Coy Draheim Mr. Neuburger Eng. Comp. 102-102 22 Sept.

2011 One Paragraph Essay A Question of Equality Kurt Vonnegut Jrs story Harrison Bergeron shows how one can lose their sense of self while striving for total equality. The story is a perfect example of how total equality can bring the loss of competition, choice, and all diversity. Vonnegut states, George and Hazel couldnt think about it very hard,(293) when describing their son being taken away for being extraordinary. To punish someone for being brilliant is extreme in itself, but to not allow his parents to think about the son they loved is absurd. When people purposely handicap others to the point they cant remember something as important as family, the question must be asked has government gone too far. The author continues, their faces masked, so that no one, seeing a free and graceful gesture or a pretty face,(294) when describing the ballerinas on TV. In the world of Harrison Bergeron not only are there crimes against free will of the mind there are crimes against physical expression or the lack of. Finally, in a traumatic conclusion Vonnegut says, Its all kind of mixed up in my mind,(299) as Hazel forgets watching her sons death and the reason for her tears. Harrison Bergeron raises many questions about the limits of equal competition, choice, and diversity, but one thing that is a fact is too much equality can be a scary thing.

Vonnegut Jr., Kurt. Harrison Bergeron. Power of Language Language of Power. Boston: Person Learning Solutions, 2011. 293-99. Print.