Answer:
The point of "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut is to satirize the idea of equality taken to an extreme, as well as the government's tendency to enforce conformity and suppress individuality. The target of Vonnegut's satire is the dystopian society in which the story takes place, where all citizens are forced to be equal in every way, including intelligence, strength, and beauty. This is achieved through the use of handicaps, such as earpieces that emit distracting noises for those with above-average intelligence, weights for those with above-average strength, and masks for those with above-average beauty.
Vonnegut is making fun of the idea that equality should be the ultimate goal of society, even if it means suppressing individuality and potential. He suggests that such extreme measures would only lead to a society that is stagnant, dull, and lacks creativity. For example, the character of George Bergeron, who is forced to wear a mental handicap radio, is described as having "a mind that was like a room where there are all the furniture fixed and upset in the same way" (Vonnegut 2). This illustrates the negative effects of enforcing equality on intellectual and creative potential.
Furthermore, Vonnegut satirizes the government's oppressive control over the citizens, as seen through the use of the Handicapper General and her agents who enforce the handicaps. The story suggests that the government's obsession with conformity and control can lead to a loss of individual freedoms and a lack of diversity in society. This is shown through the character of Harrison, who represents the potential for individuality and creativity that is suppressed by the government.
Overall, Vonnegut is satirizing the idea of forced equality and the government's tendency to enforce conformity at the expense of individuality and creativity. He warns against the dangers of a society that values equality above all else and suggests that diversity and individuality are essential for a healthy and vibrant society.