Response Essay
“Harrison Bergeron”
In Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s “Harrison Bergeron” tells of a life where everyone is equal. After reading the essay, one can only conclude too much government control actually destroys freedoms. In fact, there are no longer pretty, athletic, or smart people. Masks and weights cover up people’s bodies, hiding whatever special features one may have. Vonnegut explains, “They weren’t only equal before God and the law. They were equal every which way” (293). Even intelligence is no longer allowed to be exhibited. Smart people wear a mental handicap radio in their ears tuned to a government transmitter and every twenty seconds, sharp noises would sound, thus keeping people from “…taking unfair advantage of their brains” (294). Average intelligence people can only think in short spurts. Going against the laws is punishable by fines, prison, and even death at the hands of agents who is with the Handicapper General. In conclusion, the pursuit of true equality destroys freedoms. (170 Words)
Vonnegut Jr., Kurt. "Harrison Bergeron." Power of Language; Language of Power: A Collection of Readings. 2nd ed. Boston: Pierson Learning Solutions, 2011 293-299. Print. Custom Edition for Ozarks Technical Community College.
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