Talk:Doctor Two-Brains/@comment-63.161.170.42-20121121161124/@comment-5281760-20121124002411

I'm glad you liked it, but honestly, I never intended for Leslie's line to be amusing. ? That is actually what the book portrays, and I feel that we as a society undermine the message so as not to see that truth reflected in our own daily culture. ? Sure, we're not slaughtering children in an area just yet, but let's face it: American society is the early stage of Panem:

The Capitol's culture: We find the pain of others (Hello, celebrities have feelings when they break up! ? Reality TV's a big one, too.) and violence (Shooting video games, anyone?) as entertainment. ? Actors and actresses pile sparkling dresses and makeup to make themselves look dazzling. ? As the 1% richest people on the planet, we overindulge and waste to the point of vulgarity. We don't believe we're filthy rich because it's so common, but compare us to the third world countries. ? Do you want to know what's one of the biggest luxuries there? ? Oranges. ? We can get? oranges? from the store for 2 dollars.

The Districts: Each district is divided by their trade (mining, agriculture, etc.) and over course of the books, have at one point rebelled against the Capitol for unfair working conditions and unjust laws. ? People, that's labor unions.

President Snow: Note that he's a dictator masquerading as a benevolent leader trying to keep the peace. ? He uses the media to brainwash the populace into support of the Hunger Games. ? He uses the districts simply for monetary gain. ? If you want to see that in reality, head to Washington, D.C. ? We believe we have power in Congress, but it's really only those with political influence. ? You've seen enough new stories about corrupt politicians to know the government has little interest in our benefits. ? Oh, and Snow also conglomerates America and Canada into one country. ? To me, that's an eerie echo of the New World Order conspiracy theory. ?

In short, while you though Leslie's comment was funny, when you analyze it, nothing's further from the truth. ? We're slowly creeping toward that dystopian dictatorship, and I can only hope I don't live long enough to see it.