Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Allen Ginsberg's "C’mon Pigs of Western Civilization Eat More Grease" is a scathing critique of Western consumerism, particularly focusing on the excesses of food consumption and its associated health and social impacts. Through vivid and grotesque imagery, Ginsberg paints a picture of a society gorging itself to the point of self-destruction, juxtaposing indulgence with the stark realities of global inequality and conflict.

The poem opens with an imperative tone, urging the reader to "Eat Eat more marbled Sirloin more Pork’n gravy!" This repeated command sets the stage for a relentless onslaught of indulgent food imagery. Ginsberg’s descriptions are hyperbolic and visceral, with phrases like "Lard up the dressing, fry chicken in boiling oil" and "Little lambs covered with mint roast in racks surrounded by roast potatoes wet with buttersauce." The poet’s choice of words—“marbled,” “lard,” “boiling oil,” “buttersauce”—conjures a sense of greasy, unhealthy excess, reflecting the gluttony he criticizes.

The poem continues to pile on descriptions of rich, fatty foods: "Buttered veal medallions in creamy saliva, buttered beef, by glistening mountains of french fries." Ginsberg’s use of culinary terms like "Stroganoffs in white hot sour cream" and "chops soaked in olive oil, surrounded by olives, salty feta cheese" highlights the opulence and decadence of Western diets. These lines are not just about food; they symbolize the broader consumption patterns of a culture obsessed with excess and instant gratification.

Ginsberg’s critique extends to the beverages that accompany these meals, listing "wine, beer, Cocacola, Fanta, Champagne, Pepsi, retsina, arak, whiskey, vodka." The variety of drinks emphasizes the hedonistic indulgence in not just food, but all forms of consumption. The exclamation "Agh! Watch out heart attack, pop more angina pills" starkly juxtaposes the pleasure of eating with the health consequences of such a lifestyle, underscoring the irony of indulgence leading to self-destruction.

The poem then mocks the dietary habits further by urging to "order a plate of Bratwurst, fried frankfurters, couple billion Wimpys’, McDonald’s burgers to the moon & burp!" This satirical exaggeration criticizes fast food culture and its global proliferation. Ginsberg’s references to specific food items like "Hot dogs! Milkshakes!" and the disdainful mention of minimal vegetables—"Forget greenbeans, everyday a few carrots, a mini big spoonful of salty rice’ll do"—highlight the neglect of balanced nutrition in favor of calorie-dense, unhealthy options.

As the poem progresses, Ginsberg broadens his critique to include the broader implications of Western dietary habits. He mentions the global influence of Western food culture, noting its impact on "developing nations" and contrasting it with the simpler diets of "Chinese guestworkers" and "Africans Latins with rice beans & calabash." The comparison serves to highlight the disparity between the overfed Western world and the undernourished populations elsewhere, illustrating the global inequalities exacerbated by Western consumption.

Ginsberg’s commentary on health issues—"rich in protein cancer heart attack hypertension sweat bloated liver & spleen megaly Diabetes & stroke"—ties the physical consequences of diet to the broader cultural critique. These health problems are presented as "monuments to carnivorous civilizations," linking the personal toll of dietary habits to the collective impact on society.

The poem also touches on the violence and conflict inherent in Western civilization, mentioning "murdering Belfast Bosnia Cypress Ngorno Karabach Georgia mailing love letter bombs in Vienna or setting houses afire in East Germany." This shift from dietary excess to geopolitical violence underscores the connection Ginsberg sees between the consumption-driven culture and its destructive tendencies. The casual mention of these conflicts amidst the discussion of food consumption serves to highlight the absurdity and horror of a society that indulges in excess while perpetuating violence and suffering.

In the final lines, Ginsberg returns to the theme of indulgence with a sarcastic suggestion: "have another coffee, here’s a cigar. And this is a plate of black forest chocolate you deserve it." This closing remark encapsulates the poem’s critique of Western civilization’s self-destructive cycle of consumption and indulgence, suggesting that despite the dire consequences, the culture continues to reward and perpetuate these behaviors.

"C’mon Pigs of Western Civilization Eat More Grease" is a powerful indictment of the excesses of Western consumerism. Through his vivid and grotesque imagery, Ginsberg exposes the health, social, and global consequences of a culture obsessed with consumption, urging readers to reconsider their habits and the broader impact of their lifestyles.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...