"Harrison Bergeron" & Dystopian Lit Vocabulary

cower

to draw back in fear

luminous

bright; brilliant

reeled

revolved quickly and repeatedly around one's own axis

grackle

a blackbird with a harsh

consternation

a confused amazement or fear

neutralizing

reducing the effect of

impediment

something that stands in one's way; an obstacle

vigilance

alert attention; watchfulness

synchronizing

matching the timing of

calibrated

marked with measurements

Dystopia

A futuristic society characterized by oppressive control and the illusion of a perfect world, often highlighting flaws in current societal trends or political systems.

Propaganda

Information, especially biased or misleading, used to promote a particular political cause or point of view, often to manipulate the beliefs of citizens.

Surveillance

The monitoring of behavior and activities, typically by a government or organization, to maintain control over citizens and prevent dissent.

Dehumanization

The process of depriving individuals or groups of human qualities or dignity, often leading to a loss of individuality and empathy.

Conformity

The act of aligning attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to match those of the majority or societal expectations, often at the expense of individuality.

Eutopia

an imagined community or society that possesses highly desirable or near-perfect qualities for its members.

Ideology

A system of ideas and ideals, especially one that forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy, often enforced in a dystopian society through authoritarian regimes.