Aristotle once said, “The worst form of inequality, is trying to make unequal things equal.” A major example of this concept of inequality displays itself through humans. Although people may seem similar and equal, each personality and talent differs from one another. Now one might wonder what it would be like if every single person were truly equal. This theme is developed in the short story “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut, and also in the film 2081 directed by Chandler Tuttle. Tuttle’s film is based off of Vonnegut’s short story, however, through the portrayal of individualism, humanity, and a corrupt government, 2081 depicts a more realistic society than the short story “Harrison Bergeron.” Individualism is a more prominent theme
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From the beginning, the audience can see that Harrison resembles an average human being, and not as Vonnegut described in “Harrison Bergeron”. The features depicted in the short story included a clown nose, shaved off eyebrows, and scrap metal handicaps, but when he stands on stage to give his speech, he is wearing a white gown and maintains the average human image. Since Harrison appears normal, one can conclude that he is. As he starts his speech he grabs the crowd's attention by saying, “There’s a bomb… I strongly suggest you remain in your seats” for “there’s a detonator in my hand.” Although this statement feels like a threat, Harrison’s intentions were never to hurt anyone, for there was not a bomb under the theater- only a device that sends television signals. Thereafter, Harrison pours out his emotions in his endeavor to, “shine a light, so last, all the world can see” (5). With his influential and powerful words, he demonstrates the humanity inside him with the passion he has to stand up for what he believes is right. However, Harrison’s speech in the short story is insufficient in persuading the reader to console with him, because he proclaims, “I am the emperor,” and “Everybody must do as I say!” A crowd will likely not respond positively if the individual uses this harsh tone. Finally, humanity emerges in the moments after Harrison’s death. After she shoots Harrison, Diana Moon Glampers realizes that the television had recorded the malfeasance, and the guilt of her wrongdoing consumes her. The government could not take away the natural tendencies and feelings that occur internally, which Diana Moon Glampers experienced
From the beginning, the audience can see that Harrison resembles an average human being, and not as Vonnegut described in “Harrison Bergeron”. The features depicted in the short story included a clown nose, shaved off eyebrows, and scrap metal handicaps, but when he stands on stage to give his speech, he is wearing a white gown and maintains the average human image. Since Harrison appears normal, one can conclude that he is. As he starts his speech he grabs the crowd's attention by saying, “There’s a bomb… I strongly suggest you remain in your seats” for “there’s a detonator in my hand.” Although this statement feels like a threat, Harrison’s intentions were never to hurt anyone, for there was not a bomb under the theater- only a device that sends television signals. Thereafter, Harrison pours out his emotions in his endeavor to, “shine a light, so last, all the world can see” (5). With his influential and powerful words, he demonstrates the humanity inside him with the passion he has to stand up for what he believes is right. However, Harrison’s speech in the short story is insufficient in persuading the reader to console with him, because he proclaims, “I am the emperor,” and “Everybody must do as I say!” A crowd will likely not respond positively if the individual uses this harsh tone. Finally, humanity emerges in the moments after Harrison’s death. After she shoots Harrison, Diana Moon Glampers realizes that the television had recorded the malfeasance, and the guilt of her wrongdoing consumes her. The government could not take away the natural tendencies and feelings that occur internally, which Diana Moon Glampers experienced