Americans Quote by Giannina Braschi
““The president, the secretary of state, the businessman, the preacher, the vendor, the spies, the clients and managers—all walking around Wall Street like chickens with their heads cut off—rushing to escape bankruptcy—plotting to melt down the Statue of Liberty—to press more copper pennies—to breed more headless chickens—to put more feathers in their caps—medals, diplomas, stock certificates, honorary doctorates—eggs and eggs of headless chickens—multitaskers—system hackers—who never know where they’re heading--northward, backward, eastward, forward, and never homeward—(where is home)—home is in the head—(but the head is cut off)—and the nest is full of banking forms and Easter eggs with coins inside. Beheaded chickens, how do you breed chickens with their heads cut off? By teaching them how to bankrupt creativity.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: United States of Banana, 1992
A chaotic critique of modern institutions that act blindly, losing direction and creativity in pursuit of profit and status.
In simple terms: Institutions act mindlessly, stifling creativity.
Key Takeaway
Regain purpose, protect creativity.
Themes
critique
chaos
institutional
creativity
capitalism
Mood
satirical
critical
reflective
Type
literary
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- corporate meetings
- political rallies
- creative workshops
- policy drafting
Key Concepts
systems theory
symbolic critique
social commentary
Questions to Reflect On
- How does bureaucracy hinder innovation?
- What steps restore creative freedom?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may oversimplify complex economic forces.
