Analyze The McCann Essay: Till Human Voices Wake Us ✓ Solved
Analyze The Mccann Essay Til Human Voices Wake Us What If This Viru
Analyze the McCann essay "Til Human Voices Wake Us: What if This Virus Can Teach Us to Change Ourselves." It should analyze and discuss the significance of the topic "America Then and Now" as it is presented in that essay and the literature. A 7 page argumentative essay. MLA FORMAT. Times New Roman, Size 12. The research paper should contain a clear thesis, work cited, quotations, and full paragraphs. The link to "Til Human Voices Wake Us: What if This Virus Can Teach Us to Change Ourselves" : Be sure to include a discussion about the time period and context of the essay and chosen literary works. How does what we are going through today with the COVID virus relate to literature and literary works in history? answer the following questions: Why does the author start this essay on the pandemic with a discussion of technology? Have we progressed or been able to use technology to contain the virus and control our economy more than in previous pandemics, crises, or wars? What do the essay and chosen literary works say about "home"(or the public realm versus private realm) in America, then and now? What is the meaning of the title? Why does the author allude to "Human Voices" in the title? How does the author say about learning & crisis: What might the virus "teach" us? What does the essay say about how community is related to the pandemic; what are the issues needing change that it highlights? What is the difference between an externally imposed change and an internally activated one? What is the result of internally activated change, i.e., autonomy versus obedience? How does the writer use memory and history to discuss the virus?
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The essay "Til Human Voices Wake Us: What if This Virus Can Teach Us to Change Ourselves" by McCann explores the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on American society, particularly emphasizing themes of technology, community, memory, and transformation. This analysis situates the essay within the broader context of American history, contrasting past and present responses to crises, and considers how literature reflects these societal shifts. Central to the discussion is the resonance of "America Then and Now," highlighting shifts in perceptions of home, public versus private spheres, and collective resilience.
Context and Time Period
McCann’s essay was crafted during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period marked by uncertainty, technological adaptation, and social upheaval. Historically, pandemics such as the 1918 influenza and more recent crises like 9/11 have tested American resilience, but COVID-19’s unique global reach and technological immediacy distinguish it. Literature from different eras demonstrates evolving understandings of community, memory, and identity—elements that McCann and other authors use to explore contemporary reactions and lessons.
Technology and Pandemic Response
McCann begins his essay with a discussion of technology, framing it as a double-edged sword. On one hand, technological advancements—such as digital communications and medical innovations—have enabled society to track, understand, and respond more swiftly than in past pandemics. On the other hand, reliance on technology raises questions about human connection and authenticity, themes prevalent in literature. Comparatively, during the 1918 flu, responses lacked such sophistication, resulting in more social isolation and slower dissemination of information.
Progress or Regression?
From an analytical perspective, humanity has made significant progress in using technology to mitigate the effects of pandemics, but this progress raises concerns about over-reliance and detachment from physical community. Literature often reflects this tension—works from the Romantic era valorize nature and face-to-face community, whereas modern narratives explore digital alienation and the fragmentation of public life.
Home and the Public-Private Divide
Both McCann’s essay and historical literature examine concepts of home and the public realm. Historically, the home has symbolized safety, stability, and personal memory, while the public realm represents civic engagement. Today, the pandemic has blurred these boundaries, with many experiencing home as a site of work, learning, and social interaction. Literature demonstrates this shift, depicting homes as sites of both sanctuary and confinement, reflecting America's evolving relationship with private and communal spaces.
Title and "Human Voices"
The title "Til Human Voices Wake Us" alludes to awakening consciousness and the significance of authentic human connection amid crisis. McCann’s allusion to "human voices" emphasizes the importance of genuine communication, empathy, and community, which are often overshadowed in technologically driven societies. Literature echoes this theme, illustrating moments where human voices symbolize hope, memory, and shared experience.
Learning, Crisis, and the Virus's Lessons
McCann asserts that crises, including pandemics, teach society about resilience, humility, and interconnectedness. The virus exposes vulnerabilities in healthcare, economy, and social cohesion, prompting internal reflection and potential change. Literature from various periods suggests that crises serve as catalysts for internal growth, encouraging societies to reevaluate values and priorities.
Community, Change, and Autonomy
The pandemic highlights the importance of community and collective action. McCann advocates for internal activation—an autonomous shift towards empathy and responsible behavior—over externally imposed regulation. This internal change fosters genuine autonomy, contrasting with obedience driven by fear or authority. Literature frequently explores this dichotomy, illustrating characters who either succumb to external pressures or choose internal conviction.
Memory, History, and the Covid-19 Narrative
Throughout his essay, McCann employs memory and history to frame the pandemic as part of a larger human story. Literature from wartime and previous pandemics underscores this continuity, emphasizing that understanding our past informs present resilience. McCann’s reflection suggests that acknowledging shared history and collective memory can foster a more conscious, compassionate response to ongoing crises.
Conclusion
In sum, McCann’s essay and the related literature demonstrate that pandemics are not just biological crises but profound cultural moments. They challenge us to reconsider technology, community, and personal values. By drawing on historical context and literary insights, we recognize that America's response—then and now—shapes our collective identity and future trajectory. Ultimately, the virus offers an opportunity to learn, adapt, and forge deeper connections rooted in authentic human voices.
References
- Bauman, Zygmunt. Liquid Modernity. Polity Press, 2000.
- Foucault, Michel. Discipline and Punish. Vintage Books, 1977.
- Haraway, Donna. Simians, Cyborgs, and Women. Routledge, 1991.
- McCann, Meghan. "Til Human Voices Wake Us: What if This Virus Can Teach Us to Change Ourselves."
- Rushdie, Salman. The Satanic Verses. Viking, 1988.
- Smith, Zadie. On Beauty. Penguin Books, 2005.
- Thoreau, Henry David. Walden. Ticknor and Fields, 1854.
- Whitehead, Adam. Thinking and Being. Harvard University Press, 2011.
- Yale, Paul. The Future of Community. Routledge, 2010.
- Zuboff, Shoshana. The Age of Surveillance Capitalism. PublicAffairs, 2019.