Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Homeland Security," Edward Field presents a satirical and critical perspective on post-9/11 America, addressing the climate of fear, suspicion, and xenophobia that pervaded the period. The poem navigates the prejudiced treatment of individuals who "look like an Arab," and through its conversational tone and dark humor, Field exposes the absurdity and dangers of such discrimination.

The poem begins with a direct piece of advice to those perceived as "Arab" or "Middle Eastern": “My advice to anybody who looks like an Arab these days is, / when you're in a post office or jogging around the reservoir, / never stop and jot down any notes.” Even something as harmless as writing poetry can be construed as suspicious. The advice extends to avoiding taking photos at the airport or drawing subway maps: “And for God's sake don't snap any photos at the airport, / even of your cousins arriving from St. Louis.” Here, Field uses these everyday activities to highlight the extreme scrutiny under which people are placed, emphasizing the paranoia of post-9/11 security measures.

Field continues with a warning against engaging with suspicious new "friends": “And if a new ‘friend’—the guy on the next barstool, say— / starts suggesting pranks / like blowing up tunnels or poisoning the water supply.” The casual term "friend" underscores the duplicitous nature of these informants, who may be undercover agents or provocateurs. The suggestion to respond with disinterest, “just keep saying what's fun about that,” further underscores the absurdity and danger of these encounters.

The poem’s criticism becomes more explicit as it addresses the issue of entrapment. If the "friend" brings up contentious political topics like Palestine or the Iraq War, the advice is to “choke back your rage and go vague, / become a dumb American and say Iraq? Where's that?” This exaggerated ignorance is a survival tactic, underscoring the societal pressure to conform and avoid expressing dissenting political views.

Field points to the surveillance state by suggesting that the "friend" is likely wearing a hidden recording device: “did you think that button on your ‘friend's’ shirt / was just a button?” He depicts a scenario in which innocent individuals are framed as terrorists: “even if he's the one who laid out the plot / and all you did was cross your eyes.” The poet mocks the hysteria that leads to people being wrongfully accused based on flimsy evidence.

The poem culminates in a grim and cynical warning: “And when they lead you away in handcuffs / don't bother protesting your innocence and calling for a lawyer. / You can't have one—and you're guilty.” These lines reflect the erosion of civil liberties and due process under the guise of national security, referencing policies like indefinite detention and denial of legal representation for those labeled as terrorists.

Structurally, "Homeland Security" is written in free verse, which allows Field to adopt a conversational and direct tone. The poem’s language is simple yet powerful, conveying the satirical criticism with clarity and impact. The use of irony and hyperbole enhances the absurdity of the situation, while the conversational tone makes the poem approachable.

Field’s use of humor contrasts sharply with the dark realities he describes, highlighting the irrationality of xenophobia and surveillance. By framing the advice in the form of practical tips, he critiques the climate of suspicion and the stigmatization of certain communities, pointing out how ordinary activities can be misconstrued as criminal.

In summary, Edward Field's "Homeland Security" is a biting critique of the post-9/11 security apparatus and the xenophobia it fueled. Through satire and dark humor, Field exposes the irrationality and injustice of racial profiling and entrapment. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of civil liberties and the dangers of compromising them in the name of security.

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