Equality? Equity? Or Liberation? -- a discussion of a dystopian story “Harrison Bergeron”
“Harrison Bergeron” is a dystopian science-fiction short story that’s filled with humor and satirizes an ideal society that can never be achieved. This story is written by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr, and was first published in October 1961. The author described an imaginary world with absolute equality for every individual in the United States. For those who are superior to average standards in either appearance, intelligence, or physical fitness, it is mandatory for them to wear handicaps which bring down excellence to mediocrity in order to make everyone feel safe and equal. In either this story or the real world, although equality offers the same opportunities for everyone, it restricts creativity and breaks down potentials. Absolute equality can never be achieved as long as there are still people born unequal in social status, looks, and intelligence quotients. In today’s world, there’s a fine line between equality and equity and tyranny, especially when the ruler has an unlimited exte
