Inequality as Equality

Throughout the year, we have discussed numerous works by different authors and explored varying points of view and ways of thinking. Each reading has contained some type of message or idea that gives the story its meaning and makes it memorable. However, I think that the work that has made the largest impact is Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron." This story showed me that complete and total equality is dangerous as well as impossible. It is senseless to seek absolute equality in a society that is comprised of unequal individuals. Just as the existentialists believe that people commit actions in order to authenticate themselves, I believe that people are born with certain skill sets that are able to help them authenticate themselves. As I said before and as we discussed in class, I think that there should be separation between honors and non-honors class. I feel that it is unfair to students who comprehend some material faster and easier than others to learn at the pace of those who might take longer to process concepts. After all, I think that being fair is about what each person needs and not what the group in its entirety needs. As I also said before, I firmly believe that the education system should be more individualized than it is today. People should be separated into the intelligences that they possess according to Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. This would establish a more centralized approach to education and help people have greater success in an area where they are especially strong. Although the education would be unequal this way, I feel like it does create a chance for more equal opportunities for each person. That is what I believe equality should be about. Everyone may not receive the same treatment as others, but they should still have the same opportunities that others have to succeed. Unfortunately, this is not the case since many people are born or raised in surroundings that deny them the opportunities that more fortunate people possess. Vonnegut's story also showed me that we should not try to "handicap" others just because they may boast qualities that not everyone has. The ballerina scene is meant to show the beauty and success that arises when people are able to exhibit their talents and skills without handicaps. However, I do not mean to say that people should treat others differently. Just as I believe that people should have the access to equal opportunities (but sometimes in different ways), I believe people are entitled to equal treatment. Although Vonnegut's story did not drastically change much about the way I view the world, it did show the danger and absurdity of trying to achieve totalitarian equality. Yet, it did help to reinforce some of my views on different issues. It made me think and rethink some of the ways in which society currently works. Overall, I believe the most important aspect I learned from "Harrison Bergeron" is that some times, the only way to reach equality is through inequality.