Super Short Summary

Tocqueville by Khaled Mattawa reimagines the history and complexities of democracy, drawing inspiration from Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. This 2010 poetry collection questions utopian visions of democracy, portraying it as an ongoing process of debate and reflection. Key themes include consumerism, social justice, and the biases inherent in statistical analysis, specifically against marginalized groups. The titular poem, “Tocqueville,” features two citizens discussing democracy's chaotic and nebulous nature, highlighting collective action's potential. Another work, “Power Point III,” illustrates American alienation through technology addiction. The poems frequently reference visual media, mirroring contemporary intersections of politics, language, and imagery. Mattawa's exploration includes sensitive discussions around social inequities and systemic injustice.