Are We Hungry?

Christi Johnson

November 27, 2012

Are We Hungry?

Word Count: 551

 

                Since the beginning of culture, society has engaged in power plays to advance. So often the power of the leader is obvious whereas the power of the people becomes a muted notation. “Attendance at munera subjected emperors to pressure from the people (Emperors and Gladiators, Thomas Wiedemann)…” This leads me to ask, “What are we hungry for?” Is it not a statement of what society desires to see a rapid rise in the attendance of Reality Television Shows? What need within our society does this satiate?

                The value placed on the Roman Arenas and the Hunger Games is the same as I see it. Presented clearly is the element of control, the need for absolute power. However, an Emperor is only as strong as the people’s acceptance of him. The Roman people had a hunger a good emperor was obligated to fulfill. “An emperor…might be criticized either for being too interested in the games, or not interested enough (Emperors and Gladiators, Thomas Wiedmann)…”

                Throughout history a need to conquer, to feel superior has presented itself over centuries of different culture, different time. I think the emotions of superiority need to be approached steadfastly. It is in this pompous ego driven vision that makes it allowable to watch “lesser” mortals die. In the beginning of the Hunger Games, we see the dichotomy presented between those in the Capitol and those in the outlying districts. The system derived for the games is what made those in the Capitol feel justified in their murderous behavior. You can directly relate this mentality to the emotions of the Romans toward the slaves that fought in the Arena.

                Identity and social class play a large role in society in general. The view we have of our particular class or societal stance can be seen to allow room for abuse of someone “lesser” than you. Justification of one’s behavior becomes easier when some feel entitled to be above and beyond those in lesser classes or certain societal groupings. Katniss exhibits a masterful level of skill in handling the mentality of those monitoring and being entertained by the games. Ultimately, it is through this level of understanding that she was able to exit alive.

                Our Western culture especially has become enthralled with death and violence in video games, reality shows and other digital media. I feel that though this is not new in society by any stretch of the imagination, I do feel the ease of digital access has made it too readily available. I feel also that in our working family lives, younger children have access to such media. I believe this to have a very desensitizing effect on our youth in regards to death and violence.

                “…The ritual performance in the arena was a means of Imperial control (Blood in the Arena, Allison Futrell)…” In the Hunger Games, the Capitol retained control on the people by subjugating them to the games including their names being added to the pot for things such as need of grain. “…it’s hard not to resent those who don’t have to sign up for tesserae (Hunger Games, p. 13).” Katniss has been entered twenty times by the age of sixteen and Gale forty two times by the age of eighteen. Again, by the construct of those in power, those who are “lesser” are being punished for their lack of status in life.

                The beauty of the Hunger Games is that Katniss gains the upper hand in the end. She has the berries and is intending for both of them to eat. Although Peta does not understand at first, he trusts her. The Game-makers cannot allow both survivors to die. This was a dangerous move on Katniss’ part but she played her precarious ace and won. “How often have I seen them ringed around our kitchen table, and I thought, ‘Why don’t they leave? Why do they stay to watch?’ And now I know. It’s because you have no choice (Hunger Games, p. 348).”