurdity of the two-party system.

Cultural Significance

While "You Can Be A Republican, I'm A Genocrat" was written over 75 years ago, its themes and insights are still relevant today.

In an era of political polarization and ideological rigidity, the poem serves as a reminder that there are other ways of thinking about politics beyond the narrow confines of party loyalty.

Moreover, the poem's critique of the two-party system is particularly relevant in today's political climate. With many Americans disillusioned with both major parties, there is a growing appetite for alternative forms of political representation.

"You Can Be A Republican, I'm A Genocrat" is a valuable addition to this ongoing conversation, offering a humorous and insightful perspective on the limitations of the two-party system and the need for a more thoughtful and nuanced approach to politics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "You Can Be A Republican, I'm A Genocrat" is a literary masterpiece that combines humor, insight, and political commentary in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Through its themes of political critique and its use of stylistic devices, the poem offers a valuable reflection on the state of American democracy and the need for a more nuanced and thoughtful approach to politics.

Whether you're a Republican, a Democrat, or a genocrat, this poem is sure to make you laugh, think, and question your own political beliefs.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry You Can Be A Republican, I'm A Genocrat: A Masterpiece of Satire and Wit

Ogden Nash, the renowned American poet, is known for his witty and humorous poems that often poke fun at human foibles and societal norms. One of his most famous works, "Poetry You Can Be A Republican, I'm A Genocrat," is a brilliant satire on the political ideologies of the time. Written in 1952, during the height of the Cold War and the Red Scare, the poem is a commentary on the political divide between Republicans and Democrats in the United States.

The poem is a conversation between two individuals, one a Republican and the other a Genocrat. The Republican is portrayed as a conservative, traditionalist, and capitalist, while the Genocrat is depicted as a progressive, egalitarian, and socialist. The poem is structured in a way that each line is a response to the previous one, creating a back-and-forth dialogue between the two characters.

The poem begins with the Republican stating, "You can be a Republican and a Christian too." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it highlights the Republican's belief in the importance of religion and traditional values. The Genocrat responds with, "You can be a Genocrat and a Christian too," challenging the Republican's assumption that only Republicans can be Christians.

The poem then moves on to the topic of economics, with the Republican stating, "You can be a Republican and a capitalist too." This line reflects the Republican's belief in the free market and the importance of individualism. The Genocrat responds with, "You can be a Genocrat and a capitalist too," challenging the Republican's assumption that only Republicans can support capitalism.

The poem then moves on to the topic of social welfare, with the Republican stating, "You can be a Republican and still be kind." This line reflects the Republican's belief in the importance of personal responsibility and self-reliance. The Genocrat responds with, "You can be a Genocrat and still be kind," challenging the Republican's assumption that only Republicans can be compassionate.

The poem then moves on to the topic of foreign policy, with the Republican stating, "You can be a Republican and still love peace." This line reflects the Republican's belief in the importance of national security and the need to protect American interests abroad. The Genocrat responds with, "You can be a Genocrat and still love peace," challenging the Republican's assumption that only Republicans can support a strong military.

The poem ends with the Republican stating, "You can be a Republican and still be human." This line reflects the Republican's belief in the importance of individualism and personal freedom. The Genocrat responds with, "You can be a Genocrat and still be human," challenging the Republican's assumption that only Republicans can be truly human.

The poem is a masterpiece of satire and wit, as it exposes the absurdity of political ideologies and the narrow-mindedness of political partisanship. Nash's use of humor and irony highlights the flaws in both Republican and Genocrat ideologies, and his message is clear: we are all human, and we should strive to find common ground and work together for the greater good.

In conclusion, "Poetry You Can Be A Republican, I'm A Genocrat" is a timeless work of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today. Nash's use of satire and humor to expose the absurdity of political ideologies is a testament to his skill as a poet and his insight into human nature. The poem is a reminder that we are all human, and that we should strive to find common ground and work together for the greater good.

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