"Harrison Bergeron"
(this week you are not required to put up responses, but you are welcome to)
You've had a chance to consider a lot of questions relating to Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron." It's a short story, but it's also a rich story that explores a number of issues (some politically incorrect) that are still relevant in the United States (and elsewhere) today.
Discuss the following:
How does the story "Harrison Bergeron" relate to the United States (now or historically)? Yes, it would be easier to compare the story to the old Soviet states or to mainland China or Taliban-controlled states, but Vonnegut was worried about this sort of thing creeping into the United states. Explain what the point of the story is. Refer to examples in the story and relate them to the real world. Here are some areas you can consider (you are certainly not limited to these, and feel free to discuss one or more areas):
Why would Vonnegut be opposed to
- redistribution of wealth through uneven taxation?
- the creation of a national healthcare system?
- equal distribution of college sports funding unter Title IX (The Education Amendments of 1972?
- even the handing out of trophies to every child participating in AYSO?
Why would he support
- a free-market economy?
- college entrance based solely on merit?
- funding of a space program rather than a welfare system?
- the end of affirmative-action programs?
As always, this discussion is not about your opionin. You are absolutely welcome to agree or disagree with Vonnegut on any number of things, but that should not show up on the discussion board. Your job is to explain, with actual examples from the story and the real world, what the story means, what Vonnegut's position is and why.
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