In The Anthropocene Reviewed, Green features the review “CNN” in which he recalls watching
coverage of the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. At one point, the camera focused on a house
featuring graffiti in Arabic while the reporter spoke of the “anger in the street, and the hatred”
(132). Green’s roommate Hassan, who spoke Arabic, began to laugh because the graffiti spelled
out “Happy birthday, sir, despite the circumstances” (132). Green gives CNN just two stars, but
the message about news services and human communication stretches more broadly than just
that network. Re-read the review and consider why many people would assume that the graffiti
spelled out something negative or hateful. What is Green saying about communication, a global
community, and understanding others? Later in the review, Green writes, “I imagine lives that
feel different from mine monolithically” (132). What does he mean here, and how does it apply
to us all as people who share the planet? What are the benefits of understanding others who
differ from us? What are the complications? What does Green want readers to think about at the
individual level? Compose a thesis-driven essay in which you examine Green’s intent and make
an argument about community and understanding.
