Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Carolyn Kizer's poem "Election Day, 1984" offers a stark and provocative commentary on the blurred lines between incompetence and malevolence, using vivid imagery and a stark political analogy to critique contemporary events and concerns. Through a narrative that combines a personal anecdote with broader political implications, Kizer invites readers to reflect on the nature of power, responsibility, and the potential consequences of leadership choices.

The poem begins with a shocking and unsettling image: "Did you ever see someone coldcock a blind nun? / Well, I did. Two helpful idiots / Steered her across the tarmac to her plane / And led her smack into the wing." This anecdote, delivered with a tone of incredulity and dark humor, sets the stage for the poem's exploration of human error and its impact. The "two helpful idiots" symbolize well-meaning but ultimately harmful actions, highlighting the thin line between good intentions and disastrous outcomes.

The description of the nun's physical injuries—"She deplaned with two black eyes & a crooked wimple"—serves as a powerful metaphor for the visible and lasting damage caused by incompetence. The contrast between the nun's innocence and the brutality of her injuries underscores the poem's critique of those in positions of authority who fail to understand the consequences of their actions.

Kizer then introduces a broader philosophical reflection: "Bruised proof that the distinction is not simple / Between ineptitude and evil." This line encapsulates the central theme of the poem, suggesting that the outcomes of inept actions can be indistinguishable from those caused by outright malice. The ambiguity inherent in this distinction invites readers to question the nature of responsibility and the ethical dimensions of leadership.

The poem shifts focus to the political context of the time: "Today, with the President’s red button playing / Such a prominent role, / Though I can’t vote for it, I wonder / If evil could be safer, on the whole." Here, Kizer directly engages with the anxieties of the Cold War era, referencing the President's control over nuclear weapons. The "red button" symbolizes the immense power and potential for destruction that rests in the hands of political leaders.

By expressing a preference for "evil" over ineptitude, Kizer provocatively suggests that deliberate, calculated actions might be more predictable and therefore less dangerous than the unpredictable consequences of incompetence. This paradoxical assertion forces readers to consider the relative risks of different types of leadership and the potential consequences of their decisions.

In summary, "Election Day, 1984" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that uses a personal anecdote to explore broader political and philosophical themes. Through vivid imagery and sharp commentary, Carolyn Kizer critiques the blurred lines between ineptitude and malevolence, ultimately questioning the nature of power and responsibility. The poem's engagement with the anxieties of its historical moment underscores its enduring relevance, inviting readers to reflect on the ethical dimensions of leadership and the potential consequences of their choices.