Catch22
America has been involved in the cold war for years. The fear of communism is ruining lives. The country moves closer and closer to the Korean war. Joseph Heller?s Catch 22 is published. 1963- College students are seen wearing army fatigues with “Yossarian” name tags. Reports are being made about a “Heller Cult”. Bumper stickers are manufactured which read, “Better Yossarian then Rotarian”. The phrase “Catch 22” has surfaced meaning a “no win situation” it is now an excepted word in the English dictionary. Such a dramatic change in opinion from the earlier, Pro-war society, it is obvious that Catch 22 had some impact on the anti-war movement of the 1960?s-1970?s. Not to say the book was the one reason the movement started, It was certainly a catalyst. A protest novel, Heller?s story portrays the absurdity of bureaucracy, the stupidity of war, and the power they both have to crush the human spirit. Heller uses a war zone setting, to satirise society at large. He compares the commanding officers to Incompetent businessmen. “Don?t mumble, and mumble “sir” when you do, and don?t interrupt, and say “sir” when you do.” Desiring promotion over every thing else, Colonel Cathcart keeps raising the
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