Outlaw writing pushes the boundaries of societal norms and established standards to implant discomfort or alter the beliefs of the reader. Themes inside of American counterculture and unconventional forms of literature qualify as outlaw. These writers are nonconformists who are creating their works with complete artistic freedom and without fear of offending anyone.
In George Saunders’ essay, “The New Mecca,” we are introduced to the middle-eastern city of Dubai where capitalism is running rampant. Conspicuous shows of consumption and the pursuit of material wealth mask the hidden underside of their stratified society where the “help” have given up their lives, values and culture to work for wages. Yet complications arise from these underprivileged folk swearing to feel grateful and content for their opportunity to send money home to their abandoned families. Saunders writes: “I say the Middle East seems something like Russia circa 1900—it’s about trying to stave off revolution in a place where great wealth has been withheld from the masses by a greedy ruling class.” (Saunders 304). Saunders utilizes satirical humor to mock the consumerist culture while adeptly generating sympathy for its victims-the laborers.
In “Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea” Guy Delisle documents his stay there in clever, animated, narrated cells. Because the communist nation is still closed off to most foreigners dispensing little to no information to the outside world, his details and artwork assist westerners to envision their culture more easily. Delisle wields sarcastic observations and cartoon images which appeal to the eye to cover the controversial nation. Throughout the piece, he recounts the many ways in which the people live in denial about their perfect utopia and their acts of deceit. North Korea’s leader, Kin Jung Il, is depicted as a god of sorts; on every wall portraits and effigies praise his achievements (regardless of validity). Delisle is given empty promises of items which he never receives and distracted from discovering their weaknesses such as a hungry individual scavenging for food.
These two articles offer a perspective on distant cultures which is not apparent to the average American. Kim Jung is viewed as the enemy to the US who views communism as a major threat to its economy. Graphics are not included in the mainstream’s ideas of literature. In conclusion, despite the labels of “outlaw” and “nonrequired”, these readings are essential to illuminate the public’s knowledge of the truth.
Works Cited
Delisle, Guy. “Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea.” The Best Nonrequired Reading 2006. Ed. Dave Eggers. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2006. 94-107.
Saunders, George. “The New Mecca.” The Best Nonrequired Reading 2006. Ed. Dave Eggers. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2006. 286-311.
