Equality Is Independant Analysis

Equality stands out from everyone around him, making him an individual. This also makes him the archetype of the loner or outcast. In the beginning of the novel Equality states that, “We were born with a curse. It has always driven us to thoughts which are forbidden.” (page 18.) He also says “We are six feet tall, and this is a burden, for there are not many men who are six feet tall.” (page 18.) These quotes show exactly how Equality is an individual compared to those around him who fit in the idea of collectivism, or sameness.

In addition, Equality continues to make his individualism known by preferring a woman, Liberty 3-5000, above all. While sweeping the streets, Equality takes notice of a woman working in the fields. He is instantly intrigued by her and thinks of her over all others. Equality’s attitude is significantly changed by his interactions with Liberty. “We do not know why we think of them. We do not know why, when we think of them, we feel of a sudden that earth is good and that it is not a burden to live” (Rand 41). Individualism is shown when Equality chooses to favor Liberty. Equality looked at her, even though there were other women in the field that day. He chooses Liberty above all the woman. Equallity shows a preference in only her, which shows individuality. To add, Equality is becoming more unruly and disobiedient by continuing to break rules. The crimes he comits involve talking to woman of other Trades, looking upon woman, and the Transgression of Preference, which is to prefer someone or something above others. Equality’s love for Liberty continues to isolate and detach him from his brothers. His love for Liberty motivates him to banish himself from his society and cut off all his ties to it.

Equality by default is an idea that has been ever present throughout philosophy. Though its name may not be the same from philosopher to philosopher, its philosophical ideals are relatively similar. Equality by default is the idea that no single act or choice is more right or wrong than another. All men are equal by nature and oneself cannot be considered better than another. Equality by default teaches that all acts, all thoughts, and all opinions are equal because it is impossible to be unequal. Ancient philosopher Plato and modern author Phillippe Beneton share a very similar opinions when it comes to equality by default.

Explain briefly what is meant by the terms equality, diversity and inclusion. Write your answers in the boxes below:

He gives extensive reasoning to why he thinks this by saying things such as, “I am a man. This miracle of me is mine to own and keep, and mine to guard, and mine to use, and mine to kneel before” (Rand 95). Equality is placing value on the individual and what they want rather than having to conform to the group. While some might say that Equality is incorrect, and he should care about the needs of a group if he wants to change the world and make it greater, this is incorrect. To change the world and make it greater you must care for the needs of individuals as well as the group. Morals such as these are what the government of America was built

He was thought that it was bad to be different but he did not care, he just wanted to show other citizens that there was more than what meets the eyes. Not only is equality an individualized thinker but he is also smart and brave. Equality makes a statement in his society by creating light and sharing the new invention with others. “We MADE IT. WE CREATED IT. We brought it forth from the night of the ages. We alone. Our hands. Our minds. Ours alone and only. We knew not what we are saying. Our head is reeling. We look upon the light which we have made” ( Rand 59). This shows that Equality made a new invention and is eventually going to show it to the council of scholars. This affects society because the council of scholars thinks that Equality is being superior to his brother. “We have much to say to a wretch who have broken all the laws and who boast of their infamy! How dared you think that your mind held greater wisdom than the minds of your brothers? And if the council had decreed that you should be a street sweeper, how dared you think that you could be of greater use to men than in sweeping the streets?” (Rand 71). This proves that no one, besides Equality wants to change society. This ties to the theme by trying to break out of the controlling society and leading into Equality standing up for individualism and for himself. In addition this concludes how the two short stories “Anthem” and “Harrison Bergeron” have different themes.

The United States has become the nation it is today due to several disputes on equality. These disputes have led to the creation of many documents that represent the equality and rights that should be given to every American. An example of two U.S seminal documents are the Economic Bill of Rights and the Brown vs. the Board of Education; these documents not only represent the fights on equality, but both authors use literary devices in order to persuade the reader that their argument is valid.

Equality is motivated by himself. He wants to invent things. He’s not doing it for fame or to try to impress the council, but for himself. He’s eager to discover and he’s curious about things and how they work. He is very passionate about his experiments and puts a lot of pride and work into them. Equality is much smarter than the rest of his society as it states “It was that the learning was too easy”(21). He dreamed of being a scholar where he can put his talents to a good use;

There is a power to individual thinking that forges new pathways that were not there before. Equality’s individual motivations lead him continuously in new paths and allowed him, to discover things that were about himself and in the

After that first step is taken, people will begin to realize the merits of their situations and therefore, begin to fight as well. This theme is evident throughout the book as the motif of individuality is so prevalent but it only really becomes clear once the main character begins to act on his beliefs. Character development also takes many large strides in this section. Equality’s actions during his meeting with the Council of Scholars were rash and perhaps even radical. Now however, we begin to see his logic in his actions. This all shows the fact that he is beginning to think for himself more than ever and is therefore becoming an individual rather than a monotonous member of the collective. This all comes back to the major conflict of the book: Equalities search for a life in which he can exhibit nonconformity and live in any way he chooses. The conflict is fully resolved after Equality and Liberty find a small house hidden from the rest of society which is from the “Unmentionable times”, a time period similar to our own which the World Council attempts to hide as best they can because it can be implied that they fear to lose power over this society. In the final few chapters of the book, Equality learns, through reading classical texts of the word ‘I’. Thus, his journey for individualism and nonconformity is completed and his conflict is resolved. Rand writes:

However, Equality has a very different view of how the city should be run. He is special, because he was born with a will and his own mind which is different than others. As Equality begins to grow and become more independent in his thoughts, he has come up with a new way the city should be run, much like the way our communities are run in the present. He wishes the city to be more free, with less danger hovering over people if the rules are broken or even just bent. Of course, just like in today’s society, some rules must carry through into Equality’s newly thought up society.

He thought for himself. He thought about what he wanted and wished for the most. He had free thought. He was different. Others viewed Equality as a disgrace. In a society where people are supposed to be equal, ironically Equality was treated unequal. He showed many divergent traits from the other people he lived with. He thought for himself by showing his passion for science and discovery. The Council of Vocations is where the people go to receive their occupations “This was the only thing which moved, for the lips of the oldest did not move as they said: ‘Street Sweeper.’"(Rand pg 29). In this quote the council is punishing Equality for being “different”. Equality's dream was to become a scholar, but since he had a love for science and was every intelligent, he was looked at as “different”. The “sin” Equality writes in the beginning also ties in with this. For example: A God is the most powerful being humans have thought of. Gods choose and rule over all, and since that the Council decides what is right for everyone in this case they are the

On Saturday, August 26, 2017, Michael Bennet, a defensive lineman for the Seattle Seahawks, was singled out and put through an awful experience with the police. Michael Bennet went to the Mayweather-McGregor fight and on his way back to his hotel, he heard gun shots. He was running to safety when police officers pointed their guns at him. The officers told him to get on the ground, placing cuffs around his wrists “so tight that my fingers went numb” (U.S. News). Michael Bennet was thrown around. Why was Michael Bennet given no rights when he is a U.S citizen? This question can cause annoyance and anger in the police system. In response to this event, Michael Bennet sat during the national anthem to draw attention to equality. Michael Bennet is devastated at how the police force controlled this issue and is trying to make a stand for equality. His tweet with his story was captioned by “Equality” (U.S. News). Michael Bennet is trying to promote equality, but with no multiculturalism or understanding, the system will fail.

Independence could loosely be defined as the state of not relying on others. It is becoming more and more prevalent in modern societies. As a teenager reaches adulthood (in most countries, at the age of 18), he or she faces more responsibilities and more decisions to make on their own. Ideally, the one approaching adulthood comes to possess, through trial and error, the ability to take care of one’s self. In my case, this progress of gaining independence started a bit earlier than usual in relation to the usual customs of my culture. My dad’s philosophy on self-reliance and “manhood” transformed me into an independent teenager which in turn led me to find a more rewarding path studying abroad in the US.

Independence as quoted from the Webster’s Encyclopedia English Dictionary, is defined as: “the state or quality of being free from influence, control, or determination of another or others.”