You Can Have Your Cake and Eat It Too

When Kurt Vonnegut published Slaughterhouse-Five in 1969, the United States were in the midst of a war in Vietnam. Vonnegut's novel had instantly received negative feedback, as it contained what critics claim to be anti-American sentiment. Vonnegut was viewed as a heretic for belittling American ideals.

Instead of criticizing Vonnegut, Americans should have thanked him. In the year 1969, America had established itself as a war-loving nation in the world, due to the fact that it had taken part in several wars after WWII. Although many Americans held high views of themselves, residents of other nations looked towards them in fear. America's image in the world was becoming increasingly tarnished. With the release of 'anti-war' books, such as Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five, America had re-established its image in the world. It had become a country that "could go to war, and protest going to war at the same time" giving it the image of a "nation founded on saying one thing and doing another."

America could have its cake and eat it too.

Work Cited

"I'm A Little Bit Country." Parker, Trey, and Matt Stone. South Park. Comedy Network. 9 Apr. 2003. Television.

- Arshdeep