Angels in America by Tony Kushner explores the idea that marginalized communities (specifically those in the LGBTQ+ community) struggle with feeling accepted in a country that boasts freedom and opportunity (the US). America is often seen as an ideal place to live since it provides the “key” to a better life (specifically being able to find job stability or security). Despite how America is portrayed, the reality is that not all people are viewed as equal in the country’s eyes. If a person doesn’t fit into a box that matches pre-established social norms, they are othered. If the people in power don’t respect those who are othered or considered a minority, they will do nothing to support them or treat them like outsiders in a country they call their home. Kushner’s play critiques the notion of the “American dream” by creating multi-dimensional characters from backgrounds and identities specifically targeted by United States legislation.
The people in marginalized groups can have an us vs them or us vs the world mindset that influences their perception of society (seeing themselves as targets of harmful legislation or the government, specifically the Reagan administration in the play). In the text Louis states “Children of the new morning, criminal minds. Selfish and greedy and loveless and blind. Reagan’s children. You’re scared. So am I. Everybody is in the land of the free” (77). Louis’s sentiment is characterized by a sense of cynical realism and dissatisfaction. He knows he is an outcast in society because he is a gay man, and that the current president has done little to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals (such as by actively ignoring the AIDS crisis for a long period of time). He sees both the president and the people present in society as ignorant for pushing their harmful beliefs onto individuals who only want to be themselves.
An interesting point of contrast in the play comes from Joe, who brings up a more optimistic perspective of America. In the text, he states, “It’s still a great country. Best place on earth. Best place to be” (201). This perspective can come from ignorance, as Joe hasn’t experienced being othered by society due to agreeing with those in power (the same people who actively try to take away the freedom of sexuality Joe tries to experience). If a person is not directly harmed or at risk due to their social standing, they may feign ignorance and be slow to realize the consequences of their own actions (mainly how the free country they value isn’t truly free for everyone. As Angels in America shows, those who conform to the harmful ideals of a society (Joe) struggle to see eye to eye with those actively struggling because they are expressing their true selves (Louis).