This Land Is Your Land

     Woody Guthrie believes that America is a very hypocritical nation, and that we do not practice what we preach. In the first four stanzas, he displays what America claims to be, singing "This land is made for you and me" over and over, and using many positive imagery like "Golden Valley" and "Diamond Deserts." In the 5th stanza, however, the song takes a turn, as Guthrie promotes disobedience by having the speaker trespass. This seems to show that Guthrie believes that, while America claims to be the land of all people, we have rules, such as laws against trespassing, that directly contradict this. In the fifth stanza is when the meaning becomes most obvious, as Guthrie questions if this land is actually for everyone after seeing impoverished people struggling with hunger near the relief office. Especially with my prior knowledge of Guthrie's association with assorted Communist groups, it is obvious that, despite how the song is often interpreted, this song is actually an attack on America, promoting increased freedom, and perhaps even anarchy. I agree with Guthrie in many ways, as America is very hypocritical in it's constant promotion of freedom, while holding back most non-middle or upper class white people.