The Hunger Games - Political Statement

[alfsauve]

Well, no I'm not making a political statement.   I'm wondering what the Hunger Games are saying.

Haven't seen the movie, but am reading the book.  Sort of required reading since it is so popular with the tween and teen sets.  And since I produce videos and live productions it's best I keep up with what's popular (to an extent).

I'm only half way through...the game is just 3 days old, and I don't know how it ends so don't spoil it.   I'm reflecting on what this book says politically.

Gun control.  Nay, weapon control is obviously to keep the "subjects" from ever even thinking about rebelling.   Possession of even a bow and arrow is punishable by death.    Yet they don't question how some of the "gamers" have become proficient with swords or bow/arrow.

Everything in this apparently totalitarian system (apparent, because we don't know a lot about the political system in the capital), is about controlling the population and keeping them submissive.  Little medical care.  Low levels of food supplies.   The "people" live in a primitive lifestyle, yet society, back in the capital is very technologically advanced.

Wonder if others have read this and have given thought to it's underlying message.

[Timothy]

It's a novel written for young folks Alf.  I wouldn't read too much into the overall plot line.

When my daughter thinks it's a good read, I don't bother....I grew up reading Poe, Twain, Bradbury, Vonnegut, Dickens, Heller and King among dozens of other fine authors and have a difficult time reading some of the drivel that's in the bookstores these days.  I much prefer a good techno thriller from Clancy or Coontz.

I'll spend a buck on the flick when it hits the Redbox...

[twyacht]

Your just a big kid at heart alf. I won't spoil it, but your on the right track and summary. My 17 year old son is up with the books, and since the apple don't fall far from the tree,... He knows where the cache and stash is....

Standing orders in my absence:

click the skip ad button.

[Solus]

Maybe don't worry about the plot or inconsistencies. 

Instead, what lesson is given in the spirit and strength of the "heroes".  What lessons are given by what they do, how they do it and what their success and failure mean.

If the kids love the books/movies, they will want to be like the heroes.  Are the heroes what we would want our kids to be?

[alfsauve]

TIMOTHY:   While it's aimed at middle high, the appeal is through early 20's.  Especially the girls, with all the love stuff.    It's very influential this spring with a wide swath of "kids".    I'm a little burned out on Koontz, Clancy, et. al,  for the time being, so this is a nice diversion and it brings me up-to-date with the kids "lingo".   "Careers" and the MockingJay pendant, etc.






SOLUS:  The hero and love/loyalty/sacrifice are obvious, at least to me.  And that may be the great takeaway most kids are getting from the book.  She for her sister, he for his unrequited love of her.

I see deeper into the book.  It is set in a post apocalyptic North America with one possible scenario of the future.  So far not a lot about any "resistance".   Am interested how book one ends.   Also interested in finding out more about the political structure within the capital and the extent of their technology.

I can see how the "action" part of the book was easy to make into a movie.  It comprises less than 25% of the book.  The rest being the heroin's thoughts and ruminations.   I fear a lot of the "hero" part will be lost to the action theme.

When I read (yes read) Godfather, shortly after it came out, I was struck with the whole loyalty to "family" thing.  It impressed me greatly to the extent that I tried to ingrain it to my children.     I wonder how impressionable minds will respond to this book.  How will they (will they) prepare for disasters or apocalypse?   How will they respond it that should happen? 

Oh all sorts of fodder for social/psychological  studies.  Should keep grad students and tenured professors busy for many years to come.

[Sponsor]

[Timothy]

I made a failed attempt at getting my kid to read when she was in junior and senior HS.  Because of my youth and reading all the classics, major American and English authors and studying the same in school, I figured she'd be just like me and for a time she was.  I remember how proud she was when as a little girl showing me she was "reading a chapter book, Daddy!"...   

Today, she reads several books a month and has a Kindle Fire she got from her Bo!  The stuff she reads are not my cup o tea but she's reading, learning, thinking, stirring the brain up and enjoying herself.  That's more than I could ask for.  Someday she'll stumble on the Grapes of Wrath or A Tell Tale Heart, maybe even Catcher in the Rye or Lord of the Flies!  Long ago and far away, that was required reading in public schools!

Today, the wizard kid with the funny glasses and a stick replaces Tolkien.  Kinda sad in a way...and certainly it shows in our society!

Enjoy your read...I'm going to the library tomorrow...   

[tombogan03884]

Alf, If you are burned out on Koontz and Clancy, I suggest anything by Vince Flynn, but in order the first 3 are
Transfer of Power
The third Option
Separation of Power

For what seem to be really good westerns about Mountain Men try William W. Johnstone
I just read the first 2 in a series and they were pretty good, the second one was much better than the first.
The Last Mountain Man
Blood on the Divide
The main character, "Preacher" is as good a character as any of LaMour's Sackett characters.

[JovanS]

Alf, If you are burned out on Koontz and Clancy, I suggest anything by Vince Flynn, but in order the first 3 are
Transfer of Power
The third Option
Separation of Power

For what seem to be really good westerns about Mountain Men try William W. Johnstone
I just read the first 2 in a series and they were pretty good, the second one was much better than the first.
The Last Mountain Man
Blood on the Divide
The main character, "Preacher" is as good a character as any of LaMour's Sackett characters.

If you're into the political aspect of the book, may I suggest "Ameritopia: The Unmaking of America" by Mark Levin. 

[jaybet]

There's always "Idiocracy".

[1911 Junkie]

I made it through chapter 1.