Does The Community Make The Cut?

Countries today are driven by order.  Governments, no matter what form they take, share the common responsibility of keeping their country a safe place.  Unfortunatly, some governments may not conform to these qualities, as they are corrupted by the satisfaction of the power that they can come in possession with.

The purpose of government is to act as an enforcer.  A brave face or symbol that will not only protect the country from the outside, but help the citizens that live in the country.  Government must help the country evolve, strengthen, as well as better the country.  Moreover, a government must make important decisions as well as create rule and order.  Lastly, and maybe most importantly, meet the needs of people and minimize conflict.  In short, a government is the enforcer of fairness, peace, to the people of the country, and the face of strength and courage to the outside.

In Lois Lowry’s novel, The Giver, the Community’s government bends these rules.  Citizens of the Community are over-monitered.  There is no freedom of speech, no choice.  Girls must wear hair-bows until they turn nine-years-old.  This is when children recive their first bicycle.  One could argue that the government is enforcing safety and proper etiquette, but all children should grow up with the ability of expression.  The government cannot stifle that, or take it away.  Furthermore, adolescents cannot choose their profession.  Until they are twelve, they are watched over, every action taken into account by the Committee of Elders.  Then, their job, or "assignment," is chosen for them, not by them.

In light of these factors, I believe that the society in The Giver,  does not conform to or follow these rules.