Monday Matters #10

Gail Collins' View on Society

   Through her focus on the Presidential candidates for the upcoming election, Collins provides criticism and different positions based on the events that transpire throughout the race. She uses sarcasm to humorously depict the candidates as well as other targets, like Iowa, as she said in her "Feel Free to Ignore Iowa" column, "It has many things to recommend, including the Iowa State Fair, which, in my opinion, really sets the planetary pace when it comes to butter sculptures." In this way, she shows that people in society should take jokes lightly and that no one is really free from criticism and stereotypes.
   She does make fun of the candidates quite often, and other former runners as well like Christine O'Donnell who "praised Romney for having 'been consistent since he changed his mind.' I so miss Christine O’Donnell." She knows that people who are watching the race like to poke fun at the occasional "stupidity" and mistakes of the candidates like the Herman Cain-Libya embarrassment. However, this could be seriously worrying at times when arguably some of the most talented, intelligent men and women are in the running to be the leader of our nation. Collins provides her opinions and the public's opinions on what goes on throughout the debates, caucuses, and humiliations, holding up a mirror to society and the ones laughing at the ones on the podium at the same time.