“Forget sad things,” said George. “I always do,” said Hazel.
What can we say of protest when the majority of a story is focused on those too distracted or impaired to voice concerns they can never fully flesh out?
Vonnegut’s story brings forth ideas about protest based on the lack of it from all characters, bar one. The brief glimpse of rebellion is literally shot down in seconds and the rhythm of a dystopian nightmare of complete government control through uniformity continues.
Whereas some texts expose government brutality, obstinance or ignorance, Harrison Bergeron leads us to consider a world in which any form of defiance has been snuffed out before it can take shape.
By exaggerating a world in which the pursuit of equality has led to a society that cannot think for itself, Vonnegut is able to champion the importance of personal freedoms and critical thought. The “vague notion that maybe dancers shouldn’t be handicapped” is quickly forgotten by George as his government-mandated radio distracts and confuses him. What’s telling through George and Hazel’s experience is not just the conformity and control that are exhibited, but the underlying fear of the government should they try and adjust their handicaps. With this in mind, we can begin to contemplate how fear and intimidation are used by authorities in order to achieve a sense of control.
The minute people start cheating on laws, what do you think happens to society?
Vonnegut is able to criticise the anxiety of disrupting order, leading us to consider how many protests throughout time are initially met with scepticism and apathy. Where other examples of protest are shown to disrupt the status quo and challenge cultural norms, this story rather shows an exaggeration of a world that has lost the ability to question and critique and is all the poorer for it.
Vonnegut’s tale acts as a warning to a society that looks to stifle resistance or criticism of government and authority. A lack of diverse thought or experience is shown to breed a world of followers, unable to break free from their constraints. Tellingly, the one character who breaks from this mould is executed and forgotten – a reminder of the dangers of mindlessly consenting to authority. Thus, we are left to consider the importance of diversity of thought and experience within a society and the dangers of outright conformity.
Moreover, the story suggests that those in power manipulate the narrative to suppress dissent. The government’s control over the media serves as a warning about the subtle ways authority can shape public perception and stifle resistance. “Harrison Bergeron” thus highlights the complex and challenging nature of protest in the face of pervasive conformity and authoritative control, urging us as readers to reflect on the potential costs and sacrifices inherent in challenging oppressive systems.
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