Immigration has always been a special topic for me. As the son of two immigrants, and growing up in what can be called quintessential America - Midland/Odessa, TX - my perspective on immigration is unique. Why? Because I have witnessed first hand the impact immigrants-turned-American-citizens have on this country. I have seen the positive impact people like my parents have had on this country. That is why Michael Moore's essay, "Not on the Mayflower? Then Leave!" hits home. Moore's paper centers on Pat Buchanan's statements and beliefs supporting anti-immigration policy. Buchanan believes that immigrants are a drain on this country, socially and economically. A quote from him at the start of Moore's paper basically has him arguing that it's simply easier to not have immigrants in this country - it's just too much trouble. Here Moore steps in and dedicates his paper to proving Buchanan wrong. Moore does what he is best at. He takes Buchanan's arguments, refutes them with all certainty, throws in some very offensive language, and adds a pinch of humor - absurd and satirical. Michael Moore is here to convince the reader that those who support anti-immigration policy and thought are wrong. And well, stupid. .
I think the intended audience in the author's mind is anti-immigration advocates (namely the Pat Buchanans of the world). Convincing people who already share the same beliefs as him seems superfluous, right? It makes sense for his intended audience to be those that disagree with him. However, due to his outrageous and often offensive language and style, it seems that Moore's pieces are written more for those that agree with him; and perhaps additionally, those who are somewhere in the middle and are trying to come to their own conclusions. It is also important to note this paper is more persuasive than argumentative by nature. Moore is here, more than anything, to spur us into action.
