It is Nixon himself who represents that dark, venal and incurably violent side of the American character that almost every country in the world has learned to fear and despise. Our Barbie-doll president, with his Barbie-doll wife and his boxful of Barbie-doll children is also America's answer to the monstrous Mr. Hyde. He speaks for the Werewolf in us.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author characterizes a political figure as representing dark, violent, and unattractive aspects of national character.
- In plain terms
- This leader shows the scary and ugly side of the country that others fear.
- What can you take from it?
- Political figures often reflect deeper national flaws that people may ignore.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does a leader say about a people?
- How do you define a national character?
Another view
Personifying complex national issues through a single figure can be reductive.
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