The quote expresses the speaker's realization that joining the enlisted Army revealed a stark contrast between his own background and those of many other soldiers. Initially, he assumed everyone was like him—likely implying similar social or economic circumstances. However, once immersed in military life, he came to understand that the majority of the enlisted personnel hailed from very different backgrounds, often characterized by socioeconomic disadvantages.
Upon closer examination, the quote highlights the diversity and complexity of people's lives and backgrounds within the military. The phrase "constituency of the dispossessed" suggests a group comprising individuals who have been marginalized or disadvantaged in society, leading them to join the Army as a means of escaping their circumstances or seeking stability and opportunity. This realization challenges preconceived notions about the uniformity of experience among soldiers and underscores the varied reasons people enlist.
John Gregory Dunne was an American writer known for his novels, screenplays, essays, and journalism. He was married to the famous novelist Joan Didion, and together they were influential figures in New York intellectual circles during the 1960s and beyond. Dunne's work often explored social issues through a lens of literary criticism and personal reflection, offering insightful commentary on contemporary American life.
