Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Marvin K. Mooney Rough

Marvin K. Mooney; Unwanted Politician In Dr. Seuss' book Marvin K. Mooney, Will You Please Go Now!, the character Marvin K. Mooney is, frankly, asked to leave. The plot of the book consists of a voice repeatedly commanding him to go. However, no matter the [plausible options presented for him, Marvin remains static, an expression of displeasure on his never changing face. Marvin K. Mooney symbolizes unwanted politicians throughout history, such as Richard M. Nixon, Hillary Clinton, George Bush and Stephen Harper. These figures had drawn out their duties, and though they once did great things and had potential, became unpopular. The public asked to leave by any means necessary, and yet they continued to overstay their welcome. Like Marvin K. They only depart when forcibly dismissed or after humiliation that could have easily been avoided. This essay will discuss the parallels between Seuss' allegory and real life political and social figures. One such example of Marvin K. representing a political figure is Richard Nixon. Nixon was a corrupt politician. He eventually resigned his position of president after several trials proving he knew of the Watergate scandal. The Republican party (Nixon's) was literally spying on the Democrats through means of sound-recording devices. Nixon knew of his fellow party members crimes, and being the paranoid individual that he was, allowed them to pass. He eventually stepped down, otherwise he could have easily been impeached. Nixon and Mooney are clearly similar. Nixon became extremely unpopular toward the end of his term, the public felt he should step down. The following quote further supports our thesis: “My good friend Dr. Seuss wrote a book a few years ago titled “Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now!” He sent me a copy the other day and crossed out “Marvin K. Mooney” and replaced it with “Richard M. Nixon.”Seuss lived during Nixon's time, and being interested in politics as he was, would know about the Watergate scandal. The above quote concretely demonstrates our thesis of Marvin K. Playing the allegory for unpopular politicians, and ultimately, an unwanted figure.
Some people simply lack the ability to accept change and move past what they know to try new experiences. [I.e., leaving home, the end of a relationship, getting fired from a job, etc.] While fear of the unknown is basic human nature, there are also those who do not recognize the end of their prime. Another example is Britney Spears, who is making yet another comeback.
So what is it that makes people unable to accept change? Not wanting to leave the security blanket of what they know to be safe? Afraid of the unknown and trying new experiences? In the words of Robin Zander, the lead vocalist of Cheap Trick, “I want you to want me.” Is it the feeling of being wanted by the adoring public?
Metathesiophobia is a fear of change. [Not quarters, dimes, etc.] It's a common if irrational fear of change and of the unknown. While all humans are afraid of what they don't know, Metathesiophobia, like all fears, occurs when the mind attaches emotions to a situation and then tries to prevent it from happening again. Some symptoms include nausea, shaking, hart palpitations, or anxiety attacks. So maybe Marvin K. Mooney is suffering from a fear of change. This fear affects people into not taking risks and not progressing past the safe and the known.
The allegory of unwanted politicians continues with George Bush. He came into office on January 20 2001, and since then has started two wars, rationalized and legalized torture [Guantanamo bay] and has a ... less than admirable history regarding the environment. He served a full two terms, maybe only to see if he could finish any of the things he'd started [the war in Iraq.] With “Bushisms” (comical speaking errors on Bush's part) such as the phrase “is our children learning”, Bush is finally stepping down to Barack Obama who will “help our wings take dream.”
The epidemic is also extremely present in the music industry, as observed with such former stars as Madonna, New Kids on the Block, the Backstreet Boys, and many, many others.
An recent example of the pop-star comeback is “pop sensation” Britney Spears. After a temporary leave from her musical career (combating depression, insanity, and child birth), Britney resurfaced at the VMAs with a bad costume, a bad performance, and an awful attempt at lip synching her then-new song “Gimme More”. However, even after this less-than-inspired show, Britney seemed to ignore the criticisms and continue releasing more songs, and going as far as scheduling a 2009 tour. Britney Spears has been around for far too long. Before we have another case like Madonna on our hands, the public needs to speak up.
From Nixon to Bush to Spears, the continuing trend of ignorance toward the people's voice. It is human instinct to hold on to what we cherish, and the things humans cherish most is power. Whatever form this power is in, be it limelight, political status, or anything else. When it comes time for the power to shift, people struggle to cope. Hopefully in the future, people will learn from past examples, and recognize when the time comes to step down.

No comments:

Post a Comment