Pigs in Paradise is a satire, which is by definition, truth exaggerated, always political, and literary. It is also an exercise in freedom of expression, and freedom from religion, a critique of religion in politics, namely American evangelicalism. Today, it poses an even greater threat with the rise of white Christian nationalism and racist ideology.
Short Synopsis of Pigs in Paradise and author bio
Pigs in Paradise is a satire, which is by definition, truth exaggerated, always political, and literary. It is also an exercise in freedom of expression, and freedom from religion, a critique of religion in politics, namely American evangelicalism. Today, it poses an even greater threat with the rise of white Christian nationalism and racist ideology.
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Pigs in Paradise opens on a group of animals on a farm in Israel. Julius is a wise-cracking non-religious parrot. In other words, he is a non-domesticated farm animal. His is the small voice of reason, tinged with humor, and cynicism while the others, domesticated farm animals, are being led to religion by Mel, a mule, and the spiritual leader. Later, Mel becomes Magnificent when he elevates himself to Pope. Priests are celibate and mules are sterile; therefore, a Catholic pope was the obvious choice.
When Blaise, a Jersey cow, gives birth to Lizzy, a “red calf,” two American evangelical ministers arrive. As events unfold, the evangelicals buy the group and have them shipped to America.
Once in America, the animals are transported by tractor-trailers across the country to a “Christian” farm in Kansas, where seven television monitors are tuned to 24/7 church sermons and juxtaposed with scenes from a barn, a real circus. Even though they are animals, they can only take so much before they chase Mel from the barn, and Stanley, Manly Stanley, the black Belgian Stallion, kicks out the TV monitors for a moment of silence, giving peace a chance, however short-lived.
