Harrison Bergeron-Kurt Vonnegut

[IAM Rand]

My claim to fame is that my grandmother on my father's side had a brother. He married Kurt's sister and they had 4 children. Due to 2 family tragedies both Kurt's sister and husband died. My great uncle, William Adams, died in a train crash and his wife shortly after of cancer. Kurt took in 3 of the children and the forth went to another family member in the south.

I recall reading a short story by Kurt when I was in middle school. I had tried to recall it later in life because it haunted me so much but, I had forgotten the name. My wife was cruising around on Youtube when she saw a piece about Kurt's life. Having my interest renewed I did a quick search about his short stories. Alas, I finally found the short story that had made such an impression on me in my younger days.

I was able to find a short movie made from the story. After watching it I couldn't help in thinking that it is hitting a little close to home. Maybe you can watch it and tell me I am wrong!

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEgOuZzjI8o"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEgOuZzjI8o[/ame]

 

[MelvinWalker]

Elvis

My elderly aunt is a big genealogy researcher and she somehow figured out that both me and my sister are sixth cousins to Elvis Presley.

I wonder if I can claim a slice of royalty?

 

[Rustyt1953]

Interesting piece. I am a Vonnegut fan.

I knew Julie Hagerty as she is from Cincy. I was also long time friends with her late brother Kim who was a stellar guitarist.

Julie has done exceptionally well behind the camera.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Have a previous Miss Virginia Great Niece who claimed on National TV that we are related to Elvis.
Presley’s yes, Elvis no, according to my and other family members research.

 

[glenwolde]

When I was a kid I sat next to Colonel Sanders on an airplane. It was great. He brought chicken. Airplane food in the 60's was abysmal.

 

[MelvinWalker]

When I was a kid I sat next to Colonel Sanders on an airplane. It was great. He brought chicken. Airplane food in the 60's was abysmal.

That's funny because I thought airplane food was probably way better in the 60's compared to Southwest's peanuts of just a few years ago....I think they even stopped the peanuts now.

 

[yaktamer]

Mention of Vonnegut reminds me of the bit in "Back to School" where Rodney Dangerfield hires Kurt Vonnegut to write a paper for him about himself. Professor gives Dangerfield an F because she knows he didn't write it himself, and quips, "And whoever wrote this doesn't know a thing about Kurt Vonnegut."

 

[Bekeart]

Remember reading Harrison Bergeron

I see parallels today in rule for Equality and Inclusiveness.

Bekeart

 

[TeamPB]

Thirty five years plus since I've read Vonnegut and I've been meaning to revisit him. Off to the used bookstore this week.

Thank you OP! 2081 is a very good short film and a great interpretation of Harrison Bergeron!

Time to start yelling stop.

 

[sjmjax]

Harrison Bergeron should be required reading in high school.
More so now than ever.

 

[IAM Rand]

Harrison Bergeron like 1984 are getting a little too close to reality.

 

[Rudi]

A brilliant short film!!

 

[PhilT]

I have been reading KVjr for 50+ years - start with "Slaughterhouse Five!"

 

[Erich]

Harrison Bergeron should be required reading in high school.
More so now than ever.

I have referred the story to so many young folks over the years - they all had a similar take.

 

[BC38]

Vonnegut was a great social sci-fi writer.

The world he portrays in Harrison Bergeron is almost prophetic in it's portrayal of the current state of affairs. We are awarding everyone a participation trophy, declaring that everyone is a "winner" and that there are no losers.

This is the end result of pursuing equity (equal outcomes) over equality (equal opportunity). Making equity the highest goal suppresses the desire to achieve excellence. Why try harder if everyone gets the same result - if everyone gets a trophy?

Watching the clip in the OP makes me think of the Rush song The Trees
"Now there's no more oak oppression, for they passed a noble law, and the trees are all KEPT equal - by hatchet, axe, and saw..."