Harrison Bergeron Questions 1. With what political leaders/dictators in history can the HANDICAPPER GENERAL be compared? What characteristics do

Harrison Bergeron Questions
1. With what political leaders/dictators in history can the HANDICAPPER GENERAL be compared? What characteristics do these people share? What are some obvious differences?
2. The main premise of “Harrison Bergeron” is the question of EQUALITY. Obviously Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. takes this principle too far, but what are some similarities between the story and what happens to promote equality today?
3. What would the HANDICAPPER GENERAL do to make each of you equal? In what areas do you excel?
4. Vonnegut addresses rewarding individuals with raises in their careers on the basis of trying as hard as they could vs. excelling in their careers. Should we be awarded for trying or for succeeding in the workplace? What is your reasoning behind your answer?
5. Another topic of focus is competition. Is competition healthy or not healthy? When should competition start? (think about issues such as athletics, quiz bowls, spelling bees) is competition essential to job performance? Does it cause us to improve or does it cause unhealthy working relationships? Why do you feel this way?
6. How would you measure beauty, strength, or greatness of any kind If everyone was equal? Do you feel it is important to have individual definitions of beauty, strength, greatness, etc.? What is your reasoning for this answer?
7. The Bergerons do not feel sadness or joy. Emotions are very limited. Would you rather live your emotional life on an even ‘keel or do you believe it is Important to experience times of incredible happiness as well as times of intense sorrow? Why?