HARRISON BERGERON
by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
In the futuristic world of "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut Jr., equality is the law. To ensure that no one is more intelligent, athletic, or beautiful than anyone else, the government imposes physical and mental handicaps on its citizens.
The story follows the life of George and Hazel Bergeron, a couple who epitomize average intelligence and physical abilities. George, however, is burdened with a mental handicap that prevents him from thinking too deeply or from retaining any thoughts for long. Hazel has no handicaps, but her average intelligence makes it difficult for her to follow complex thoughts.
Their lives are disrupted when their teenage son, Harrison, is arrested for trying to overthrow the government. Harrison is the physical embodiment of all the attributes that have been handicapped in society. He is exceptionally strong, highly intelligent, and very good-looking. He takes the stage at a televised event and declares himself Emperor. He removes his handicaps and asks for anyone else who is strong or intelligent to do the same and join him in rebellion.
Harrison's rebellion is short-lived, as a team of government agents quickly apprehends him. But not before he displays his incredible dancing abilities with a ballerina, who also has been handicapped to dance at average levels. The brief moment of true freedom and beauty awakens emotions and thoughts in George, who momentarily understands the potential of a world without handicaps.
However, just as quickly as the thoughts come, they are taken away from him as he receives a shock from the radio in his ear, disrupting his thinking. Hazel, who was barely aware of what was happening, asks George what he was thinking about. George struggles to remember and only responds with, "That's right. Now I was just thinking...". The story ends with George and Hazel going back to their everyday lives, unaware of the fleeting moment of freedom and the power of individuality they just witnessed.
"Harrison Bergeron" is a critique on the dangers of extreme equality and the loss of individuality and personal freedoms. Vonnegut presents a society in which everyone is forced to be the same, resulting in a dull and mediocre existence for all. The story raises questions about the value of differences and the importance of allowing individuals to excel and express their true potential.