When I was reading Mumbo Jumbo, for some reason I noticed a
passage where PaPa LaBas and Black Herman are discussing the American invasion
of Haiti. From there, they go into a minor rant about all the highways the
invaders built. The Atonists are never satisfied with the way things are, and
instead they always want to improve, or to get somewhere new. There are some
interesting parallels between this and modern American society. Before reading
this section, I wouldn't have associated travel, specifically high-speed
travel, with Atonism in particular. However, it makes a lot of sense. According
to Black Herman, Americans love to drive places as fast as they can because
"something is after them" − themselves. This reminds me of all the
times I've screwed something up and had the urge to get away, or stay
distracted because it's easier than facing the problem. High-speed highways
make an entire system out of getting away as fast as you can, as far as you
can.
Highways are also a really good
representation of Atonist thought because they represent the kind of organization
and technological prowess that the Atonists prize. In order to have a highway
system, there needs to be a strong central government (think back to Mr.
Butler's class, guys) that has a lot of control. It requires a lot of
efficient, organized workers and oversight. Often, nature gets destroyed when
highways are built − builders cut into rock faces, cut down trees, grass is
replaced with asphalt, etc. Highways disrupt the natural features of the land
and replace it with artificial gray lines.
Highway
travel also shows the Atonist obsession with efficiency. If you're, say,
walking somewhere, then you can wander around or stop at any point. You have
more time to enjoy what's around you. If you're traveling at 75 mph on the
highway, you just have to keep going in a straight line until you get to your
destination. You're closed off from nature and the other drivers around you. If
you're on a highway and the next exit is in 100 miles, there's no room for
spontaneity; you're just stuck in one mode until you get there.
Your highway metaphor is very well done and it really visualizes the whole mass-conquest mechanism of our Atonist friends. Ironically, most people will tell you that highways are actually products of socialism since the government builds and maintains them but I could certainly see Reed arguing that socialism is as immoral as capitalism.
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