Harrison Bergeron Manipulation Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)

Quote #4

[The ballerinas'] faces were masked, so that no one, seeing a [...] pretty face, would feel like something the cat drug in. (10)

Yeah, but how does the ballerina feel? Hazel seems pretty happy, being a dope with no handicaps. Is a miserable, weighted-down ballerina equal to a happy idiot? And does looking at ugly people really make you feel better about yourself, or is that just what the government wants you to think?

Quote #5

"I don't notice [my handicap bag] any more. It's just a part of me" (25)

The ubiquitous handicaps have made George believe that the rules and regulations of the government are just the way the world works, as though they're genetic instead of man-made constructs. He can't even envision an alternative world.

Quote #6

[The ballerina] had to apologize at once for her voice, which was a very unfair voice for a woman to use. (41)

The ballerina has been manipulated into thinking she should be ashamed of her voice because it might make other people feel bad. Modesty is one thing. Extreme coddling of society is something else entirely.