The Next American Essay
by John D'Agata
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Book Summary Information
Author: John D'AgataEditor: Kate Messner
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2002-02-28
ISBN: 1555973752
Number of pages: 488
Publisher: Graywolf Press
Book Reviews of The Next American Essay
Book Review: "Needs" by George W.S. Trow
Summary: 5 Stars
George W.S. Trow's essay "Needs" is a short, but hysterical and brilliant satire on American society in the 20th century. Trow beings his essay on how our country is entirely consumed around each individual's selfish needs. Everyone does not "want"(227) something from you, they "need"(227) something from you. This leads into the legalities of our country that imply they really don't want to burden their consumers with these "simple" forms, but "need"(227) to for their own safety. In other words, how the company presents these legal agreements is absolutely ridiculous. All they are trying to do is save their own ass and if you want to rent their car, then you better sign you rights over.
The car agreement Trow discusses is also a symbol of how dependent out country is on not only huge corporations, but also the entire concept of materialism. Consumers "need"(227) material goods so badly that they are willing to divulge private information to a company that is flat out lying to them. The car company presents an image of giving you luxury options and "splendid choices"(227). In reality they are giving you a dinky little car, that's day rate is way overpriced, but don't forget you "need"(227) this car to get where you are going.
Everyone, everywhere is trying to sell you something and Trow emphasizes on that point. Advertisers use psychological methods to make you realize who you are and who you want to become. The example Trow uses is the Nike model that just keeps running, "not asking a single question" (228). The advertiser is trying to appeal to you with a man that you can relate to. But don't ask any questions because if you do you will discover this buff, million-dollar model is nothing like you. Instead "Just do it"(229) and sign your name away on those legal agreements. It is brilliant how Trow can incorporate so many subjects and issues in just one paragraph!
I love the fact that he begins to toy with your mind by making fun of other people, but by the end you realize you are one of these people. Not only does he mock the American way of making goals and having high ambitions, but he plays on the fact that we barely have time for what we are already doing. America is such a fast passed society. We are always trying to get somewhere (hence the car example), do something and plan for something else.
In his statement, "And you are already at a level at which you can breathe and hold a job at the same time! Whew! Am I impressed" (228). Trow is flat out making fun of us! We are so consumed with our own lives and how busy we are. We think we are accomplishing so much by not spending the time to ask questions or actually read the car agreement. Instead we are signing our personal information away along with our "hard earned" money.
At this point, Trow returns to the concept of materialism and how our country is completely centered around money. He also addresses how these companies not only taking our money and taking our identity (to sell to other companies and make money off us), but also make us jump through loops to actually get the car. He uses the example of an essay and multiple-choice test, mocking what our education system is based upon. Then he returns to all the obligations you must meet in order for the company to meet your "needs." And of course after standing in line for so long you want to be on the road to grandmothers house you agree to whatever the agent says. Who by the way has repeated for millionth time "are you sure you want to decline the collision?" (229).
This essay is a must read! Trow's satire throughout it is hysterical. The ending of the essay he satirizes so many notions that it makes you want to read it over and over. And each time you see another way he teases Americans on how they live their everyday life.
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