Hunger Games as a tool to discuss Social Class.

1. ULead
Dr. Mary Bonderoff
Chief Diversity Officer

2. Today’s Outline
• Introductions – If you knew me you would know…
• Take a minute to think about
• How do I want others to see me…
• Hunger Games as an Analogy for Social Class Structures

3. What is Classism?
Classism is differential treatment based on social class or perceived social
class. Classism is the systematic oppression of subordinated class groups
to advantage and strengthen the dominant class groups. It’s the systematic
assignment of characteristics of worth and ability based on social class.
That includes:
• individual attitudes and behaviors;
• systems of policies and practices that are set up to benefit the upper
classes at the expense of the lower classes, resulting in drastic income
and wealth inequality;
• the rationale that supports these systems and this unequal valuing; and
• the culture that perpetuates them.

4.  What is your class story? Take a minute to write it
down.
• Parent’s educational level, occupation
• Neighborhood you grew up in (rural, urban, etc.)
• What kind of housing?
• Your access to education?
• What are the impacts of your class story?
• How do I want others to see me?
• How don’t I want others to see me?
Our stories…

5. Hunger Games as an analogy for Social Class
Structures in Contemporary US
Hunger Games Plot Summary (2012)
In a dystopian future, the totalitarian nation of Panem is divided between 12 districts and the Capitol. Each year
two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part
entertainment, part brutal retribution for a past rebellion, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem.
The 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors while the citizens of Panem are required to watch.
When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12's female representative, Katniss volunteers
to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some
of whom have trained for this their whole lives.

6. Hunger Games as an analogy for Social Class
Structures in Contemporary US
Catching Fire Plot Summary (2013)
After defying the Capitol on national television, Katniss has to attempt to control an
uprising stirring in the districts. When President Snow puts her family and friends in
jeopardy Katniss knows she has no choice but to follow Snow's orders. Then he turns
Katniss and Peeta's world upside by throwing them back into the arena and there will
only be one winner. Katniss plans to sacrifice her own life to save Peeta’s.

7. Clips- The Hunger Games (2012)
• “Making people like you”
• If moving social class is not about survival skills- What is it about?
• “Shooting the Apple”
• What does it mean to be tokenized?
• “They Don’t Own Me”
• What is different about Peta’s response to the games than Katniss’s? What is
important about his decision?
• “Rule Change”
• WHY did Katniss and Peta get stopped in their decision to go forward with the
berries?

8. The Hunger Games, Catching Fire (2013)
• “The Victory Tour”
• What does Peta do that is so extraordinary?
• What is important about Rue and Katniss’s relationship?
• How do the folks in the other district respond? What is extraordinary about
this?
• "The Peacekeepers”
• What is it that Haymitch does that is so extraordinary? What does he have
that others around him don’t?
• “The Mockingjay Appears”
• What does the Mockingjay represent? Why is it so powerful?