Satire

Satire is a literary technique of writing or art which exposes the follies of its subject (for example, individuals, organizations, or states) to ridicule, often as an intended means of provoking or preventing change.
Since we looked at satire in poetry in lecture, I thought it would be appropriate to post a poetic satire looking at something that can be criticized today, an issue that affects women in our society more than we think. Dieting.

The Diet That Works

Range Rover Rachel is preparing to pray
She checks her mascara, her hair seems okay
She assembles her prayer-stool, it's upholstered with wool
Her brown shiny knees won't become at all dull

Places prayer stool on carpet, it was made in Iran
Many coloured but subtle, won't compete with her tan
You can buy them mail-order, or online from Habitat
She prays for her midriff - three ounces of puppyfat

''Kensington, Atkins, high protein or none?
I've tried every diet but the lard hasn't gone
I've bought special devices, focus workout on tummies
I've tried to stop eating by sucking at dummies.''

Didn't expect an answer, but a vision she's seeing
Thank God for body-hugging, guaranteed panty-line free, super-absorbent undies, Rachel fears she is peeing
''YOU WONDER,'' says God, ''WHICH SCHEME MAKES YOU THINNER?
THE HUNGRY AND HOMELESS - INVITE THEM TO DINNER.'

This is a poem about a woman who has been dieting for a long time and tries to find the perfect diet. She goes through many different systems and programs but still can not get rid of her tummy. She even resorts to praying to God for help. And what was God’s reply? Instead of her not eating her food, by either throwing it away or throwing it up…she should give it to the hungry and homeless to eat because they need it so much more.
This poem criticizes our society that looks at pursuing a perfect body image when there are so many needy people suffering from our own selfishness. It helps us to realize that we should be grateful that we have the food to eat and realize how many people go hungry every day. I personally came up very hard when I was younger and was raised in a household where every bit of food mattered. Wasting was not an option, and we made sure to stretch our resources as far as possible. Now that my situation has changed, I still carry the same values, and hate to waste food or see it go to waste. Its too bad that much of North American society does not appreciate what they have and are ignorant to the many number of people who are needy in their surroundings. What do you guys think of the poem?