Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Allen Ginsberg's poem "Nazi Capish" employs a stark, repetitive structure to underscore the universality of intolerance and the dangers of ideological absolutism. Through the relentless repetition of the word "capish," slang for "do you understand," Ginsberg mimics the rhythmic, almost hypnotic incantations of dogmatic beliefs, effectively critiquing various forms of fundamentalism and prejudice.

The poem opens with "Catholicism capish / Catholicism capish / Catholicism abortion capish," immediately bringing attention to the stringent and often controversial doctrines associated with Catholicism, particularly its stance on abortion. The use of "capish" serves as a sardonic command, as if Ginsberg is forcing the reader to comprehend these rigid beliefs.

This structure continues with other religious and ideological terms: "Christian capish / Christian capish / Christian sin capish," "Islamic capish / Islamic capish / Islamic Jihad capish," and "Zionist capish / Zionist capish / Zionist nationalist capish." Each triad of lines introduces a belief system followed by a term that encapsulates a contentious or extreme aspect of that system, highlighting the potential for these ideologies to be manipulated or taken to harmful extremes.

Ginsberg's inclusion of ethnic slurs ("Hunkie Honkie Aryan Frog Jap & Gook & Limey Wog Afric Chink capish") further illustrates the pervasive nature of bigotry and the way language itself can be weaponized to perpetuate division and hatred. The repetition of "capish" after each slur underscores the coercive force behind these derogatory terms, compelling the reader to confront the ugliness of such prejudices.

The poem progresses to political ideologies: "Nazi capish / Nazi capish / Nazi capish capish," "Commie capish / Commie capish / Commie capish capish," and "Capitalist capish / Capitalist capish / Capitalist capish capish." By placing these disparate ideologies in the same repetitive framework, Ginsberg equates the blind adherence to any doctrine—whether fascist, communist, or capitalist—with a form of mental enslavement. The repetition emphasizes how these ideologies can become dogmatic and oppressive, regardless of their initial intentions or purported values.

Finally, Ginsberg concludes with "Fascisti capish / Fascisti capish / Fascisti shit capish," where the escalation in language—from "capish" to "shit capish"—reflects the poet's increasing frustration and condemnation of fascist ideologies. The use of "shit" adds a visceral, emphatic note, underscoring the moral and ethical bankruptcy Ginsberg perceives in these belief systems.

In "Nazi Capish," Ginsberg utilizes a minimalist, repetitive style to critique the various forms of dogmatism that pervade human society. By juxtaposing religious, political, and ethnic terms within the same relentless structure, he draws a parallel between all forms of absolutism, highlighting their potential to foster division, intolerance, and violence. The poem's repetitive rhythm serves as both a satirical echo of authoritarian rhetoric and a stark reminder of the perils of uncritical acceptance of any ideology. Through this powerful and provocative piece, Ginsberg challenges readers to recognize and resist the coercive forces of dogma in all its forms.

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