Library officials in two southern Mississippi counties have banned Jon Stewart's best-selling America (The Book). The crime? Showing the Supreme Court Justices naked, like paper dolls, with instructions to "restore their dignity by matching each justice with his or her respective robe."
It’s not the first time the book has been banned – Walmart canceled its order when it realized that Walmart shoppers might inadvertently be confronted with the spectacle of bare judicial flesh.
What is most striking about America (the Book) isn’t the irreverent humor, but the subtle truths it reveals about American government and politics. In nine chapters, the authors systematically find humor and fault with the entirety of American civic life.
The abbreviated look at ‘American Democracy’ dissects the Presidency, Congress and the Supreme Court, and pretends to explain the development of those institutions. The book takes to task high school civics class concepts like ‘every vote counts,’ ‘government by and for the people,’ and ‘the independence of the media.’ Topics include: ‘Rome: The First Republicans;’ ‘The Modern Presidency: The Oval Empire;’ and ‘The Justices: Who Are They to Judge?’
America (The Book) is funniest when it’s spoofing the traditional American history textbook format. Each chapter ends with discussion questions. Readers are asked to: ‘Take construction paper, trace your hand, and make a Turkey of Congress’; ‘Hold a mock election. If you can’t do this, mock a real election’; and ‘Meet the press. Failing that, face the nation.’
While Stewart and the WDS take jabs at both sides of the aisle, the general sentiment of the book is progressive. In the foreword by Thomas Jefferson, the authors write, “You moderns have a tendency to worship at the altar of the Fathers...but it's bothersome when you blame your inflexibility and extremism on us...our purpose was to create a living document."
Although America is a fun read and a good way to alleviate the stresses of living with George Bush as President, a lot of people may find the price of the book or its corporate publishers off-putting. For this reason, I recommend checking it out of your library or spending some time flipping through it in your local bookstore. If all else fails, you can borrow my copy.
Kristy Ringor is a graduate student in American Studies at the University of Hawaii specializing in race and labor history in the U.S. She is the former Communications Director for the U.S. Student Association and is on the National Council of the YCL.
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