Wu Ting
Have you ever heard of ‘American Poodle Society’? “The HUAC in its infinite wisdom has devised what they call an acid test for revealing an organization’s true colors. You want to hear their criteria? Any one of the following is sufficient. Number one: it shows unswerving loyalty to the Soviet Union. Or, two: it has refused to condemn the Soviet Union. Or three: it has gained accolades from the Communist press. Or four: it has displayed an anti-American bias, despite professions of love for America.” “So. If you love America, but you hate the segregation laws…” “Yes. That could arguably be an anti-American bias. Let me ask a rhetorical question. Has the American Poodle Society explicitly condemned the Soviet Union?” Have you ever heard of ‘American Poodle Society’ in the last sentence? What kind of society is it? Thanks! And it’s from The Lacuna by Kingsolver.
Mar 30, 2015 1:51 AM
Answers · 2
1
No, but you can imagine what it is. It's an association for owners and breeders of curly-haired little dogs. They get together and discuss their dogs, and probably organise competitions and awards for the finest looking specimens. This is used as an example of a totally innocent and non-political organisation. Apologies to poodle-lovers, but poodles are considered rather a silly looking little animals - especially when owners cut their coats in fluffy pom-pom styles and put little ribbons on their heads. It's mentioned to demonstrate how ridiculous the HUAC's ruling is. A trivial-sounding association like this could potentially be seen as being a dangerous Communist organisation, simply because it hasn't condemned the Soviet Union.
March 30, 2015
1
No.
March 30, 2015
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