Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Numbers in U.S. File Cabinet (Death Waits to Be Executed)," Allen Ginsberg creates a powerful critique of contemporary issues by juxtaposing numerical data with social, environmental, and political commentary. The poem presents a stark and sobering picture of modern civilization, using statistics to underscore the severity of various crises.

Ginsberg opens with a historical reference to the decimation of the buffalo population, highlighting the ecological impact of human actions on North American Plains. The rapid decline of buffalo serves as an early indicator of the environmental and societal issues that follow. This theme is reinforced with figures related to agricultural practices and the associated costs, both financial and ecological, as seen in the lines "$136,000,000,000 Farm Program costs encouraged chemical overuse 1980s decade" and "$4,500,000 Agriculture Department research on Natural farm methods 1980s." These statistics reveal the imbalance in funding priorities, favoring industrial agriculture over sustainable practices.

The poem then shifts focus to the human toll of addiction and disease, with stark numbers such as "100,000 alcohol deaths yearly" and "385,000 tobacco deaths heart attack cancer a year." Ginsberg contrasts these figures with the immense budget allocated to the war on drugs, "$11,000,000,000 budget war on drugs 1990," questioning the effectiveness and priorities of government spending.

Homelessness and mental health are other critical issues addressed, with poignant statistics like "3,600,000 estimated American Homeless" and "300,000 mental patients dumped on streets 1970s–1980s." These numbers emphasize the neglect and marginalization of vulnerable populations, painting a grim picture of social justice in America.

Environmental degradation is another major concern, highlighted by the projected temperature increase and the extensive damage caused by nuclear weapons production. Lines such as "3°–8° Fahrenheit increase earth temperature next century computers project" and "$100,000,000,000 to 200,000,000,000 estimate nuclear weapons complex cleanup costs" underscore the long-term consequences of industrial and military activities on the planet.

Ginsberg also touches on geopolitical and human rights issues, referencing the civil war in El Salvador and the atrocities committed there with U.S. support: "70,000 Salvadorians killed in Civil War majority by Government Paramilitary Death Squads funded by U.S.A." These lines criticize U.S. foreign policy and its role in perpetuating violence and instability abroad.

In the latter part of the poem, Ginsberg shifts to more abstract and philosophical musings, such as "1 sun per known solar system" and "1 mother of all." These reflections serve to remind readers of the singularity and interconnectedness of life, contrasting with the fragmented and often destructive human actions detailed earlier.

Ginsberg's use of numbers throughout the poem serves to quantify the scale of the problems he addresses, making the issues more tangible and urgent. The poem is a call to awareness and action, urging readers to reconsider their values and the impact of their choices on society and the environment. Through his evocative and incisive use of statistics, Ginsberg compels us to confront the harsh realities of modern life and the need for change.

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