Fantasy&Corruption

              Dealing with inconvenient truths of reality and solving problems with vigilance are often scary and daunting tasks. People would sooner create an illusion that conveys the impression that things are copasetic, rather than face their problems head on. This method, although easier and more appealing, frequently creates internal conflicts that are harder to rectify. This “delusion method” is prevalent in classic American literature such as A Streetcar Named Desire, by Tennessee Williams, as well as, in current day American politics.  
            In the play, A Streetcar Named Desire, Stella learns from her sister, Blanche, that it is more convenient to create a world of delusion and magic, rather than to live in a world of realism and distress. When Blanche accuses Stanley of raping her, Stella attempts to resolve the conflict by telling herself that her sister is lying. Stella states, “I couldn’t believe her story, and go on living with Stanley” (Stella 1232). If Stella allows herself to believe that the rape took place, her life would collapse. Stella wouldn’t be able to stay with her husband and for that time period, that was not an option. Stella simply chooses not to believe her sister even though Blanche’s accusations hold some validity. Stella is very aware that behind all of Blanche’s fabrications, there is a degree of truth. Stella finds it easier to send her sister away and remove the entire situation from her life. Stella chooses to go back to the way things were before Blanche ever arrived in New Orleans, rather than face reality and leave her husband. 
            This same concept of averting reality is demonstrated in the approach that the American government uses to handle illegal immigration. The phrase “the land of the free and of the brave” is one of the biggest illusions. How can our land be free when we consider so many individuals to be illegal? Most politicians conceive that this country has an immigration problem. It is obvious that it is extremely difficult to get legal citizenship in the United States. Often times, families are forced to wait many years, and sometimes decades to be approved. According to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the average wait time for a United States visa for a Mexican citizen varies between 3 to 20 years depending on marital status, education level, work skill etc. (The Immigrant Visa Process 1). In America, the reality is that there are millions of undocumented citizens. Solving this dilemma in a realistic and humane way would be to aid and assist these individuals who are struggling for a better life. Like Stella’s idea of simply removing the problem, the American government deports thousands of immigrants every year. Deporting these individuals often separates families and ruins their chances of ever having a normal life. The reality is that this country is a melting pot built by immigrants, but the American government believes that it is easier to send these people back to their native countries. 
            Deep down, Stella knows that Blanche’s claims hold some truth however, she decides not to believe them and avoids making life harder for herself. This is comparable to the American government deporting undocumented immigrants. They know that sending them back to their countries will diminish any chance that they have for a better life however, facing that reality is hard and unsettling so it is easier to just remove the problem. Blanche came to New Orleans out of desperation and with the hope for a better life and a fresh start just like most people immigrating to America. Both Stella and U.S. politicians find their situations undesirable so they both choose to sweep the issue under the rug, rather than to deal with it. The illusion that America is a free and accepting country is a nice thought, but it is not entirely accurate. Just like the illusion that Stanley did not rape Blanche is a comforting idea, but not necessarily true. 

"The Immigrant Visa Process." The Immigrant Visa Process. Web. 13 Oct. 2015.