Pure Competition paper MICROECONOMY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Pure Competition paper MICROECONOMY - Essay Example For this reason therefore the hotel market is pure competitive. One of the characteristics of pure competition is that there are many buyers and sellers in the market, this also includes the fact that the buyers are willing to buy products at a given price and that the producers are willing to supply products at a given produce. The hotel business has several suppliers or firms which include red roof inn, red carpet inn, Knight inn, Travelodge hotel, day inn and Econo lodge, it is also evident that their continued operation over the years means that buyers are willing to buy their at a given price. On prices in a competitive market the prices are determined by the level of demand and supply, when demand increases then prices also increase and when the supply declines then prices are expected to increase, also that in the long run the market is at equilibrium, for this reason therefore the hotel market is characterised by the determination of prices by market forces and therefore we conclude that is fulfils one of the conditions of a competitive market. In pure competition there are no barriers to entry, for our case the hotel market is characterised by free entry and exit by firms and this is evident from the large number of firms in the industry and the lack of regulations by government to restrict entry into the hotel

Productivity in Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Productivity in Economics - Essay Example In capital productivity, output per units of capital goods employed is measured but, in the case of multiple productivity, both labour and capital goods are used as denominator. The study of productivity analyzes how much output can be produced in a specific time span. Productivity can be increased in various ways. Labour productivity is the term used to know the average product of labour. Productivity in economics is an important term as a country's standard of living depends upon this. So, more is the production more will be the standard of living. According to Mankiw, a country's standard of living depends upon its ability to produce goods and service. The article we have taken from the Economist raises question, whether slow productivity in America really affects or not. It is an analysis about the impact of mass employment upon productivity. Though , the rate of unemployment in America is dropping, economy is also slowing down. So, this is the matter of concern that, how productivity affects. The hike in employment rate is assembled with slower worker efficiency. It implies that though people are getting employed, the rate of productivity or efficiency rate is decreasing. So, the reason of sluggishness is to be analysed. Productivity has two components, one long term and another is short term in nature. The long term factors depend upon quality of work force, speed of innovation etc., but short term fluctuations in business create factor for short term effects. In this article , it describes about how these temporary factor s are affecting productivity and economy. Among the various short term reasons, housing bust in America is also reason for this type disturbance. The fall in building activity is supporting for weakness in economy. It is very hard to measure productivity rate in an odd business cycle. Due to rapid innovation and vast investment in IT sector, efficiency rose. As per the 10 principles of Mankiw, computer has a lot of contribution for America's economy, it has raised the standard of living of Americans. It has developed the ability to produce. The IT evolution has upgraded the productivity of the country. Economist have argued that , it is possible due to the reallocaton of funds between firms. On the whole, the IT evolution is supporting and boosting the whole economy through productivity. But, when we are having a broad analysis on the economy and the ratio of productivity, it is really a matter to consider for. The principles of Mankiw is in contrary. The falling rate of unemployment and weakness of economy put a question ma rk on the principles of productivity. The article in 'The Economist' (http://www.economist.com/finance/displaystory.cfmstory_id=9005279 ) not only contradicts the principles of Mankiw, but also raises question on efficiency of the workers serving over there. The factor on sluggishness is to be eradicated, the reason why this type of deficiency is happening is to be debated. The title of the article given a'Making less with more' is a very well opted title as production has become less but employment of people is rising day by day. In other words by comparing the principles of Mankiw, we can say that according to the data and the article , the principle goes well. Mankiw has described that for a raised standard of living, more production of goods and services are to be done in a particular unit of time. But, as we have analysed in the article, there is no particular unit o

Information Technology Essay Example for Free

Information Technology Essay Information technology refers to the collection of tools that make it easier to use, create, manage and exchange information. The Internet is the latest of a long series of information technologies, which includes printing, mail, radio, television and the telephone. It is the application of computers and telecommunications equipment to store, retrieve, transmit and manipulate data, often in the context of a business or other enterprise. The term is commonly used as a synonym for computers and computer networks, but it also encompasses other information distribution technologies such as television and telephones. Information technology refers to the study and development of a support-management based, computerized information system. The development is mainly observed in the form of dedicated software applications and a number of hardware programs. The advantages of IT include work place cost-effectiveness and essential globalization. Why is Information Technology Important ? All our work related applications are now completely automated, thanks to the IT sector. IT professionals are people involved in essential management of sensitive data, exclusive computer networking and systems-engineering. The advancement of the IT sector has resulted in automated: Administration of entire systems. †¢ Globalization True globalization has come about only via this automated system. The creation of one interdependent system helps us to share information and end linguistic barriers across the continents. The collapse of geographic boundaries has made the world a global village. The technology has not only made communication cheaper, but also possible much quicker and round the clock. The wonders of text messages, email and auto-response, backed by computer security applications, have opened up scope for direct communication. †¢ Cost-effective Computerized, internet business processes have made many businesses turn to the Internet for increased productivity, greater profitability, clutter free working conditions and global clientà ¨le. It is mainly due to the IT industry that business have been able to make their processes more streamlined, thereby becoming more cost-effective and consequently more profitable. People are able to operate their businesses 247, even from remote locations only due to the advent of information technology. †¢ Communication Quick and effective communication is vital to any business anywhere in the world. Information technology gives an entrepreneur or business the tools, like email, video conferencing, SMS, etc., essential to communicate efficiently and effectively. to the business world, and information technology gives your company the resources it needs to communicate quickly and effectively. Not only do people connect faster with the help of information technology, but they are also able to identify like-minded individuals and extend help, while strengthening ties. †¢ Storing and Protecting Information IT provides a low-cost business options to store and maintain information that may be important from a business or service point of view. Virtual vaults and other such security systems not only store vital data but also allow control over the access to such information. IT security systems will also protect virtual data from being hacked or wiped out in case of any technical failure. †¢ Creation of New Jobs One of the biggest advantage of IT has been the creation of a whole new field of opportunity for skilled personnel leading to new and interesting jobs. Hardware and software developers, computer programmers, web designers, system analyst, the list of new jobs created could go on. IT has also been attributed to be the major cause of surge in the economies of certain Third World nations too. Things that were once done manually or by hand have now become easier and faster due to the advent of a computing technology. Our world today has changed a great deal with the aid of IT which has penetrated almost every aspect of our daily lives and society, from leisure to business. IT has become a part of our day-to-day lives through the evident use of PCs, Internet, cell phones, faxes, the list would seem endless. Let us hope that newer development in the field of IT can provide benefits to our future generations, just as it has greatly benefited ours. The Importance of Modern Technology Modern technology has become so entrenched in the idea of a modern society that the two are nearly inseparable. Developing countries try to get better utilities, more vehicles, faster computers, as well as Internet and cell phone providers because thats what makes a modern society. Modern technology must be implemented in order to accomplish the feats required of a modern society. Health One of the biggest benefits of modern technology is that human longevity and health have improved because of its application. As understanding of the body and its functions improves, and as new tools to help heal it (lasers, sonograms, enhanced medication, and nonintrusive surgical tools, just to name a few) are created, life lasts longer. Not only does life extend, but people can live more comfortably, and recover from wounds and diseases that even a half a century ago would have been fatal. In many cases these people live full, productive lives. Communication Modern technology has revolutionized how people communicate. Since World War II, telecommunications and mass media have been growing by leaps and bounds. Radio, telephone, satellite communication, cellular technology, wireless Internet in the modern day two people can chat via a computer when theyre on opposite sides of the planet. Communication has shrunk the world, bringing people from all cultures and backgrounds into contact with each other. Resources Modern technology allows resources to be expanded and for previously unused ones to be tapped into. If electricity is the lifeblood of a modern society, for instance, modern technology allows it to be harnessed in new ways. Coal-fired plants and gas-driven turbines are old, but serviceable. Wind and tidal generators use modern technology to harness forces on a scale that our ancestors would have thought impossible. Modern technology has also provided ways to grow more food, transport more people and make more products for a growing society. Knowledge What modern technology really represents is an increase in knowledge and how people can use it. Modern technology is usually the direct result of discovery and experimentation. Technology is defined as the scientific method being used to achieve a commercial or industrial goal. So to create technology, a bigger base of knowledge and understanding must be created from which to draw on. As improvements are made to technology, so too are improvements made to the pool of knowledge.

Discussing Principles And Importance Of Good Record Keeping Nursing Essay

Discussing Principles And Importance Of Good Record Keeping Nursing Essay This essay aims to focus on record keeping. It will briefly discuss the Nursing and Midwifery Council (2009) guidance for nurses and midwives and the importance of good record keeping in the health care setting. This literature will also discuss four of these principles. The first principle is of detailed assessment and reviews which helps set up a care plan. It then moves on to the next principle which discusses hand writing and how it should be written legible. The next principle that has been discussed is the one that records should be accurate and recorded in a way that meaning is clear. Finally the last principle that has been discussed is that records should be factual and not include unnecessary abbreviations, jargon, meaningless phrases or irrelevant speculation. It then progressively moves on to discuss how these four principles impact on a care plan and how they are maintained. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC 2009:1) have guidelines for good record keeping, this helps nurses maintain good record keeping skills. Good record keeping skills is an important part of a nurses role in the health care setting. It helps nurses provide the correct and safe care towards a patient. Computer documentation is used in many of the health care settings, however hand writing in documentation is still widely used. The guidelines are used for both written and electronic record keeping. The process of record keeping is every bit as important as hands on clinical skills to helping maintain patients safety within the health care setting. It is not only important for monitoring a patients treatment and medical condition, it is also important for any legal issues that may arise when providing care to a patient regarding any care or treatment they have received when in a health care setting (Griffith 2007:363 ). There is a principle in the NMC 2009 for good record keeping that states you should record details of any assessment and reviews undertaken and provide clear evidence of the arrangements you have made for future and ongoing care. This should also include details of information given about care and treatment (NMC 2009). This principle can help when putting a care plan in place for the care needs of a patient. When a patient first comes into any health care setting the first form of documentation is a written assessment of the patient and what their care needs are. This is a very important part of record keeping as it is the beginning of the care planning process. Assessment forms will include vital information on the patients medical condition and what their care needs are. It is also important to have all information regarding next of kin in case a patients condition was to deteriorate (Miller and Gibb 2007:250). A part of an assessment that is vital to a patients safety can be infor mation regarding any medication. This can highlight what a patient may be taking at the present time or any medication that they have an allergy to. If information regarding allergies is clearly documented then all care staff involved are aware when delivering care to the patient (Diamond 2005:460). The next stage in the care planning process is to put a plan into action to what treatment is best for the patients needs. All aspects of the patients care needs get reviewed so that all the patients care needs can be met. Implementation moves on from the planning stage in a care plan. This stage involves the nurse in charge of the patient getting referrals from other care professionals to meet the care needs of the patient. Evaluation is the final part of a care plan which looks at all the information recorded in a care plan. If the care needs of the patient have not been met then the health care professionals are able to make changes to the care plan for the best interest of the patient. This may include professionals at a different skill level, specificaly to deliver that care and treatment. It is the health care professionals responsibility to record and review all information regarding patients care. This enables care progress and makes sure the patients care needs are being met safely (Brooker and Waugh 2007 358). One of the principles for good record keeping is regarding handwriting hand writing should be legible (NMC 2009). A way in which badly written documents can cause problems is if prescribed medication that has been recorded is not written clearly, not only the type of medication but also information on administering medication. If a patients records are written clearly there is less risk to the patients safety (Reddy 2006:330). In any care setting good writing skills are very important as other multidisciplinary teams can be involved in a patients care. It is important that they can easily read any treatment and care a patient is receiving and that all needs of the patient are being met. A care plan is a legal document so it is vital that all information can be easily read. Any care professional who writes any information in a care plan is personally responsible for the information that they have written (Powell 2009:300). When a nurse writes in a care plan regarding treatment to a patient they may make a mistake and need to correct what they have written, this is the only reason why information can be changed. Correction fluid should never be used in a care plan to cover any written mistake. A line should be put through the error that has been made and the appropriate notes should be written in. The person making the change to the care plan should sign and date when they made the correction so other health care professionals can see why the correction was made to the care plan (Diamond 2005:261). This makes all written information in a patients or clients care plan more easily to read and any individual who writes in the care notes should try and use a black ink pen on white paper. A patients care plan is the main tool used in a care setting to communicate with different care professionals and services who may be involved in the care of a patient. In a variety of different care settings different colo ured paper is used for certain medical interventions. It is important that any paper and ink that is used in a care plan can be easily photocopied, as at times copies of some of the patients care plans may be needed (Griffith 2004:123). There is also a principle in the NMC that states your records should be accurate and recorded in a way that the meaning is clear. All notes that are written about a patients care should be clear so that any other care professionals who need to read the care plan know and understand what has been written. If a nurse was to write settled day what meaning does that actually have to other care staff. Care plans are helpful at finding out any care issues a patient may have. If there has been a problem regarding a patients care and it has been resolved then this has to be clearly documented. When a nurse comes on shift and takes over the care of a patient and the patients care notes may read awake most of the night due to being in pain and then did not write how she helped the patient overcome this problem then this is poor record keeping skills. Highlighting every intervention while delivering care is vital and information should not be missed out. It may be the case that the patient rece ived pain relief medication at the end of that previous nurses shift. If this was not documented in the patients care notes or kardex then the nurse who has taken over care of the patient may administer pain relief again, putting the patients safety risk. Documenting and recording clear and meaningful information regarding a patients care and any changes in a patients condition is a skill, and it is essential care professional in a care setting get it right. All written and computerised notes should be spelt accurately and have a clear meaning. Spelling may not always put a patients safety at risk but its not always that way regarding miss spelt medication. Many medications do sound the same when you say them but they are spelt differently and this can put a patients safety at risk (Diamond 2005:568). To keep records accurate all information written in a patients care plan must have a date with the day, month and year the staff member who has documented the information in the care plan. The time of documentation should also be added using the 24 hour clock. If all information in a patients care plan is accurate and up to date it helps maintain good communication between all care professionals involved in the patients care (Griffith 2004:124). Moving on to another principle in the NMC for maintaining good record keeping is the one that states records should be factual and not include unnecessary abbreviations, jargon, meaningless phrases or irrelevant speculation. One way this can cause a problem is if a nurse were to write in a patients care notes using abbreviations or jargon. Nurses who come on to a shift to take over the care of patients have to be able understand what has been written to help them deliver care effectively. Records are an important part of a patients care in which various health care professionals are involved in. Using abbreviations or jargon can put a patients safety at risk as it may have a totally different meaning to another person (Brooker and Waugh 2007:154). The NMC try to advice health care staff not to use abbreviations and follow the principles for record keeping. In some health care settings abbreviations will be used and nursing students need to be aware of what they mean to avoid any confusion. One of the abbreviations that are used safely in a health care setting is BP which means blood pressure. Abbreviations get used in health care settings to try and save time on record keeping as it does take up a lot of the health care staffs time (Diamond 2005:665). When care professionals follow these four principles of good record keeping it has an impact on a patients care plan in many ways. A care plan has all the relevant information regarding a patient. Having the correct and up to date information regarding a patient helps maintain a patients safety. Good record keeping has an impact on a patients health and helps recognise any sudden changes in a patient condition. If all information is written clearly with the correct spelling then other care professionals involved in the care of the patient can clearly understand what has been written. A well documented care plan helps maintain good communication between all care staff involved in the care of the patient. Some care staff who are involved in the patients care never see each other and a care plan is the only tool they have and would use for communicating and knowing what treatment and care the patient has been given and what care still needs to be delivered to the patient (Greyer 2005:24). A care plan is a legal document and all written information has to be accurate, clearly written and should not have any jargon or abbreviations contained in it. If a care plan is clearly documented with all the relevant information it impacts on the healthcare staff by safe guarding them in regards to any legal issues involving patients including the care staffs involvement (Diamond 2008:119). A care plan is maintained by reviewing this document at regular intervals. Reviewing care plans helps maintain accurate and safe care towards a patient. The main purpose for reviewing care plans is to maintain continuity of care. A review will help care staff determine if all care needs of the patient are being met and to notice if any of the care needs of the patient have changed from the initial assessment (Miller and Gibb 2007:272). An audit is another way to help maintain good record keeping of a care plan. An audit will check that all information is written clearly, with meaning, up to date and its accuracy. Audits can help highlight any inaccurate documentation and changes that can be made to rectify the inaccuracies within a document (Anderson 2000:355). Throughout this essay record keeping has been discussed and the importance of record keeping in the health care setting. It looked at the Nursing and Midwifery Council (2009) guidance for nurses and midwives and four principles of record keeping. It later discussed how these principles impact and are maintained in a care plan. Record keeping is an important skill that nurses should have to maintain good communication between other care staff members regarding care needs of a patient. All care professionals involved in the care needs of a patient may never meet and only communicate through what they write in a patients care plan. It is important that all information is written clearly and can be easily understood to help maintain continuity of care towards the patient. There could be a problem for some nurses when it comes to writing information in a patients care notes. One way of doing this is if a nurse comes from another country and English is not their first language then they mi ght have some difficulty writing care notes and they need to be assessed to see if they are capable to write up notes correctly. Writing up care notes regarding a patient does take up time, many nurses feel the time used documenting information could be time used to treat a patient, but care plans are very important in the health care setting. Nurses should try and not leave writing up care notes to near the end of their shift, they should try and set aside time to document all relevant information regarding care given and nursing interventions of patient. If nurses leave writing up care notes to near the end of their shift and rush through what they are recording then this may cause them to miss out important information and could put a patients safety at risk. A care plan is a legal document and nurses should be aware of this when writing any care or treatment in a patients care notes. If all care notes are written clearly with no jargon then all other care professionals can easil y read what the care needs are of the patient. Student nurses should be aware that good record keeping is a skill and it is every bit as important as clinical skills they will learn. If a nurse finds it difficult to read any information in a care plan, they should inform the person in charge. Care notes are vitally important to protect healthcare staff in the event of any legal allegations that a patient has made regarding care or treatment they have received from the nurse. A care plan is a very important document for a variety of different reasons so good record keeping is important in all health care settings. Anderson E (2000) Issues surrounding record keeping in district nursing practice. British Journal of Community Nursing 5 (6) 297-299. Brooker C, Waugh A (2007) Foundation of Nursing Practice. Edinbrugh, Mosby Elsevier 154-358. Diamond B (2005) Exploring the principles of good record keeping in nursing. British Journal of Nursing 14 (8) 460-462. Diamond B (2005) Exploring common deficiencies that occur in record keeping. British Journal of Nursing 14 (10) 568-570. Greyer N (2005) Record keeping. South Africa. Juta and co ltd: 24. Griffith R (2007) The importance of earnest record keeping. Nurse Prescribing 5 (8) 363-366. Griffith R (2004) Putting the record straight: the importance of documentation. British Journal of Community Nursing 9 (3) 122-125. Miller J, Gibb S (2007) Care Practice for Higher 2nd edition. Paisley, Hodder and Gibson 205-272. Nursing and Midwifery Council (2009) Record Keeping: Guidance for nurses and midwives [Internet]. London, Nursing and Midwifery Council. Available: http://www.nmc-uk.org/aDisplayDocument.aspx?DocumentID=6269 [Accessed 19 January 2010]. Powell S (2009) Study skills: clinical writing; what is best practice? British Journal of Healthcare Assistants 3 (6) 300-301. Reddy B (2006) Prescription writing standards: why they are important. Nurse Prescribing 4 (8) 330-335.

Epic of Beowulf Essay - Beowulf as Epic Hero -- Epic of Beowulf Essay

Beowulf as Epic Hero Epic heroes usually exemplify the character traits most admired in their societies, and Beowulf is no exception.   "Beowulf" is set in the Anglo-Saxon society, a time when war was rampant among the many peoples trying to take over the different kingdoms of England.   In this dangerous, violent time people lived in constant peril and jeopardy.   These conditions only allowed people of great bravery to survive and men of outstanding courage were admired the populous.   These warriors fought for their leader and tribe in return for treasure and protection.   This relationship between the lord and his men was the basis of the Anglo-Saxon society.   The epic poem "Beowulf" is a perfect example of how this system worked in these trying times. The warrior in the Anglo-Saxon civilization had many duties to fulfill.   He was obligated to respect and protect his lord as well as defend his lord's honor. The demonstration of personal valor was also very important in these times.   Beowulf is "Higlac's Follower" and works to please his lord.   He is afraid that   "My lord Higlac / Might think less of me" (l   191-192) if he uses weapons in battle.   Not only does Beowulf work to please his lord, but he also works to protect Hrothgar, the lord of the Danes.   As the poem shows, when In his far-off home Beowulf...(l 131) Heard how Grendel filled nights with horror And quickly commanded a boat fitted out, Proclaiming that he'd go to that famous king, Would sail across the sea to Hrothgar (l 134-137). Beowulf is going out of his way, "across the sea" to help a lord whom he is not obligated to.   He is doing so out of choice to show his respect for Hrothgar, and to help the poor people threatened by Grendel. G... ...s.   Both Hrothgar and Beowulf adequately filled their places as a ruler. As clearly indicated through the characters of Beowulf and Hrothgar, the ruler-warrior relationship during times of great danger was very important for the survival of the Anglo-Saxons.   As long as this relationship remained stable, both the ruler and warrior would remain protected, rewarded, and fairly happy.   Beowulf and Hrothgar both men of great valor, were praised by all.   This simple system set up between warrior and leader was the basis of society at the times, and destroying this structure would surely destroy a tribe's chances of survival in this time of peril.   Therefore, if Beowulf did not honor the Danes' lord and Grendel was allowed to live, Hrothgar and the Danes would surely see their demise.   This is perhaps why bravery was of such high necessity in the Anglo-Saxon society.

Attack on America :: essays research papers

Tonya Wood  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   October 4, 2001  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dr. Annan  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Freshman Seminar   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Attack On America   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I was quite saddened by the event that took place on September 11, 2001. An unfortunate tragedy occurred in New York that will go down in history. Two airplanes crashed into the World Trade Center, causing them to collapse, injuring and killing thousands of people.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When I first learned of the catastrophe, I was in my dorm room asleep because I don’t have classes on Tuesdays. My mom called me and informed me of the horrendous episode and it actually took me a while to realize what happened. But when I turned the television on, everything was clear as day. I saw people falling and jumping out of windows. It was horrific. My initial feelings were hatred toward the culprits behind this cowardly act. I couldn’t comprehend exactly what the purpose of this was proving. I hope and pray that Osama bin Laden and whoever else is responsible for this callous act is given capital punishment.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If I were in the position to do something I would donate clothing, blood, counseling, and anything else that would assist anyone who needed emotional support. But unfortunately I can’t donate blood because I’ve had body tattoos done recently.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  My feelings toward the people that live in the Middle East are good nor bad because not all of them can be held responsible and not one individual can be pinpointed. But it is unfortunate for them because even though they are Americans, they are considered as â€Å"one of them† who were involved in this hate crime. It’s quite sad.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It’s very difficult to say why exactly we were attacked, but I’m sure whoever was responsible for this had more than one motive. I’ve heard numerous reasons and some people think we should attack; others think we should make peace. I personally think that if we don’t fight back and let everything go, we’ll be attacked again. If it takes bombing Afghanistan, then that’s what it takes.

Equality in Harrison Bergeron Essay

Kurt Vonnegut’s short story â€Å"Harrison Bergeron† is set in the future (2081), when the government has supposedly made everyone â€Å"equal. † The people of this era are forced equal by technology. These people are denied individuality, and the governments have taken their freedom by enforcing laws. Vonnegut’s story is a satire because the society he depicts is not truly equal, but rather a totalitarian regime under the pretense of equality. I will examine how Vonnegut seems to be implying that in such a society, the government gains too much control and people gradually lose their individuality. In Vonnegut’s story, â€Å"everybody was finally equal. They weren’t only equal before God and the law. They were equal in every which way. † So how does this differ from the equality we enjoy in our current society? Vonnegut goes on to explain that, in such a society, equality means that â€Å"nobody was smarter than anybody else. Nobody was better looking than anybody else. Nobody was stronger or quicker than anybody else. † But how would this be possible if every human being is born differently? The government forces citizens to wear different levels of handicap devices according to their differing abilities. For example, a handicap radio is forced on anyone considered smart, a mask is forced on anyone considered beautiful, and heavy bags full of birdshots are forced on anyone considered strong. All these rules are enforced by the â€Å"211th, 212th, and 213th Amendments to the Constitution,† and the â€Å"unceasing vigilance of agents of the United States Handicapper General. However, this also implicates that equality is not actually achieved because the Handicapper General is evidently not restricted in the same manner. In fact, the Handicapper General, which seems to represent the government, controls the life of citizens. People like George might possess intelligent thoughts such as â€Å"maybe dancers shouldn’t be handicapped. † However, these thoughts might undermine the Handicapper General’s power, so the handicap radio works â€Å"every twenty seconds or so† to â€Å"keep people like George from taking unfair advantage of their brains. George’s son Harrison Bergeron, who according to the news channel is â€Å"a genius and an athlete,† is regarded as â€Å"extremely dangerous. † After Harrison escapes from jail â€Å"under-handicapped†, he is quickly tracked down by authorities and shot by the Handicapper General herself. Vonnegut seems to imply that ironically, power are in the hands of only a few people under the pretense of equality, and that extraordinary people has no place to live in such an authoritarian society. Controlled by the government, citizens also lose their individuality. Masks are worn so beauty is hidden. When George and Hazel were watching ballerinas on the television, the ballerinas’ â€Å"faces were masked, so that no one, seeing a free and graceful gesture or a pretty face, would feel like something the cat drug in. † Moreover, people who are strong have to wear weights on their bodies. George had a â€Å"forty-seven pounds of birdshot in a canvas bag, which was padlocked around [his] neck,† which even Hazel finds pitying. Even voices are controlled. Reading a bulletin, a ballerina had to â€Å"apologize at once for her voice† because her actual voice was â€Å"a warm, luminous, [and] timeless melody. Therefore, people in this society lose their individuality and humanity. Vonnegut seems to imply that the government intrudes the everyday lives of citizens under the pretense of equality, just like the communist totalitarian regime of Mao Ze Dong in China. Vonnegut seems to think that equality in the sense of eliminating individual differences would never work. If the government forced handicaps on gifted people, how could we improve our society? Creative thinkers wouldn’t be able to come up with new ideas, technology development would stagnate and the quality of life would deteriorate. Suppose there weren’t anybody capable of inventing the mobile phone, how would contact your friends and family on the road? In conclusion, â€Å"Harrison Bergeron† portrays how people can potentially lose their individuality and unwillingly accept totalitarian control under the pretense of equality. Vonnegut wants to warn us about how dangerous such a society is and how the improper usage of equality is fatal for the human race. We should never sacrifice individuality for equality!