Panganiban 1

Aimee Panganiban
John Kubler
English 115A
9 September 2014
To: John Lennon
I am sending you this letter to talk about your song Imagine in which you talk about
your dream of having a world in which people come together, a world where we are truly united
and equal. Although it may seem to you that when people all around the world are in union, we
will be able to achieve peace and harmony, I believe it can actually bring chaos and devastation.
Will we actually be able to obtain peace if we were truly united? I would like to mainly talk
about the parts in your song in which you claim that the absence of certain things, such as
religion, would make the world a better place.
You state that a world with no religion (1) would result in living life in peace (1). I
believe, however, religion gives people comfort. People turn to religion, such as through prayer,
when they are lost or suffering. Being a religious person myself, religion has given me a strong
sense of hope and faith. It has influenced me to reach out to others, especially those in need. In
addition, Madeline Albright talks in her article Faith and Diplomacy about a story of a woman
who was shot in the head by a man. The woman explains I forgave him because my God
forgave me, (1). Although she was paralyzed because of the man, the woman decides to forgive
him. Albright explains that religion at its best teaches forgiveness and reconciliation. . . (37),
which explains that religion also influences people to forgive others, especially those who hurt
us. I would also like to also talk about that part in your song which you describe how no
countries (1), can bring peace throughout the world.

Panganiban 2
If the world was really a place with no countries, the world would just be one very big
piece of land. The world would be a plain place. Everyone would simply be the same. I believe
that that world is brought together through diversity and differences. Because of diversity, people
are able to meet, interact, and develop relationships with people of other ethnicities. We are able
to learn new cultures and ideas through different people. In addition, a world that is with no
possessions (1) would create destruction and ruin. Possessions such as food, shelter such as a
home, and clothing are needed in every persons life as a means of survival. They bring us
comfort, safety, and happiness.
In conclusion, I understand that your song expresses a dream in which you hope one day
will come true. It may seem as a good dream at first. I also do agree that sharing the world (1)
is a good idea in which we are giving and offering throughout the world. Through this we can
help those who are less fortunate than us.
In reality, it does not seem that this dream can ever happen. The world is physically
separated and surrounded with borders and many countries. Religion will always exist as it
brings hope and relief. Today we live in an advanced, modern world in which we are surrounded
by materialistic goods and technology. It does not hurt to dream. Your song expresses a message
of peace, joy, and harmony throughout the world. It is a popular song that is heard by many all
over the world.