Alison’s Comments (group member since Dec 17, 2013)

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

"Always" - Peeta. So sad. =[

I've always leaned toward republican but lately have incorporated a lot of democratic beliefs. In general, I feel the government should protect its citizen's and their basic rights. I'm willing to sacrifice some of my liberty for protection. There is a fine line and I do see the government stepping in too much in different areas. For example, everyone should have equal opportunities to learn and work; however, it shouldn't be shoved down their throats. We should get to choose our path to whatever our definition of success is. The control in the book was a bit too strong yet I didn't feel motivated to respond or do anything about it just yet.

I just might do that, Tori! Thanks for your perspective.

Am I the only person who couldn't continue with the trilogy because of the violent nature of the games? I found it too disturbing and didn't want to finish the story. I now feel compelled to try to finish it but I dread the blood, gore and violence of it.

Katniss clearly had the traits of an independent rebel or her father would've been wasting his time teaching her things she'd never use. I think he saw it in her and took full advantage of it by planting all the seeds of rebellion knowing she'd use it somehow in the future. If he had not planted the seeds, she may or may not have done things differently.

Separation definitely suppresses rebellion. If the districts had been combined, or even had good communication, they could've planned a rebellion earlier. Clearly the desire was there.
The article linked above states our society is more fragmented today. We have fewer close relationships, fewer people to confide in, etc. but I do see people reaching out to try to connect with others. We look for churches to belong to, community groups, support groups, and clubs; however, we don't find many close relationships with people we can share our struggles and heartaches with.

I didn't remember him either, but I only read the first book; however, as a parent, I just assumed her parents taught her the things she knew. I did watch the trailer someone linked above, which I assume is from one of the movies, neither of which I've seen.

I'm glad theirs no sex in it. There's enough violence to make up for the lack of sex, by today's standards. =[

First, I don't think many parents have the time to spend reading/discussing books with their children. Maybe they'd watch the movies with their children but I think most kids would go see it with their friends. As a public school teacher, I know not many families even eat dinner together, where much discussion could take place. Second, I know in my own family, where I have adopted older children from foster care, I do not like my children exposed to violence. They were exposed to too much violence in their younger years and some even developed post-traumatic stress disorder. I simply want to protect them from anymore violence for as long as possible. That being said, several of my teen boys have read the books several times despite my desires for them. They enjoy the series; however, my other sons and I haven't read or watched beyond the first book due to the violent nature of the Games. I may force myself to go further in the series just so I can know what my sons are reading and discuss accordingly.

It's important for good leaders to start out as regular citizens and return to that. It's relevant in many arenas: in education we like to have a principal that has taught and isn't far removed from the classroom in order to relate better to the teachers' needs and struggles, employees benefit from a boss who has (and may still) work among them, side-by-side. This doesn't happen in politics here nor in Hunger Games, which causes the powerful to be abhorred that much more. Their only motive was to keep their power.

Her father definitely planted the seed introducing her to life outside the Capitol and taught her everything she needs to know, not only how to survive, but fight back.

People act differently when watched. Children misbehave as soon as Mom isn't looking, or at least see how much they can get away with. Employees slackk off when the boss isn't around. People need to have a place (home?) where they are free to be themselves yet, tho, the bible calls us to hold each other accountable for our actions lest we fall into sin. We are to check on each other daily; invading privacy 24/7 is a bit extreme.
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Gal 6:1-2
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. Ecc 4:9
Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:12

I see Luke as more self-serving whereas Katniss is more altruistic, although she does serve herself in the process. I can't really identify with Luke as much in his plight.

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The survivor is supposed to be thankful for being alive when all others were sacrificed, a reminder of the Capitol's "forgiveness" for past rebellion and everyone else is supposed to be thankful for the "forgiveness".

I've always done things my own way, always proved I could do something after I was told I couldn't. Maybe it's the competitive (aka defiant) side of me. I speak out against perceived injustice pretty quickly. I've advocated for the rights of children in foster care, for example, by writing to legislative leaders; however, I'm not sure that I would go beyond peaceful protests and I do bow down to authority when it appears I will not get my way. If I see injustice and if freedom is stripped from the people to the point where people are no longer comfortable, I think I'd be on the bandwagon of revolt.

1984 is much like Hunger Games with some similar themes and many of the above books (the ones I'm familiar with, anyway) have a lone character, often a female, overcoming adversity or difficult times.

She had no other choice. In order to survive, she had to kill and, in the first book, if I remember correctly, she began by just trying to protect herself or hide and 'lay low'. Her intent was not to murder anyone.

I see the poor and homeless every day who have given up, sacrificed their freedoms, for whatever reason, either willingly or unwillingly, to be more dependent on others for their basic needs. Yet, there are elite in our society who just walk by these others, looking away as if they don't exist. I find it difficult to resolve the balance between liberty and power. I see some who live with very little freedom but have the 'security' of a free meal each day. I wonder what would cause a person to give up so much of their freedom. Some are slaves to drugs or mental illness but not all.

I have a BS in education (science and special education) and 30 credits toward a master's in chemistry. I taught science for 10 years. I am an unemployed homeschooling mom of 8 adopted children. I love teaching but hated public school. I love learning. I'm veryu methodical and organized. I have an eye for detail. I like animals and nature. I have a passion for adopting older children from foster care and sharing the Gospel. Otherwise, I really have no idea what I want to be when I grow up. =[

My favorite scene is when Katniss acknowledges Rue's death, humanity and sacrifice by placing flowers on her body and salutes.