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Dystopian Themes In Kurt Vonnegut's Harrison Bergeron

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“We cannot succeed when half of us are held back.” ( Malala) For some, equality means that everyone has the same rights and everything is fair, but that is not always the case. Megan B. Wyatt explains in her article, “Harrison Bergeron an Analysis and discussion on dystopian themes and American Trends” that the U.S. is on the road to a dystopian world. Wyatt declares that Kurt Vonnegut’s short story “Harrison Bergeron” is leading readers to believe that dystopia is possible in the modern world, and the loss of freedom, civil rights, and equality that is forced upon us, should be more noticeable
One topic that Megan B. Wyatt discusses in her article is that the lack of freedom. Freedom is one of the most highly valued American ideals, and while it isn’t as obvious, our freedom is being taken away consciously. She uses an example in her article as well. Megan B. Wyatt states that there are smoking ordinances executed in public areas. Even though these ordinances might benefit the non-smokers, they are restricting another group’s rights. It’s a legal action that can be performed in a public place, and their rights are being stripped away. Megan B. Wyatt also …show more content…

Wyatt asserts that in a dystopian world, like Harrison Bergeron, we put limits on how much power someone can have, and how we purloin someone’s strengths. For example, the president of the country can have so much power. Also, there are the three branches of government to check and balance each other to make sure no one has too much power. In the story, Harrison Bergeron, the strong people ( whether their strength is mental, physical,or mental) were stripped of their natural abilities to prevent the weak from getting hurt. The pretty dancers are also forced to hide their faces to prevent others from having low self-esteem, but it’s taking away their strength and appreciation for beauty. Even if we put limits on how much control or strength someone has, everyone should be able to show their real

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