Political Monsoon: An Analysis of Put up Hurricane Shutters

Political elections often have a way of sneakily attacking American citizens. In his article "Put Up Hurricane Shutters for the Political Wind," Barry's humor criticizes America's apathetic views of issues until in involves one's self. Barry utilizes exaggerations and satire to compare this American fault to the Florida clamor of hurricanes.

In the beginning of his essay, Barry describes Florida citizens that don't believe "[hurricanes aren't] going to affect" their lives until "local TV weather people" begin tracking the storm and urging citizens to prepare at the last minute. Like wise, citizens "didn't pay attention" to political candidates until the "horrible truth" hit the citizens that the candidates would be arriving there soon for primaries. By comparing these caucuses to hurricanes, Barry establishes a connection with the readers who are most likely Floridians. This humorous comparison also addresses citizen's ignorant inability to prepare for significant events in society. This idea is further emphasized as he describes the caucuses in Iowa, a "distant place" that is "always [confused] with Kansas" and other midwestern states. Barry exaggerates America's inattentiveness to imply citizens' ignorance to the outside world. They feel more comfortable in a tiny bubble.

Barry continues to breakdown his analogy as he describes Florida residents who "wisely prepare" for hurricanes but even with "plenty of warning," citizens "sit around like morons" as it "slams directly" into them. Barry's humor criticizes the American way of preparing thoroughly for events that have a history of being less catastrophic than what they are believed to be but the inability to prepare for a democratic event that occurs regularly. This criticism also emphasizes the idea that citizens aren't holding up the American ideals. Barry persists this idea using satire by claiming the only way to "protect yourself from a presidential primary" is to fasten plywood "firmly to every TV screen." There is no way to avoid presidential primaries. They must be faced head on. Instead of ignoring the political world, Barry implies that American's should be informed from the very beginning to comprehend the situation when primaries arrive in their state.

Barry concludes his essay by advising readers to "have a plan" before the next time "[they] get nailed again." Barry indirectly suggests to the reader to become active and engaged in politics next time around to avoid confusion and to have an understanding off all political candidates. His ends his essay with more advice to assist the "millions of innocent Americans" in the path of the presidential storms, even Barry himself is "willing to donate...canned meat." Barry's consistent use of humor again encourages his audience to end their passiveness and become involved in politics.

Barry encourages his audiences to become active, ideal American citizens to have a trickle effect on the nation. These ideal citizens will be well informed of public issues and politicians and influence other passive citizens to also become engaged in the community outside their bubble. By seeing past the horizons, America will be much less ignorant and capable of making informed decisions and managing priorities.