American dream Quote by William S. Burroughs
““For John Dillinger In hope he is still alive Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1986 In hope he is still alive Thanks for the wild turkey and the Passenger Pigeons, destined to be shit out through wholesome American guts; thanks for a Continent to despoil and poison; thanks for Indians to provide a modicum of challenge and danger; thanks for vast herds of bison to kill and skin, leaving the carcass to rot; thanks for bounties on wolves and coyotes; thanks for the American Dream to vulgarize and falsify until the bare lies shine through; thanks for the KKK; for nigger-killing lawmen feeling their notches; for decent church-going women with their mean, pinched, bitter, evil faces; thanks for Kill a Queer for Christ stickers; thanks for laboratory AIDS; thanks for Prohibition and the War Against Drugs; thanks for a country where nobody is allowed to mind his own business; thanks for a nation of finks—yes, thanks for all the memories all right, lets see your arms; you always were a headache and you always were a bore; thanks for the last and greatest betrayal of the last and greatest of human dreams.””
About This Quote
A bitter, satirical lament that catalogues the grotesque contradictions of American history and culture, exposing exploitation, racism, and mythic ideals as sources of collective trauma.
In simple terms: A scathing indictment of America’s violent legacy.
Key Takeaway
America’s myths mask systemic cruelty.
Themes
American history
Violence
Racism
Cultural critique
Satire
Mood
cynical
disillusioned
bitter
Type
lament
satire
When to use this quote
- Reflecting on historical injustice
- Analyzing cultural narratives
- Discussing systemic oppression
- Exploring personal disillusionment
Key Concepts
Colonialism
Capitalism
Moral hypocrisy
National identity
Practical Applications
- Critical essays on American mythos
- Teaching about historical trauma
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the author suggest is the true cost of the American Dream?
- How does satire help reveal hidden societal wounds?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue the piece exaggerates for effect, overlooking progress and positive aspects of American society.
