Individuality In Kurt Vonnegut's Harrison Bergeron

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“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (Jefferson, 1). America, as a country, was founded on the fact that everyone has equal rights, but where do we draw the line? What does the word “equal” actually mean? Should everyone have the same IQ, be able to carry the same weight, and be forced to hide natural grace and beauty simply to avoid offending another? The short story, “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., gives us a glimpse into what a completely equal world would be like and forces the reader decide if the fight for equality is worth the destruction of individuality.
Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. wrote “Harrison Bergeron” in 1961 not
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According to Vonnegut, we still have 64 years before the 211-213th amendments strip us of any individuality we have left, but the brainwashing George and Hazel were experiencing can be seen today through political candidates that promote the “Robin Hood” demographic, fashion magazines that discourage instead of promote, and the constant need to bulk up on muscle enhancers and protein drinks. I believe we need diversity in our lives because it is how God created us. Our unique characteristics, willpower, and ingenuity creates a world where humanity strives to create the next best thing and does not settle for a bland society similar to the one Diana Moon Glampers enforced on the Bergeron family. I liked this story because of the humor that the seemingly absurd future scenario that also provided a deeper look into the thought of how equal humanity is now and how much more can we pull from people until all uniqueness is banished and all that is left is a sad monochromatic

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