Harrison Bergeron Essay

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I originally read Harrison Bergeron in 9th grade, so it was interesting to see how my perception of the story has changed since then. Upon reading this, I was drawn to the implied criticism of actual, total equality. As the story explores, people in the United States “were equal every which way” (Vonnegut 1). While I absolutely support general equality and equal opportunity, Harrison Bergeron draws attention to what would happen if the concept of equality was taken too far and individuality was no longer celebrated. In one quote, a character is described as having “perfectly average intelligence” (Vonnegut 1). The use of the word ‘perfectly’ implies that anyone with lower or higher intelligence is flawed. To me, the loss of individuality and ability to exercise talent or …show more content…
I think this area is where most of the speculative nature of the story is found. The creation of the Handicapper General and the various assigned handicaps are not reality, but rather an interpretation of a future that would arise if “true” equality was achieved. While the technology itself is not unimaginable in the slightest, the extreme governmental control is, and this political setting is what shapes the tone and my interpretation of the story as a reader. An example of the extent of the government lies in Diana Moon Glampers’ authority to shoot people who defied governmental expectations without any hesitation or consequences. What I find most interesting to think about in this story is whether or not Diana Moon Glampers has handicaps herself. If not, does this imply that she is not intelligent/strong/beautiful? Or, alternatively, does it imply that government officials are exempt from their own

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