Why don't harrison's parents respond with more feeling to what they have seen?

Answer 1

Harrison's parents in Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron" respond with limited emotion due to the oppressive societal norms that enforce mediocrity and suppress individuality. The government has conditioned them to accept their handicaps, dulling their emotional responses and critical thinking. This emotional numbness reflects the broader theme of the story, illustrating how extreme equality can lead to a loss of personal connection and genuine feeling. Their lack of reaction underscores the tragic consequences of a society that prioritizes conformity over human experience.