Thoughts on "Harrison Bergeron"

In the story "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut Jr., we are introduced to a setting in 2081 where everything has to be equal. Nobody can be prettier, smarter, more talented or better at anything in general. This 'equality' is sustained to the point where ballerinas can't dance to their fullest or show their faces so that the audience won't compare their faces or talents to each other. This is also applied to people with above average intelligence. They are handicapped in order to prevent themselves from using their intelligence to their full advantage. Meanwhile, those who dare to defy the government's 'equality' are thrown in jail, executed or punished, just like how Diana Moon Glampers (the Handicapper General) executed Harrison Bergeron and the Empress.

This got me thinking;
       what is equality?

The events happening in this story really made me question my views on equality. What do we mean when we say we want to end discrimination once and for all? Vonnegut really simulates what it would be like for the world to have equality, or rather, too much equality in "Harrison Bergeron". This suggests that too much 'equality' is not good, as is everything else.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Characters in Relation to Themes in the Merchant of Venice

Out The Door - Short Story

B L O O D C H I L D