[Bombadil]

This topic could end up surpassing my "Was Eru a Sadist" thread in controversy. But I'd like to start off stating that I am American, if that justifies my cynicism about the culture of the USA somewhat I don't know. Earlier I read a thread comparing the tale of Numenor to the British Empire. I'm not saying Tolkien directly symbolizes America because that is not his style of writing. But rather I'd say he wrote a story possibly inspired by the tale of Atlantis that, which does go hand in hand with his style of writing, could be applied to American culture.

I'll start off with an example of the Christian monotheistic view of the majority of America, and how it applies to Meneltarma. (And yes I know that the Dunedain called the Valar Gods, but as i said before I'm suggesting there is symbolism, not that the story is allegorical):

But in the midst of the land was a mountian tall and steep, and it was named the Meneltarma, the Pillar of Heaven, and upon it was a high place that was hallowed to Eru Iluvatar...

Many before among elves and men revered the Valar, but very rarely showed this type of acknowledgement to their true creator. If this were to represent the Christian tendency of America, what would really define the declining moral culture we have today would be shown in:

...and after the days of Tar-Ancalimon the offering of the first fruits to Eru was neglected, and men went seldom any more to the Hallow upon the heights of Meneltarma in the midst of the land.

Perhaps this applies to much of humanity as well as American culture, where one tries to reach out to their God, to confirm their faith, but falls short when they do not receive an answer. The men of Numenor in their decline started lsoing this faith, or drive.

Perhaps the most significant symbol of the USA today is found in the lines:

But those that lived turned the more eagerly to pleasure and revelry, desiring ever more goods and more riches...

This seems to hit dead on with the growing materialistic society bred by marketing and corporate America.

As time went on, the Numenoreans desired to rule more men, which could represent the Imperialistic policy of the United States. Our culture has also become obsessed with trying to live for the longest time possible, as the Dunedain did. With all our Atkins diets, and Jared's (sp?) from Subway, we are driven to stay healthy fit and alive for as long as possible. Much of the symbolism I see in the Akallabeth applies not only to America, but to humanity itself. Was Tolkien (intentionally or unintentionnally) creating his own prophecy? His own Brave New World or 1984 ? What are your thoughts on my theory, and potentially what other symbolism can you apply form the story to our lives?