Kurt Vonnegut’s 1961 short story “Harrison Bergeron” stands apart as one of dystopian literature’s most poignant works, making up for its brevity in striking social commentary. The tale is set in the United States, year 2081. The newly ratified 211th, 212th, and 213th constitutional amendments demand that all men be equalized — nobody is allowed to be stronger, smarter, or more beautiful than anybody else. It’s a prescient tale that has much to say about our current struggle over equality and liberty, especially in the debate about transgender athletes in women’s sports.
