"Ten feet, twenty feet, thirty feet south. Passage turns east and west. Which way do you go?"
"We go South."
Stupefied look and momentary pause. "Okay. Bump, bump, bump."
-E. Gary Gygax to adventurers in Greyhawk Castle, circa 1972
You have now entered the realm of the LORD OF THE GREEN DRAGONS -- a "Classic Gaming" blog.
Hi Elton. Well this might partially answer it, and I feel that the reason Vonnegut expressed this is from his observations of same in our society.
CRAB MENTALITY
From Wikipedia™, the free encyclopedia
"Crab mentality, sometimes referred to as crabs in the bucket, describes a way of thinking best described by the phrase "if I can't have it, neither can you." The metaphor refers to a pot of crabs. Singly, the crabs could easily escape from the pot, but instead, they grab at each other in a useless "king of the hill" competition which prevents any from escaping and ensures their collective demise. The analogy in human behavior is that of a group that will attempt to "pull down" (negate or diminish the importance of) any member who achieves success beyond the others, out of jealousy or competitive feelings. This term is broadly associated with short-sighted, non-constructive thinking rather than a unified, long-term, constructive mentality. It is also often used colloquially in reference to individuals or communities attempting to "escape" a so-called "underprivileged life", but kept from doing so by others attempting to ride upon their coat-tails or those who simply resent their success. It describes a desperate lust to pull other people down, denigrating them rather than letting them get ahead or pursue their dreams. It is an unwillingness to allow someone to get out of dire or bad life situations, often being foiled by friends and family members who keep sucking them back in. This trait can strike at several levels of life, like in office environments, particularly on promotion. It is a reflection of the famous saying “we all like to see our friends get ahead, but not too far ahead."
Harrison Bergeron is definitely a classic. It begs a study of equality and the axis (or axes) that define it.
During one of my tutoring jobs, I had to explain to a student that regardless of equality in what we are, the world continually thrusts us into positions of inequality in what we do.
The garbageman picking up trash may be worth $30/hour. What's the value of the surgeon repairing your child's brain during 15 minutes in the O.R.? Possibly infinite (in terms of dollars).
Equality in action might (someday) be manageable, but infinity will never be.
I guess we could give a definition of culture as the systems in place to manage the extraordinary and the helpless. 2081 presents an avoidance of extraordinary people instead of dealing with them?
This is one of those deeper items that really would make a great basis for a campaign or adventure.
"This is one of those deeper items that really would make a great basis for a campaign or adventure."
Exactly what I was thinking earlier today. Imagine the mindset change that would have to occur among the players. The nuances are endless, as is the building departure, as is witnessed in the story itself. Great points and great observations.
I find it extraordinarily ironic that those who fear the world presented in 2081 tend to blame its coming on those who are fighting hardest to prevent it, while simultaneously and blindly siding with those who are creating it. This, to me, is the real tragedy of the modern world.
Mind you, this is not a criticism of anyone on this board, but rather is a general commentary on the current political and social structure of the world today. I could go on, but my heart hurts far too much to think about it any more today.
interesting movie. Why do they want everyone to be equal?
ReplyDeleteHi Elton. Well this might partially answer it, and I feel that the reason Vonnegut expressed this is from his observations of same in our society.
ReplyDeleteCRAB MENTALITY
From Wikipedia™, the free encyclopedia
"Crab mentality, sometimes referred to as crabs in the bucket, describes a way of thinking best described by the phrase "if I can't have it, neither can you." The metaphor refers to a pot of crabs. Singly, the crabs could easily escape from the pot, but instead, they grab at each other in a useless "king of the hill" competition which prevents any from escaping and ensures their collective demise. The analogy in human behavior is that of a group that will attempt to "pull down" (negate or diminish the importance of) any member who achieves success beyond the others, out of jealousy or competitive feelings. This term is broadly associated with short-sighted, non-constructive thinking rather than a unified, long-term, constructive mentality. It is also often used colloquially in reference to individuals or communities attempting to "escape" a so-called "underprivileged life", but kept from doing so by others attempting to ride upon their coat-tails or those who simply resent their success. It describes a desperate lust to pull other people down, denigrating them rather than letting them get ahead or pursue their dreams. It is an unwillingness to allow someone to get out of dire or bad life situations, often being foiled by friends and family members who keep sucking them back in. This trait can strike at several levels of life, like in office environments, particularly on promotion. It is a reflection of the famous saying “we all like to see our friends get ahead, but not too far ahead."
Thanks for sharing this. Had no idea they were making this in to a movie. Vonnegut is a mixed bag, but always liked this story.
ReplyDeleteHarrison Bergeron is definitely a classic. It begs a study of equality and the axis (or axes) that define it.
ReplyDeleteDuring one of my tutoring jobs, I had to explain to a student that regardless of equality in what we are, the world continually thrusts us into positions of inequality in what we do.
The garbageman picking up trash may be worth $30/hour. What's the value of the surgeon repairing your child's brain during 15 minutes in the O.R.? Possibly infinite (in terms of dollars).
Equality in action might (someday) be manageable, but infinity will never be.
I guess we could give a definition of culture as the systems in place to manage the extraordinary and the helpless. 2081 presents an avoidance of extraordinary people instead of dealing with them?
This is one of those deeper items that really would make a great basis for a campaign or adventure.
Hey Scottsz.
ReplyDelete"This is one of those deeper items that really would make a great basis for a campaign or adventure."
Exactly what I was thinking earlier today. Imagine the mindset change that would have to occur among the players. The nuances are endless, as is the building departure, as is witnessed in the story itself. Great points and great observations.
I find it extraordinarily ironic that those who fear the world presented in 2081 tend to blame its coming on those who are fighting hardest to prevent it, while simultaneously and blindly siding with those who are creating it. This, to me, is the real tragedy of the modern world.
ReplyDeleteMind you, this is not a criticism of anyone on this board, but rather is a general commentary on the current political and social structure of the world today. I could go on, but my heart hurts far too much to think about it any more today.