Conformity In Ponies And Harrison Bergeron

Introduction:
In the dystopian short stories "Ponies" by Kij Johnson and "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut, the theme of individuality in oppressive societies is explored. "Ponies" presents a society where young girls are transformed into ponies as a form of punishment for nonconformity. "Harrison Bergeron" depicts a world where everyone is forced to be equal by handicapping those with exceptional abilities. Both stories examine the consequences of conforming to societal expectations and highlight the importance of maintaining one's unique qualities. However, they differ in their portrayal of the effects of conformity on individuals. This essay will compare and contrast the ways in which "Ponies" and "Harrison Bergeron" address the theme

In "Ponies," the young girls who fail to conform to the rules of their society are transformed into ponies. This transformation strips them of their individuality and forces them into a life of submissiveness and obedience. The story states, "And that's why the ponies live in stables, to keep them from running away and being naughty, because if they were naughty they wouldn't get to have friends, just as if they were naughty when they were little girls" (Johnson). This quote emphasizes how conformity is enforced through punishment and isolation, denying the girls the chance to express their unique qualities. Similarly, in "Harrison Bergeron," those who possess exceptional abilities are handicapped to ensure equality. The story reveals, "George, while his intelligence was way above normal, had a little mental handicap radio in his ear. He was required by law to wear it at all times" (Vonnegut). This demonstrates the suppression of individuality and the elimination of any advantages that could make a person stand out. Both stories illustrate the severe consequences individuals face when they deviate from societal

In "Ponies," the transformed girls are depicted as being content with their new pony identities. They willingly conform to the expectations placed upon them and find a sense of belonging within their transformed state. The story states, "Every so often, there's a pony with you that you don't like, and she just stays that way. But most of the time you have a pony that you can be friends with" (Johnson). This suggests that conformity is not seen as a burden or a loss of identity but rather as an opportunity for connection and companionship. On the other hand, "Harrison Bergeron" portrays the detrimental effects of conformity. The story follows the character Harrison, who rebels against the handicapping system in an act of defiance. His actions reveal the oppressive nature of conformity and the inherent desire for personal expression. The story concludes tragically with Harrison being killed by the government, highlighting the consequences of challenging societal expectations. Unlike "Ponies," "Harrison Bergeron" emphasizes the negative impact of conformity on individuals and the suppression of personal