How Does Harrison Bergeron Ensure Equality

How much should the government step in to ensure equality? The story Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut makes you think about how in order to please one group, in this case “equalize” everyone, life becomes unfair for everyone else. The story takes place in the year 2081 and everyone is equal in every single way imaginable. George and Hazel Bergeron are watching ballerinas on the television. television, watching ballerinas. Their son, Harrison, comes on, and frees himself of all his handicaps. He then declares himself emperor, and one of the performing ballerinas empress. The story ends with Diana Moon Glampers, the handicapper general, killing them both the son and his empress. The use of satire in the story makes us connect to our own lives, and think of how much we are “equalized” already. The theme of the story is that complete equality is unattainable, and something that could even be harmful. …show more content…
Because of this, no one has a chance to use their gifts, which cwould benefit society. A community is strengthened by people using their gifts, talents, and strengths. People do their jobs well, and society runs smoothly. In Harrison Bergeron, no one is allowed to use their gifts. “He tried to think little of the ballerinas. They weren’t really any good- no better than anybody else would have been, anyway.” (pg 134) This quote shows that, aAny person could do any job. This aspect of the story connects to the idea that compete equality in society is not beneficial, and most likely