Many people believe that total equality for any race, sex, or religion is worth striving for. Kurt Vonnegut's short story “Harrison Bergeron” focuses on the greatest qualities of individuals and their transformation to surpass the average standard. For example, people with superior intelligence were forced to wear devices that inhibited their ability to think. The beautiful citizens were forced to hide their appearance with a hideous mask. Furthermore, they were forced to weigh themselves to compromise their grace. The importance of the story is that the reader understands that the basis of any society is for citizens to have the opportunity to reach their full potential. The result of the attempt to create a “fair” society has led citizens to live in fear of their own abilities. Kurt Vonnegut demonstrates his theme that forced equality is achieved at the expense of freedom and individuality. Vonnegut focuses on the setting of the story, the actions of the characters, and the imagery to support the theme. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay “Harrison Bergeron” has an elaborate setting in a dystopian future that supports its theme. The tale revolves around a couple named Hazel and her disabled husband George who watch ballerinas dance on television. When readers are first introduced to the story, it states, “The year was 2081, and everyone was finally equal. Not only were they equal before God and the law. They were equal in every way. All this equality was due to the 211th, 212th and 213th amendments.” (195). Due to the implementation of the constitutional amendments added to the Bill of Rights, this demonstrates the theme of every citizen being forced to be equal. The insistence on the concept of total equality requiring individuals to neglect their advanced qualities. Furthermore, a society cannot thrive if individuals are tortured to fit society's standards. Another example is in Hunter Baker's article where he states: “When government attempts to influence substantive outcomes through active interference, it pits citizens against each other and threatens the social cohesion necessary for society as a whole” (Baker 4). Furthermore, this statement goes along with the theme. In “Harrison Bergeron” the reader is shown how the government attempts to deprive citizens of their rights by instilling fear in citizens who disobey the twisted laws. For example, when Harrison Bergeron escapes from prison, Harrison is portrayed as a courageous, strong, attractive alpha male. Harrison Bergeron removes his restrictions and handicaps, the physical strength and beauty he reveals causes the citizens to remember that beneath their own handicaps they are intelligent and talented. The actions that Vonnegut creates for the characters demonstrate to the reader that the clear theme of the short film The Story is forced equality, achieved at the expense of freedom and individuality. Towards the end of the story, it states: “It was then that Diana Moon Glampers, the handicapper general, entered the study with a double-barreled ten-gauge shotgun. He fired twice, and the Emperor and Empress were dead before they hit the floor” (199). Due to the murder of Harrison Bergeron and the beautiful dancer, it was confirmed that because they were murdered, they were not and would never be equal in the eyes of society. Citizens with higher intelligence and talent were granted complete equality instead of being forced to endure the inhumane punishment of restraints and handicapping devices. On the contrary, the citizens".