Letter to the Americans

In 1949, Jean Cocteau's reflections on his twenty-day visit to New York reveal a nuanced exploration of French and American cultures. Through his distinctive prose, he highlights the contrasting values each society places on art, liberty, and psychology. Cocteau captures America's hopeful promise while also addressing pressing social issues such as hypocrisy, sexism, and racism that must be confronted for true progress. This essay, never before translated into English, resonates with contemporary relevance, echoing the complexities of cultural identity and aspiration.