Capitalism and Oppression in The Hunger Games and Kindred

The novels The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Kindred by Octavia Butler both contain examples of oppression created and/or worsened by the capitalist society in which they are set. In The Hunger Games, Collins creates a futuristic society of severe class inequality in which the children of the poor are killed for the political benefit and entertainment of the rich. Kindred is primarily set on a 19th century American slave plantation and examines the institution slavery in a fictional context. As Lois Tyson puts it, â€Å"getting and keeping economic power is the motive behind all social and political activities†-- this includes the Games from Collins’ novel, and the slave system described in Kindred (Tyson 52). Capitalism creates classism†¦show more content†¦Although Katniss naturally resists both consumerism and feminine gender norms, she eventually finds herself forced to conform to these norms in order to appeal to the Capitol-based audience and sponso rs, on whom her survival depends. When she is at home in District 12 she expresses indifference toward romance, and says of Gale’s popularity with girls: â€Å"It makes me jealous but not for the reason people would think. Good hunting partners are hard to find† (Collins 18). Katniss also has little to no interest in her physical beauty and is mainly concerned with appearing strong and intimidating: â€Å"Crying is not an option. There will be more cameras at the train station† (Collins 34). Katniss is unconcerned with conforming to beauty ideals because she does not see her appearance as a pleasant display for others, but rather as a tool to help her project an image that will give her a practical advantage. If she looks tough and intimidating, the sponsors and other tributes will see her as a worthy competitor and not an easy target, increasing her chances of survival. This initially backfires because the people of the Capitol are suspicious of her unconventio nal gender presentation. However, when Katniss becomes aware of this and begins performing femininity to appeal