Response to Mencken's "On Being an American"

I laughed out loud while reading “On Being an American.” Mencken is so ridiculous in his language. His sarcasm (if I’m reading this correctly) slaps the reader in the face. “But here,” he writes, “having perfected democracy, we lift the whole combat to a gaudy symbolism, to a disembodied transcendentalism, to metaphysics, that sweet nirvana” (507). Everything political in America, especially presidential elections, Mencken claims, is a great show, entertaining citizens with “gorgeous humors . . . extravagant imbecilities . . . [and] uproarious farce” (508). I wonder what Mencken would write now if he were still alive. What would he say about the current race between Romney and Obama? Maybe something about the show now being presented in twelve acts to the tune of millions of dollars.

Sometimes I can’t tell what Mencken really thinks about the presidential election. He seems to say satirically that politics are done much better in America because they are a great show that one would go to for a laugh. To me, that sounds like Mencken is actually dissatisfied with the American political system. But then is he just critiquing the manner in which the “100% pleurour . . . unburdened his woes” (508, 506)? Perhaps this is just an example of Mencken “mercilessly puncturing the American middle class” (505).

I both like and dislike this piece. It is amusing, yes, and generally I like satire. But I wanted more from Mencken than just sarcasm and critique. To give his own opinions, thus mimicking the person he is poking fun at, is not his point I guess. I just wanted to take away more than, “American politics are just a big show.” Maybe the complexities are deeper down, and I’m just missing them.