Many people believe that full equality for any race, gender, or religion is worth it. The short story “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut focuses on the greatest qualities of individuals and changing them to exceed the average norm. For example, people with higher intelligence were forced to wear devices that inhibited their ability to think. Handsome citizens were forced to hide their appearance with a hideous mask. In addition, they were forced to weigh themselves to alter their grace. The importance of the story is for the reader to understand that the basis of any society is for citizens to have the opportunity to reach their full potential. The result of attempting to create an “egalitarian” society has resulted in citizens living in fear of their abilities. Kurt Vonnegut demonstrates his theme that forced equality comes at the expense of freedom and individuality. Vonnegut focuses on the story's setting, character actions, and imagery to support the theme. Say no to plagiarism. Get a Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get an Original Essay “Harrison Bergeron” has an elaborate setting in a dystopian future that supports its theme. The short story revolves around a couple named Hazel and her disabled husband George who watch ballerinas dancing on television. When readers first encounter the story, she states, “The year was 2081 and everyone was finally equal. They were not only equal before God and the law. They were equal in every way. All of 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 that every citizen is obligated to be equal. Insistence on the concept of total equality by ordering individuals to neglect their advanced qualities. Additionally, a society cannot thrive if individuals are tortured to conform to society's standards. Another example is found 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). Additionally, this statement goes hand in hand with the theme. The reader discovers in “Harrison Bergeron” how the government attempts to deprive citizens of their rights by sowing fear in those who disobey biased laws. For example, when Harrison Bergeron escapes from prison, Harrison is portrayed as a brave, strong, and attractive alpha male. Harrison Bergeron removes his constraints and disabilities, the physical strength and beauty he reveals reminds citizens that beneath their own disabilities, they are intelligent and talented. The actions that Vonnegut creates for the characters demonstrate to the reader that the clear theme of the short story is forced equality, achieved at the expense of freedom and individuality. Towards the end of the story it says: “It was at this time that Diana Moon Glampers, the disabled general, entered the studio with a ten-gauge double-barreled shotgun. She fired twice, and the Emperor and Empress were dead before they hit the ground” (199). Due to the murder of Harrison Bergeron and the beautiful ballerina, it confirmed that because they were murdered, they were and would never be equal in the eyes of society. Citizens with superior intelligence and talent have enjoyed complete equality instead of being forced to suffer the inhumane punishment of restraints and restraints."..