Similarities Between Thomas King And Harrison Bergeron

Society has developed throughout history into a seemingly equal; however, segregated commonwealth. In general, humanity may seem to have broken the nineteenth century class structure, nonetheless, there are situations today that still have deep roots in discrimination and apartheid. Advancement in both extremes can result in a catastrophe, therefore, it is inevitable that a balance must be reached. In the short stories “Totem” by Thomas King, and “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut, the theme of overdeveloped social beliefs have proven to be the most significant. In both stories, the author is trying to say that society is either too equal, such as in “Harrison Bergeron” or too contrasting such as in “Totem.” Thomas King suggests that the majority groups within a society do not treat the minority groups fairly; that is, the general public are not empathetic towards the first nations. Furthermore, as Walter, the museum director, wants to “move [the totem pole] someplace else”[120], he is suggesting to ignore the problem and hope by “Monday, [they will] have the whole thing straightened out”[120]. This shows the lack of concern that

Whether it is too much equality, or too much discrimination, the world needs to reach a balance where the right amount of equality and segregation can meet. In the year 2081 in “Harrison Bergeron,” George and Hazel both have restraints to hold back any so called “advantage,” that they may possess. This in turn, forces innovation and evolution to a sudden hault. “Totem” on the other hand, says that evolution has overdeveloped where the social structure is back where sympathy is nonexistent. It suggests that the development in society has also taken a standstill and is struggling to innovate. The two stories are similar in a way that both argue no matter which angle humans approach society from, an equilibrium must be established for a successful environment to