Anthem- Reaction to the Novel

Now this was one freaking weird society. Or rather, one freaking weird brotherhood of man, it should probably be called. One enormous collection of lame brains with no willpower, but a programmed order of self deprecation. If society ever becomes like this, I will call it Armageddon and the Rebirth of Semi-Intelligent Life on Earth. That being said, it seems to be some fanatic religious society whose focus is to get back to the simple things in life. The really simple things. With only togas and candles, and the notion that everything else was evil, it appears to me that someone believes great advances in the world are the sources of all misery and depression. Several religious fanatics believe that science is the Devil's work and brings only evil and sin, and if that science is represented by Equality's invention then there is a little more to the story than simple fear of advancement. This can be coupled with the notion that certain extremists believe that hard work is a great sign of your faith, and that it cleanses the body. There are hints of extremist culture in here, regardless of other connotations.

But aside from that, this society is more of a society of fear and control. No one is allowed to be different, and anyone who has thoughts different from others' or acts differently from others is evil. Why the focus on evil? What is so evil in not being the exact same as everyone else? Well, perhaps we should put out a poll on that in today's world. In all likelihood, no one with half a brain or more will put out some racist comment, but the emotions and feelings may still be there. There is a great deal of intolerance for those that are different from oneself. Not everyone is a bigot, but to some degree I believe all people are most comfortable with people who are just like them, who share their interests and beliefs. Perhaps this is a strike against conformity. Quite frankly, if being different from others is evil, I would consider that a good thing. If all human beings were perfect in action and thought, then I'd still expect there to be something that can depict a flaw of some sort, because humanity is not, by any stretch of the imagination, capable of being 100% divine. That is God's job, and I doubt even He goes without trouble all the time. Evil also presents some contrast to good, and if everyone in the world was completely perfect mankind would be the most boring and dreary race on the planet. (See my segment on Fahrenheit for my contrast rant) However, people do need to stop being so fearful and intolerant of others. Racism is a major example, but even between people of the same race, religion, and shoe size there exists some level of friction. Even small differences seem to make us uneasy. We have to accept everyone, big quirks and small, all aspects of that person, not just declare them evil and move on with our lives. (Of course, most people don't see in terms of only good and evil, this is a bit of an exaggeration, but the point is clear, correct?) Besides, mankind refers to a collection of human beings. Different human beings. If mankind can be made by simply running someone through a copy machine then mankind isn't really all that descriptive and/or special.

Back to the Opus Dei factor, the Palace of Corrective Detention was the oddest form of "correctional facility" I've ever heard. Whip the guy until he passes out and then stick him in a cell until he gets the message/confesses/gives out some names. Sounds more like the Inquisition to me. That, and the fact that it's called such a fancy name. If I was in charge of that society, I would call it something more inspiring. Maybe the Palace of Pain or the Facility of Redemption or even something like House of the Evil Ones if they had to stick with something a little weakish. "Corrective Detention" sounds like a rap on the fingers and no cookies. Perhaps it refers to the "corrective facilities" our criminals go to today, with their well-prepped cells and psychiatrists. Maybe it emphasizes an irony, that in this world those who are good and have done little wrong are tortured, while in our world those that have done much wrong are treated quite respectfully. Or, to mention torture, that we really don't torture, but rather question rather forcefully utilizing measures that inflict not as much pain as death-like, nightmarish experiences. (In other words, well maybe we might have) But still, why so much mutilation? I still find the reaction of that one Scholar amusing: He shall be lashed until nothing remains to be lashed. Well I'm sure that's a fantastic way to relieve stress, but for trying to help one's fellow man, which, if I'm not mistaken, was the entire freaking point of this society, you expect him to be whipped into a fine goo? It seems that some people find it beneficial to inflict pain on others, for both the punisher and punish-ee. Either that, or they're a little too devout. Regardless, it seems a little odd to me. Still, there have been such cases in the past. There's a good chance history will repeat itself.