Shirley Jackson The Lottery

Traditions: Relevance Unclear to Their Purpose Since the turn of the century and the creation of new innovations in technology, families across the world have seen the ownership of televisions and other electronics as signs of success. CBS News writer, Greg Anrig comments on the usage of technology--specifically televisions--in the American home, as they have practically taken over the role of a babysitter in the common American household (Anrig). As the usage of the television has increased in the home more research has been conducted on the effects it has on children. Michael Lasalandra of The Boston Herald explained the effect TV has on children’s health, “families that usually eat meals while watching TV eat fewer fruits and vegetables and more junk food than those who dine with the set turned off” (Lasalandra). Just as the new “norm” of watching television while having dinner or having televisions in most children’s bedrooms, is commonly accepted; the consequences of these practiced must also be reviewed. In the short story, “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, a small

This twisted world represents a how blinded we can become by traditions and this can ultimately lead to the loss of great relationships. After Tessie won the lottery, her family and friends turned on her and stoned her to death without having a valid reason to do so. However the event of the lottery resulted in the unity of the town as they helped one another in preparing for the lottery and during the time of the stoning. This tight grasp on tradition can give families and communities a common connection; my family always eats tamales and reads the Christmas story every Christmas Eve. This tradition is an outward act of showing others that we are a family and belong together. If the town were to eradicate the lottery there would be no defining factors to show others they were an individual