Analysis Of Us And Them

In the short story Us and Them, David Sedaris, American humorist and author, suggests that television and other advancing technological sources negatively impact society. He develops this claim by first setting the scene of an isolated lifestyle in the 1960s that changes to a more exposed lifestyle within civilization. Then, Sedaris depicts himself as a curious and self-centered little boy who explores a peculiar way of living through his next-door neighbor, the Tomkeys. Lastly, Sedaris displays the irony of greediness through his selfish actions toward his neighbors. Sedari's purpose is to stress how media has negatively affected our sociability with one another to reach an audience that may need to recognize the influence electronic platforms

He provides background information on the lifestyle he experienced in the 1960s while including foreshadowing of future relocating with his family to understand events occurring later in the text. A quote reads: "When my family first moved to North Carolina, we lived in a rented house three blocks from the school where I would begin the third grade" (1). Adding this gives the audience context about the setting and the impact on Sedaris, who later reveals that his family moved often and that he is used to isolated and quiet locations. Sedaris then contrasts the main characters' isolated life with a busier and congested way of living. He does this by writing: "Back in New York State, we had lived in the country, with no sidewalks or streetlights; you could leave the house and still be alone. But here, when you looked out the window, you saw other houses and people inside those houses" (1). He does this so the audience can understand how surroundings influence individuals' approaches and handling of situations. Sedaris accomplishes a successful representation of the setting that allows the audience to become more engaged with the text and understand the influence change can have on an individual's