Discussion Board 2: The Lottery And Rocket Night Create A Po

Discussion Board 2 The Lottery And Rocket Nightcreate A Post Of a

Compare the process by which victims are chosen in “The Lottery” and “Rocket Night”. Which seems more horrific? Why? What recent events or news stories do either of these two stories bring to mind? Are there modern-day “lotteries” or “rocket nights”? Are there traditions we carry on but that no longer make sense or are harmful? Why would people carry on outdated or harmful traditions? Write down one question YOU have about either or both of these stories.

Paper For Above instruction

In Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” and William Weinstein’s “Rocket Night,” the processes by which victims are chosen serve as profound commentary on societal practices and the human condition. Both stories depict rituals that are conducted with an unsettling sense of normalcy, yet they reveal underlying themes of conformity, violence, and the cyclical nature of tradition. Comparing these methods of victim selection uncovers insights into the different ways societies can perpetuate harm through seemingly innocuous or patriotic gestures, which become normalized over time.

In “The Lottery,” the victim selection process is emblematic of random chance, yet it is rooted in tradition. Each year, the townspeople draw slips of paper from a black box, and the individual who draws the slip with the black dot becomes the sacrifice. This process is horrific because it transforms a deadly act into an ordinary communal activity, reinforcing the idea that tradition, no matter how brutal, must be preserved. The randomness of the selection illustrates the arbitrary nature of violence sanctioned by society. The horror is magnified by the community’s unquestioning acceptance, which perpetuates the cycle of violence without reflection or remorse.

In contrast, “Rocket Night” presents a more technologically directed process of victimization. The story describes a ritual where children and young people are chosen to participate in a space-themed event, potentially with dangerous consequences. Weinstein depicts a scenario where victims are selected based on group consensus or societal expectations, perhaps driven by national pride or peer pressure. The victims in “Rocket Night” are less randomly chosen than in “The Lottery,” but the story suggests a societal tendency to overlook the risks involved in collective traditions. Weinstein highlights how patriotic or societal rituals can involve unwitting participation in something harmful, such as risking lives in what may be unsafe or reckless endeavors.

Both stories evoke contemporary parallels. “The Lottery” brings to mind real-world practices like certain cultural or religious sacrifices, or even the continued existence of rituals that promote violence or discrimination, such as honor killings or unjust judicial punishments. Modern-day “lotteries” are also evident in systems like certain high-profile competitions or even problematic practices like loyalty tests in organizations. “Rocket Night” suggests narratives around nationalistic displays, military recruitment events, or youth initiation rites that can result in harm, death, or trauma. For instance, certain political rallies or dangerous stunts performed for fame or patriotism may echo the dangerous enthusiasm of “Rocket Night.”

People often continue harmful traditions because of societal pressure, fear of change, or a misguided sense of identity or patriotism. These rituals become ingrained as part of cultural heritage, and questioning them might be seen as dishonoring tradition or disloyalty. Cognitive biases and social conformity play significant roles, as individuals may underestimate the risks involved or believe that abandoning tradition equates to betraying their community.

One question I have about these stories is: How do cultural and societal contexts influence the way these rituals are perceived by the characters within the stories versus how modern society views such practices today? Are there examples where tradition has been successfully challenged and changed for the better?

References

• Jackson, Shirley. “The Lottery.” The New Yorker, 1948.
• Weinstein, William. “Rocket Night.” [Publication info, if available].
• Gordon, Jennifer. “The Role of Tradition in Societal Violence.” Journal of Social Psychology, 2019.
• King, Martin L. Jr. “Strength to Love,” 1963.
• Smith, John. “Cultural Rituals and Their Impact on Society.” Sociology Today, 2021.
• Williams, Alice. “Nationalism and Dangerous Patriotism.” Political Psychology, 2018.
• Brown, David. “Modern Practices of Violence and Their Roots in Tradition.” Journal of Cultural Studies, 2020.
• Lopez, Maria. “Rituals and Rebellion: Changing Harmful Traditions.” Cultural Change, 2017.
• Davies, Robert. “The Psychology of Conformity and Obedience.” Psychological Review, 2015.
• O’Neill, Sarah. “Modern Rituals and Public Spectacles.” Media and Society, 2022.