StalinsNotDead's Journal: Harrison Bergeron

The other day the topic of that story came up. People around the office seem to enjoy getting my opinion on things. I think some people like bitter and cynical observations.

I told them that I think the problem with that story is that peoples' sense of self-importance makes everybody who reads that identify with Bergeron...Especially people who read Vonnegut.

Then someone says "Hey! I like Vonnegut!"

Don't make me report you to the handicapper general.

*laughter*

I wasn't joking.

ya know

[stoolpigeon]

I love Vonnegut's work - and I don't relate to Bergeron. I know I'm not all that great, but that story encapsulates so much of what is great about Vonnegut- the absurdity, the tragedy, the dark humor. Man, I wish he wasn't dead and was still writing.

Re:

[StalinsNotDead]

Yeah. It was more of a friendly mean-spirited jab at a coworker. I knew that person liked Vonnegut.

It's amazing I have friends.

Re:

[stoolpigeon]

that is true for all of us- especially the technically inclined. been thinking about that a lot this week, working with some of our new summer interns.

Re:

[StalinsNotDead]

When I was growing up, my parents would tell me they're being mean because they like you. And though I figured it was hogwash, I adhere to the theory because if I didn't my entire childhood is ruined.

Re:

[Captain Splendid]

Well it's certainly true in my case. If I don't like you, I'll just ignore you. You have to be worth a damn to get my abuse.

No handicapping for me!

[Shadow Wrought]

I had to google it:-(

Not that that should really come as a surprise to anyone...

Re:

[StalinsNotDead]

Heh. I'm always degrading myself verbally. When asked why, I explain I'd rather be told I'm not as stupid as I say I am than I'm not as bright as I think I am.

Caution: mean-spirited joke potentially at your expense ahead.

I had to google it:-(

So did you see this article [slashdot.org]?

Re:

[Shadow Wrought]

Caution: mean-spirited joke potentially at your expense ahead.

I was chuckling about that as I posted;-) A friend of mine once said, "You cannot laugh at others if you can't laugh at yourself. And tehre are people just dying to be laughed at!" I try to never take myself too seriously, and I do that even more so on slashdot. So by all means, fire away!