Response to Swift

Jonathan Swift’s infamous essay “A Modest Proposal” presents a dramatic introduction to the overwhelming population problem that has haunted us for decades. Swift’s proposal is simple. Ireland is overpopulated. There are mothers and children in the streets begging and stealing to eat. How can we reduce the population? Eat babies. According to a good American (figures) source, babies can be delightful treats whether “stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled.” I personally prefer fried.

At any rate, Swift uses outrageous satires to cause controversy and highlight a serious social problem. Even today, we continue to face a population crisis, despite many efforts to prevent it. In China, citizens are limited to two children per household. There has also been the creation of better and more accessible birth control. However, some opt not to use these products, whether it be for personal or religious reasons. In present day Atlanta, citizens are suffering from a shortage of water. During the era of the Grape of Wrath, there was a food shortage despite the presence of food. Farmers were destroying crops while people starved to bring up prices and profits.

What is the solution? According to this week’s readings, it is space, the next frontier.