Final answer:
The poem 'America' by Tony Hoagland critiques aspects of American culture, such as materialism and media influence, reflecting on social justice and racial inequality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The poem America by Tony Hoagland presents a viewpoint that incorporates a mixture of criticism, personal observation, and cultural commentary, which may differ from individual perspectives, including my own. The speaker's view of his classmate is nuanced and reflects broader thoughts on American culture and values. The speaker's beliefs about America are influenced by his observations of consumerism, superficiality, and the country's social and political issues.
In the poem, the speaker's specific criticisms of America include aspects of materialism, the overwhelming influence of media, and the loss of deeper values, which is critical in understanding the speaker's disenchanted tone. When related to contemporary issues, the poem echoes ongoing concerns about social justice and racial inequality, indicating the persistent relevance of these themes.