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__Using a Critical Lens to Assess Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins __  Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, is a Young Adult Science Fiction novel that raises a plethora of social questions and concerns drenched in social satire. The book also serves as a warning for the future, forcing readers to ask questions such as, “could this happen to us if we don’t change something about our society?”, and “what could we do to avoid a civilization like the one in Hunger Games?” It also makes readers question if maybe instead of a warning, the novel serves as a wakeup call—maybe our current society is not so unlike the one on its pages? It is these very questions that make The Hunger Games a compelling read that will resonate with readers long after they place the book on their shelves.

In terms of social satire, I was immediately struck by how the book reminded me of CBS’ long-running hit reality television series, Survivor. In the show, contestants are isolated in the wilderness and compete for cash prizes, rewards, and though no one comes out and admits it: fame. The basic concept of the show aligns with the essence of The Hunger Games, albeit, there is no strategizing to literally kill the other contestants, although, they do aim to figuratively “kill”, or eliminate, the others to win the game. What it boils down to is that they are both fantastical, televised- Darwinian- quests to teach harsh lessons, and ultimately, entertain the television audiences. In both cases, even if people are suffering, in discomfort or pain, the audiences are all the more intrigued. Yes, in a sense it makes for compelling television, as dramatic and tragic storylines always do, but the question is, how far will reality television shows go? How much is too much? And at what cost to the participants? At what cost to culture? These are all pertinent questions that The Hunger Games raises.

Another satirical moment came when Katniss had to go to a stylist before The Hunger Games begins. After she’s been washed, waxed, and buffed, like a new car—evidence of how she’s treated like a thing-- Flavius tells her that only now does she almost look like a human being (62). Katniss even admits that though the Games aren’t billed as a beauty contest, in a way they indirectly are, as the best-looking ones always get more sponsors (58). This comment in particular, reminds me of reality television, and all of pop culture, and how they put the most controversial, deplorable trash on air, just draw more sponsors, which equal more dollar signs. Good taste, morals, values, and every wholesome quality imaginable, is sacrificed for more cash flow. Additionally, Katniss says, “Most of the stylists they interview on television are so dyed, stenciled, and surgically altered they’re grotesque” (63). This comment is a jab at celebrities and those who occupy the superficial lifestyle of the rich and famous, and those who star on reality television shows. The messages that both societies send the public about appearances are highly skewed. Katniss’ experiences with the stylists only drive this point home more.

Another though-provoking passage came in Chapter 3 when Gale and Katniss were discussing the differences between hunting animals and hunting humans, only to realize that maybe the two ideas weren’t so different after all. Katniss admits, “The awful thing is that if I can forget they’re people, it will be no different at all” (48). This realization is fitting for our times, which are rife with disagreements, prejudices, hate, terrorism, wars, and killing. Katniss’ comment makes me look inward and question if we, as humans, have become so desensitized to killing and the beauty of human life that we sometimes view the enemy, in whatever scenario, not as human, but as animals? Do we purposely forget? Just as in The Hunger Games, are people’s feelings, beliefs, backgrounds, and families considered when we go off to war, or when we feel prejudices and argue and fight, or is a victory the only thing on our minds? Do we forget the sanctity of life? Are we so focused on a black and white goal that we forget to consider what lies in the gray areas? Are we so focused on what is wrong about people that we forget what is right about them?

Books like The Hunger Games that raise vital questions, stir the societal pot, and cause reader’s to turn a mirror on themselves and think of the role they play in society and what they can do to improve the status quo, are the kind of books that are crucial for young adults, and the rest of us, to be reading today.      