Jeffrey’s Comments (group member since Dec 13, 2013)

Jeffrey’s comments from the On Tyrants & Tributes : Real World Lessons From The Hunger Games group.

The article, "How Glorious Fall the Valiant: 'Careers' as Spartan Warriors", reminds me of Plato's Allegory of the Cave from The Republic. This is because it is incredibly hard to tell someone what they see/believe/learn is completely wrong. Back to the Hunger Games series, regardless of the district and whether or not the citizens were happy, they believed there would be consequences if they openly defied the government, regardless of the blatant oppression. The greatest threat of force is the threat itself. The citizens within the districts keep each other in check, because of the belief that there will be punishment for defiance.

The article, "Gifts of the Gods", reminds me of Machiavelli's the Prince. When a ruler is deciding between being loved vs. being feared, Machiavelli says that it is better to be feared. He goes on to say that it is never good to strictly attempt to be feared, but it is always good to show some charitable work. This is clearly what the capitol is doing. The idea of granting the winner of the games riches and spoils for life, allows the people to believe that the Capitol isn't devoid of goodness. The people in the career districts are led to believe that it is a privilege to fight in the games, because of the possibility of winning and never having to work again.

I'm a senior in college. I'm hoping to attend law school so that I may become an attorney to fight against our oppressive government. I'd also like to teach at some level at some point.

Similar to Joshua's comment.... One government, two systems. There is a different set of laws/standards that the capitol(big government and insiders) enjoys compared to the oppressive set of laws/standards the districts(the masses) abide by.

SPOILER ALERT: I would have said the speech Katniss give to Rue's family, but since that was already said....

SPOILER ALERT: When Woody Harrelson *cough* Haymitch steps in to help Katniss and Peeta stop Romulus from whipping Gale. From what I remember, this is the first time Haymitch seemed to give a damn about someone other than himself.