This statement made by the chief elder reflects the flaws that can exist in a Totalitarian system. Twelves do not choose what they want to be in The Giver. Rather, they are assigned roles. Children like Jonas are chosen not assigned, because they are called to be something much greater than the average child in the society. Families are put together based on compatibility. The council of elders decides who will be released. While the society seems perfect, errors in judgment can occur. The people who make these decisions are in the minority in the society, yet they are the leaders and are not held accountable for their bad decisions. Yet individual members of the society are denied this freedom- the right to choose!
Should all countries be democratic thus allowing citizens to risk errors in judgement OR does the Totalitarian system presented in chapters 1 to 8, show us a less chaotic world despite the mistakes elders may make in judgement? Find evidence in chapters 1 to 8 that supports your views.
Should all countries be democratic thus allowing citizens to risk errors in judgement OR does the Totalitarian system presented in chapters 1 to 8, show us a less chaotic world despite the mistakes elders may make in judgement? Find evidence in chapters 1 to 8 that supports your views.
The totalitarian system presented in the first eight chapters of the novel shows us a less chaotic world despite the mistakes the elders make. Jonas mentioned that it was against the rules to hide emotions, imagine how many misunderstandings could be avoided if we had this rule in our society or how much faster these misunderstandings could be solved- Lily better understood the visiting male after she expressed her feelings, she was no longer angry. Another rule that was mentioned in the novel was that food was to be eaten and not hoarded, this rule ensures that people only eat what is necessary and that there will always be enough for everyone since no one is getting more than another, it deals with obesity as no one eats in excess and also starvation as everyone gets the necessary amount. The elders also assign jobs to everyone, this ensures that everyone’s future is secure if they don’t commit any major infractions; so in their society no one is unemployed and have a place to live. These are just a few examples of how their society is less chaotic and without many of the problems we face.
ReplyDelete-Adeola Xavier
DeleteI do agree with Adeola in the sense that the totalitarian system creates less chaos.But on the other hand i believe that people should have the right to choose.For example,how much food you eat,or what aspects of your dream you relay to your family members.
Delete-Meekalys Louis
DeleteHonestly,i feel as if the totalitarian system presented in chapters 1 to 8 shows us a less chaotic world because it eliminates all the problems in our modern day society.The only downfall of the community is the giver.I believe if you are to eradicate first world problems then you should be gone with all of them and not leave them in the hands of someone who is said to be the wisest.For instance what will happen if by some twist of fate the giver would want to change the rules of the community.-Meekalys Louis
ReplyDeleteThey cannot get rid of all the memories(problems) or the Giver because they play a very crucial role. Without our memories we cannot make certain decisions, eg: if you did not have the memory of fire being hot and can burn us, how will you know to not touch it again? So his job is to advise them because they don’t have any past experiences to guide them. In truth you cannot get rid of all those memories and feelings because without them you would not know how to move forward. An example of this is shown in the novel when the plane flew over the community and asked the giver for advice, with the help of the memories he was able to lead them to a peaceful decision, without those memories he would be of no use and they would have acted rashly.
DeleteI agree with this statement
DeleteThe Giver presents a clever twist on this totalitarian theme. In the fictional tale,every material need is met. They are in a world where all human misery has been eliminated. There is no rage,no war,no wealth and no poverty. But at a cost. There is also no music,no art,no literature,no beauty. And no memory:Just to be safe,all memories are the possession of a lone individual. In this setting the human spirit is almost extinguished and there is no autonomy. Dispite these restrictions,none of the citizens question their lives. They follow the rules,assume the Elders are wise,and move lockstep from year to year. As a result,the ruling body stays comfortably in power unlike our democratic society.
Delete~Zahra
I agree with this statement. But the people of the community should be able to express they're selves and they should not have them As robots
DeleteI partly agree with this statement, and i say partly because yes the citizens of the totalitarian system are shielded from the problems that we face in a democracy but at the same time they are being manipulated to do what ever they are told to by the Elders without question. And I feel like the citizens of this system should not live the way in which they do.
DeleteI too, agree with this statement.
DeleteThe original response made on September 23rd was made by Adeola Xavier
DeleteMiss the 4th response is laced liverpool.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI cannot find it in myself to agree with you.How is there no room for error in a totalitarian state?Are we forgetting the fact that ten years prior to Jonas' selection a previous giver was chosen?What happened to him/her.I might be a little far fetched on this one ,but she was to overwhelmed with all the memories.You are correct that on a democracy the government allows us to make our own mistakes and learn from them.But by saying this you are simply contradicting yourself,believe it or not,leading form ones own mistakes is the best way to learn.
Delete~Kimani Corbette
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI concur with this statement.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
Deletealthough the totalitarian system presented in chapters one to eight shows us a less chaotic approach to government,a democratic system which allows their citizens to make their own mistakes and judgements,is in my opinion the best approach.Unlike what we observe in the novel,people should live freely and have their own decision on matters such as how much food they eat,and how much affection they display towards family members.It is also in my sole belief that 'stirrings' should be expressed freely,and attraction to the opposite sex should not be limited to a pill.It is also in my sole belief that all memories weather good or bad should not only fall soon one person (i.e the Giver).In the novel we are shown how much the giver suffers on a daily bases when he remembers certain events.Placing all the hurt upon him is just unfair.What about the rest of the community?Do they simply operate like a robots and not learn from their mistakes?In the novel the community members not having the right to choose the job they wish to have is also something I disagree with.Yes,the decision made by the council is very well thought out,but what happens when the make and improper judgement.Even when the people are that with their assigned task,it is very rare that their assignment is changed.Relese ,much like what we refer to as capital punishment is also another aspect of the totalitarian system displayed in the first eight chapters that I do not agree with.something so simple as reading your directions incorrectly like flying over the community costs one this life.It is just plain unfair that one mistake can end you:literally.I
ReplyDelete~Kimani Corbette
I completely agree with the point that you have proven. A democratic system is simply suitable for most states.
DeleteLianet Rodriguez Toledo
DeleteAlthough I may have a different opinion from you, I totally get your point and respect your believes even though they are different from mine
I totally agree with this statement. It is not right to take someone's life just because of a mistake -Julissa
DeleteI don't agree because if the people of the community had a change of ways it would bring chaos. Also the elders of the community feel that they have the right because it is a totalitarian community. Though the author left the question unanswered in the novel it doesn't say that the people of the community use hot surfaces to be burnt
ReplyDeleteAnnylah
DeleteThe choosing isn't important because when we are young many of the older ones around us can have a slight glimpse of what our future might be so they tell what subjects to do in school. Due to the way that it is presented,so the choosing isn't important.
ReplyDeleteAnnylah Esprit
DeleteI don't agree with the totalitarian system. I believe there should be room for mistakes in a country or community. And the fact that is only certain people that can make mistakes is not fair or right.
ReplyDelete-laveda liverpool
DeleteI believe that all countries should be democratic instead of being a totalitarian system like the one depicted in chapters one to eight in "The Giver." I say this because while the totalitarian system may appear as perfect, it really is not. People's lives should not be controlled by their leaders, they should be allowed to make their own decisions. In the novel we see how the citizens have to apply for marriage and for children, these things should happen naturally. The citizens should be able to fall in love and birth their own children. In the totalitarian system the citizens are assigned an occupation instead of pursuing one they choose. In my opinion people should be able to make their own choices. Whether its about how you dress, who you marry, or what occupation you choose. This system also kills its citizens for nonsensical reasons. People should be able to learn from their mistakes instead of being killed for them. It is obvious that democratic systems are not exemplary, but I think it is much better than the totalitarian system portrayed in chapters one to eight.
ReplyDeleteI comply with this statement.
DeleteI agree with Zariel’s statement.
DeleteIn my opinion i think that all countries should be democratic thus allowing citizens to risk errors in judgement my reason being the only way you can learn whether or not something is right or wrong is by having experience. I mean even though elders may make their own mistakes in judgement according to the totalitarian system presented by the giver, the people in a community should have their own experiences and see things for themselves rather than have someone tell them. That way they can see where they have made a mistake and hence learn from it. I know it is not very bad after all, having a totalitarian system but how are the young children supposed to know that the community elders are true even if the totalitarian system conditions them to? Evidence in the novel states that a household should have no more than (2) two children; one boy one girl, as opposed to a democratic system a household can have more than two children. The democratic system therefore gives them the advantage of what having more than two children per household would feel like.
ReplyDeleteI think that all countries should be democratic instead of being totalitarian system like the one presented in chapters 1-8. I feel this way because the totalitarian system in chapters 1-8 may appear to be perfect but in truth it is not. The citizens in the chapters Do whatever the elders say without any inquiries. Whereas in a democratic system citizens are allowed to voice their opinions. In the novel we clearly see how the citizens are not allowed to make choices of their own, they are told who to marry, they are told what occupations they should have, and they have to apply for children. These things should be decided by the people but instead they are manipulated into doing things that their superiors say to do. I believe that people should be able to speak out against things and not be controlled like robots. In the totalitarian system people are being killed for unnecessary reasons. For example twins are not allowed in the community so one twin has to be released to maintain the perfect society, making mistakes is Another reason why citizens are released. The people should be able to learn their mistakes instead of being killed for them. The twins should be embraced in the community instead of being dismissed from the eyes of the community. It is plain to see that the democratic system is not the best but I would choose it over the totalitarian system any day.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the totalitarian system shows us a less chaotic world i believe people should have control over certain aspects of their life . They should be able to choose their spouse or the amount of children they desire. In the novel the people of the community do not have such privileges,instead they are obliged to a wife or husband and are told that there should be two children per household, that is a male and female. Furthermore the choice of occupation should be yours and not someonelse's decision to make for you, at the ceremony the twelve's were all assigned roles or responsibilities by the superiors not giving a thought about whether the individual is pleased with the assigned role or not. I believe the democratic system is more favorable in countries than the totalitarian system.In the democratic system people have freedom of choice to live their lives as they please whereas the totalitarian system aims at creating a system of order however this infringe on the rights of its members.
ReplyDelete~Khae-leanne Shillingford
DeleteI believe that all countries should be democratic this allowing citizens to risk errors in judgements. Though the totalitarian system represented in chapters 1-8 shows us a less chaotic world despite the mistakes elders may make in judgement. I strongly believe that some of the decisions made in a totalitarian state could be slightly unnecessary for example, in chapter one when the pilot was released for making the mistake of flying over the community and causing fear. It is quite normal for humans to make mistakes and feel these types of emotions and besides he was just a Pilot-in-Training. It was also stated in chapter two about the naming of the children. In my opinion I think that the parents should be the ones to name their children instead of thinking that it is alright for someone else to do it. In addition to,chapter eight was where different jobs were assigned to the individuals. Why should jobs have to be handed to people? Everyone should have the choice to pick what they aspire to be in life.
ReplyDelete-Jamille Guye
I totally disagree with miss Guye because even though humans are to make mistakes sometimes very small mistakes cause very big problems in a community therefore I believe a totalitarian system is the best way for people to live so that they would be safe and peaceful
DeleteLianet Rodriguez Toledo
ReplyDeleteThe Totalitarian system presented in chapters 1 to 8 in the novel showed us a less chaotic world despite the mistakes the elders make. It was mentioned in the novel-and I quote-"food is to be eaten not hoarded". This rule is meant to battle against starvation, providing each member of the community with the sufficient amount of food and each member also gets the right amount of nutritional value that they need.Another related rule is that after each meal the family members have to collect the food trays and put them outside of their dweldings' door, these trays are then collected by the Collection Crew throughout the day.This rule takes away the family's responsibility to clean the dishes or do such house shores as this may cause the development of gender stereotyping and who should be doing what at home and why.According to Jonas, it is against the rules to hide or suppress your emotions. If our society could just follow this simple rule,imagine the number of misinterpretations that would just be plainly non-existent. By following this rule it would also be much easier and faster to resolve any possible misinterpretations.Because of these reasons I believe that the Totalitarian system depicted in chapters 1 to 8 is indeed a less chaotic world despite the mistakes the elders make.
I agree with lianet
DeleteAlisha desireé
ReplyDeleteI believe that if all countries had a totalitarian system the world would be a better place and there would be less chaos. This is because in chapters one to eight you rarely see any problems talking place. The totalitarian system eliminates the bad things we know of that’s in the world today. This system assigns jobs to everyone when they become a twelve at the ceremony of the twelves we saw this happening in chapters seven and nine. This task ensures that there is no unemployment in the society. Citizens of this society are given a chance to express their feelings at the end of each day because we saw in chapter one how lily expressed how she was angry at the end of the day with her family. This helps the citizens to feel comfortable and relaxed. Everyone use bikes as a form of transportation which causes less pollution in the atmosphere and less accidents. There are birth mothers in this society who make three children each this controls the population so that the society is not over populated. The people of this totalitarian system are also color blinded which eliminates the problem of racism. As you can see this society eliminates the bad things which makes it a peaceful and safe place for all humans to live.
Although all the chaos happening in democratic countries are out of the totalitarian system, in the totalitarian system, their is no room for mistakes and one thing that makes us humans are our mistakes.Therefore I disagree with the fact that the elders are allowed to make mistakes while if the people of the community make a mistake that causes any chaos they will be released for example the pilot-in -training who flew over the community and caused fear and was released,to me that wasn't a good reason to kill someone for we all make mistakes .While in democratic countries we are allowed to make mistakes and be imperfect humans that we all are,I truly think that people shouldn't be killed just for making a mistake. In my opinion it's just not right. -Julissa Baron
ReplyDeleteYes, I do agree that the Totalitarian System creates a less chaotic world, however I disagree with how the system was organized by the leaders. I believe that a democratic system is better. If the citizens makes an error they should not be punished for it. It is for their own growth and development. I believe that if life had no errors and everything was perfect things would be boring.The leaders took away the community’s democracy to make their own decisions and choices in life. Everyone deserves a right to make their own choices since it has been that way since the beginning of time. In chapter six it stated that spouses were chosen for each other. I am totally against this idea. Each individual should be able to choose who they want to spend the rest of their lives with. When I first read about birthmothers in chapter 3 I was quite astonished. Why can’t women give birth to their own children? Women should be granted this opportunity to experience pregnancy and thereby having an early bond with their child. After reading chapter eight I strongly believe that each individual should decide what job that they would like to pursue in life and not be told what job that they will be assigned. After all it is their life and they should find joy and satisfaction in their choice of job rather than being unhappy with what they have been assigned to do. In conclusion it is very sad to see the people in the community being controlled like Illuminati puppets without knowing it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Briyanikha
DeleteThe totalitarian system does create less chaos, but I feel like the people would truly be happy if they cold choose and decide for themselves rather than have someone control you. I also think if you were born “differently” you shouldn’t have to be “released” because it is not your fault for how you are born and you should not be punished for your mistakes because that’s how we learn and grow.Marriage should also not be based on compatibility because you never now if you truly love the person and therefore that wouldn’t make you happy- Arielle Ford
ReplyDeleteI agree with Arielle
Delete-Kurdian Tavernier
In the 1st eight chapters,the totalitarian system is not one I agree with. I think all countries should be democratic,because in democratic system you are able to voice your opinions and make your own choices, whereas in a totalitarian sytem the elders choose your own for you. For example, the book says that people have to apply for marriage, but I think people should choose who they want to spend their lives with. In a dmocratic system, children are not killed because of their deformities or because they are twins. A totalitarian system, the citizens are not allowed to mourn there love ones, whereas in a democratic system people are allowed to keep the memorues of the deceased alive, instead of forgetting them. Children should not be replace like an object .They should be treated with love and respect . I will always choose democractic over totalitrian society even though it is not the best .
ReplyDelete~Kenyah Soanes
I agree that all countries should be democratic, why, because everyone should have their own way of life, although totalitarian systems helps a country from devastation and enigma it also strips away the freedom of its people. In the giver are the people really free??
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion I believe all countries should be democratic. Apart from being allowed to risk errors in judgement, majority of the power will be in people’s hands (we will be able to vote and select a leader we believe would best suit the position) We will also be able to do many free things that couldn’t be done in a totalitarian system. Unlike being assigned an occupation and family in “The Giver” we are given the opportunity to explore our own interests and possibilities. Imagine a word where you can’t follow your dreams and be unique!
ReplyDeleteWhy? Because your jobs are chosen for you-so are your families. What about not allowed to be with someone you love? - I mean enjoy their company with... a world where you can’t have true freedom of speech. From little things as bringing an apple home to bigger things like being assigned a compatible spouse and daughter and son, everything is out of your control. As much as the totalitarian system is described as “perfect” I believe that its worse than the democratic system. In chapters one to eight we are presented with what seems to be a perfect society but we soon realize that its not. Differences are barely allowed, whether it be in appearance or birthdays, it seems although a totalitarian system doesn’t like uniqueness. Trace back to when Lily mentioned Jonas’ eyes? Or what about the back and white contrast used to hide different races\colors. Even the shape of an apple.
Apart from not wanting differences, the community also dislikes mistakes, it is clear to see this in the beginning of the book. A pilot was released for ACCIDENTALLY flying over the community and causing fear among the people. They attempt to remove emotions such as fear and sadness in the novel but it doesn’t make the community better.
In conclusion, I believe that all countries should be democratic, no one is perfect nor no community and I personally believe that no system- no matter how
hard they try- will never be perfect.
Quote by Jennifer Lim “Mistakes are proof that you are trying.”
-Kurdian Tavernier
In my option,all countries should be democratic because all citizens have the right to make their own decisions. People are able to think ,say,and do what they wish within the law and respect for others, to practice their beliefs and to live the kind of life they choose. In a democratic country the government must attend to the needs of the people but the elders in the totalitarian system make the decision for their people, for example the people in the community has to be assign to their jobs they can choose them.it doesn't give people the opportunity to do for themself. It can cause rebels behavior and breaking of rulethe system kills the init9 among the people and makes indifferent and disinterest in the affairs of the state
ReplyDeleteCadella charles