The essay ‘Why Don’t We Complain?’ by William F. Buckley Jr. is an interesting and thought provoking essay urging Americans to leave their supineness and speak up against “irrational vexations” suffered daily in some way or the other.
The writer expresses how “American people everywhere” have become too complacent and do not assert themselves in minor matters when services rendered to them are inappropriate and insufficient. He gives examples such as, when nothing is done about the over-heated and unbearable temperature in the train, nobody complains against the serious “irksome distortion” of the picture in the movie theatre, the waitress doesn’t serve milk on time as ordered, and the stewardess in the plane doesn’t pick up his empty tray when asked to, even though she was headed towards the kitchen. All these examples show unreasonable inconvenience caused, against which no American has the courage to complain about.
The writer reasons out why Americans do not complain, is because they are “increasingly anxious” to be unobtrusive, unwilling to make themselves heard, hesitant in even claiming their own rights, and want to avoid any confrontation with the Authority. Another reason is the increased helplessness due to advanced technology and centralized political and economic power.
It is absolutely necessary as the writer says that Americans need to think about their passive compliance and heedless endurance, and speak up against the “unnecessary annoyances of our time”. Standing up for one’s rights and what is reasonable is not wrong, and one needs to be confident enough to express any disappointment caused. The essay is very expressive and persuasive in its approach.
Reference
Fuller, William F. Buckley, Jr. “Why Don’t We Complain?” 50 Essays. Ed. Samuel Cohen. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2004. 64-70.
