Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Allen Ginsberg's poem "Research" offers a sardonic critique of various societal beliefs and scientific claims through a series of hyperbolic statements. The poem's structure, consisting of successive declarations beginning with "Research has shown," mimics the authoritative tone of scientific reports while juxtaposing absurd and controversial assertions. This approach underscores the poem's satirical nature, challenging the reader to question the validity and biases inherent in both scientific and societal proclamations.

The poem opens with a provocative statement about racial inferiority complexes, setting the stage for its examination of prejudiced and reductionist views. By claiming that "Research has shown that black people have inferiority complexes regarding white folks," Ginsberg immediately critiques the pseudoscientific racism that has historically plagued academic and social discourse. This line not only exposes the flawed nature of such research but also highlights the dangerous implications of presenting biased opinions as empirical facts.

Next, Ginsberg addresses anti-Semitic stereotypes by stating that "Research has shown that Jews are exclusively concerned with financial lasciviousness." This assertion ridicules the baseless generalizations that fuel bigotry, pointing out the absurdity of reducing an entire ethnic group to a single, negative characteristic. By including this claim, Ginsberg emphasizes the role of so-called research in perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

The poem then turns its focus to political ideologies, with the line "Research has shown Socialism to be a universal failure wherever practiced by secret police." This statement conflates socialism with authoritarian regimes, a common misconception that overlooks the diverse implementations of socialist principles. Ginsberg's critique extends to the simplification and demonization of political systems, urging readers to recognize the complexities and nuances often ignored in public discourse.

Ginsberg continues his satirical examination with a claim rooted in religious fundamentalism: "Research has shown that Earth was created 4004 B.C., a Divine Bang." This line mocks the literal interpretation of religious texts as scientific fact, specifically targeting creationist beliefs. By presenting this statement as a result of research, Ginsberg underscores the tension between faith and empirical evidence, questioning the authority of dogmatic assertions in the realm of science.

The poem also addresses animal behavior, noting that "sparrows, bees, lizards, chickens, pigs & cows exhibit signs of homosexual behavior when in prison." This line satirizes the use of scientific observations to draw broad conclusions about natural behavior, challenging the notion that such findings can be applied universally or without context.

Ginsberg's critique of religious and social dogmas continues with the assertion that "Southern Baptist Inerrancy Confession [is] the most virulent form of Christian Truth." This line targets the rigidity and intolerance often associated with fundamentalist beliefs, emphasizing the divisive and harmful effects of claiming absolute truth.

The poem's satirical tone persists as Ginsberg tackles health and hygiene with the statement, "Research has shown that 90% of people going to Dentists have bad teeth brush your teeth violently 3 times a day after meals wear away the roots." This hyperbolic claim mocks the contradictory and sometimes detrimental advice found in health-related research and recommendations.

Hollywood's influence on culture is also scrutinized with the line, "Research has shown that Hollywood makes the best films ever, the sexually degenerate." Here, Ginsberg critiques the cultural hegemony of the American film industry and its moralistic judgments, exposing the biases that shape public opinion and artistic value.

The poem then delves into the realm of international relations and morality, questioning the role of the United Nations and various societal norms surrounding sexuality. Ginsberg's inclusion of controversial and divisive topics, such as homosexuality and AIDS, serves to highlight the prejudices and moral panics that often drive public discourse.

Finally, Ginsberg concludes with a meta-statement that challenges the very foundation of empirical knowledge: "To conclude research has shown that the material universe does not exist." This line encapsulates the poem's overarching theme, questioning the validity and reliability of research and the constructed nature of reality.

"Research" by Allen Ginsberg is a masterful satire that critiques the misuse of scientific and social research to perpetuate biases, stereotypes, and dogmas. Through a series of hyperbolic statements, Ginsberg exposes the absurdity and contradictions inherent in these claims, urging readers to approach information with skepticism and critical thinking.

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