The Lottery and Harrison Bergeron People who hold power in society often have the ability to influence the practice of certain traditions. These traditions can influence what a citizen has the right to do. Nowadays, life without freedom and fundamental rights seems unthinkable. However, in Shirley Jackson's “The Lottery” and Kurt Vonnegut's “Harrison Bergeron” this is the reality. Old Man Warner and the Handicapper General show that people in positions of authority encourage outdated traditions that ultimately lead to harming innocent people. Old Man Warner, an important person in the society, claims that villagers continue to participate in the dated lottery tradition. The result of this was that an innocent citizen of the village was injured. While the drawing and calling of names for the lottery is taking place, "They say," said Mr. Adams to old Warner, who stood beside him, "that in the north village they are talking about giving up the lottery." .' Old Warner snorted. “A bunch of crazy people,” he said. «Listening to young people, for them there is nothing that is good. Next thing you know, they'll want to go back to living in caves, no one works anymore, they live like this for a while. There was a saying that "June lottery, corn will be heavy soon." First we would all eat stewed chickweed and acorns. There has always been a lottery," he added petulantly (Jackson 4). This is important because it shows that Old Man Warner supports the lottery and what it entails. According to him the lottery has been around for a long time and therefore there is no need to banish it. This shows that Old Man Warner is reluctant to change that people in society will listen to him because of his status as "sage... middle of the paper..." Moon Glampers prevent society from progressing by encouraging these practices. Due to her level of authority, the citizens clearly have no choice but to obey her. The end result of these practices is innocent lives like Harrison Bergeron's and that of the Empress being taken away and her parents being left emotionally hurt and pained. .People in positions of authority like Old Man Warner and the Handicap General encourage outdated traditions that ultimately lead to innocent people getting bad. Aspects of ancient traditions, people with power and their effects on society are explored. It is clear that living in places with substandard governments, with excessive control over people and forced to comply with inadequate and long-standing practices, reflects a dystopian society. Citizens can be left vulnerable both physically and emotionally, even when they have done nothing wrong.