It [Socialism] was a kind of political hockey played by big, gaunt, dyspeptic girls in pants

It [Socialism] was a kind of political hockey played by big, gaunt, dyspeptic girls in pants

Mary McCarthy was a prominent American writer and critic known for her sharp wit and incisive commentary on politics and society. In her essay "My Confession" published in 1953, McCarthy famously described socialism as "a kind of political hockey played by big, gaunt, dyspeptic girls in pants." This colorful and somewhat humorous description captures McCarthy's skepticism and disdain for socialist ideology.

McCarthy's comparison of socialism to a game of hockey played by unattractive and unhappy women in pants is a clever way of highlighting her belief that socialism is a flawed and impractical political system. By likening it to a sport typically associated with physical aggression and competition, McCarthy suggests that socialism is a chaotic and ineffective way of organizing society. The image of "big, gaunt, dyspeptic girls" further emphasizes McCarthy's view of socialism as unattractive and unappealing.

McCarthy's use of humor and satire in her description of socialism reflects her larger critique of the political ideologies of her time. As a writer and intellectual, McCarthy was known for her sharp and critical analysis of society and culture. In "My Confession," she uses her wit and humor to challenge the prevailing ideas of socialism and to offer her own perspective on the political landscape of the 1950s.

While McCarthy's description of socialism may be seen as harsh or dismissive, it is important to consider the context in which she was writing. McCarthy was a product of her time, a time when socialism was often viewed with suspicion and fear in the United States. McCarthy's own experiences and beliefs undoubtedly influenced her views on socialism, and her description of it as a game played by unhappy women in pants can be seen as a reflection of her own skepticism and disillusionment with the political ideologies of her era.

Overall, McCarthy's description of socialism as "a kind of political hockey played by big, gaunt, dyspeptic girls in pants" is a vivid and memorable way of expressing her critique of socialist ideology. Through her use of humor and satire, McCarthy challenges her readers to think critically about the political systems and ideologies that shape their world.