Bread And Circuses Research Paper

The term “Bread and Circuses” is used to describe a superficial meaning of appeasement. In the Roman Empire they used food to fill the people and entertainment, such as chariot races and gladiators, to distract them, so that emperors could rule as they pleased. Plebians, the average working class, had little power. However, there were far more people in this class than in the upper class. When there was unrest the rulers would become worried the plebians might rebel. Emperor Augustus was aware of this risk. As a result, he created the concept that the writer Juvenal described as “ Bread and Circuses”. This system of state bribery included free entertainment, free grain, and controlled food prices.
“Bread and Circuses” made sure that the plebians were kept happy and distracted, so that the upper class could gain more power. If they did not have this system the lower class could have potentially rebelled. They had little power and lots of people, while the upper class consisted of lots of power and not very many people. It would be the most effective way to raise power because the rulers would gain the votes of new citizens coming to the empire. …show more content…
In America we have fast food and faster entertainment. For entertainment, there are things like football games, NASCAR races, television, the Internet, social media sites, and developing technology. This entertainment is our society’s version of “Circuses”. Our government is also telling people to sign up for Obama Care, because it is thought to be cheaper. However, it is not as affordable as it was sold to be. The health care being provided is hurting businesses and people that cannot afford it. In some cases this new health care is more expensive than their older plans. The health care is our version of “Bread”, or something that is given looking to be