Old Man Warner VS. Young Folks

The significance of Old Man Warner bringing up the “young folks” is that the next generations are the ones who will decide the future. Old Man Warner having lived for more than half a century, knows it's time for the younger ones to take over the tradition of the “Lottery.” However, in his opinion, young people are constantly looking for newer and more advanced life styles. Firstly, I believe this is the correct way to go. If people never advance and move forward, the society would always be the same. It is up to the future generations to replace the modern society. Most importantly, they need to learn and improve from it and not revolve around an out-dated society. Secondly, Old Man Warner is too biased about his tradition. In a sense, he seems brain-washed. How can stoning a person be acceptable? For example, when Mary was being stoned, someone gave her son a stone. How generous of that person to give the boy a stone that he can throw at to kill his mother. That person acted like it was an everyday task. Only then, did someone realize the wrong doing of this tradition and it was the victim's son. He was just a child around five years old, even he knew this is wrong. It's always when the consequences have occurred before people realize what they are doing. Inevitably, Old Man Warner is not the only person who is brain-washed, aside from the fact that he has lived his life through the tradition. In the story it says, “in the north village they're talking of giving up the lottery,” The person who had that idea must have been the a genius. It was the century's most ingenious decision. That person deserves the Nobel Prize Award. It must have been the newer generations who have FINALLY realized it is wrong to stone people to death. That person deserves the Nobel Prize Award. Lastly, Old Man Warner's concerns do have a point and should not be neglected. Young people are too influential these days. They can't make the right decisions themselves and are persuaded too easily. For example, there are teenagers who are persuaded to take drugs or decide to hang out with friends everyday rather than attending school. Also, why do you think there are restrictions for people under the age of 18? It is to prevent the immature decisions made by them. Imagine what would happen if a teenager went to vote and persuaded all his friends to vote for the same candidate, who is completely useless. Alternatively, candidates can bribe teenagers who have no self-control over their decisions. Again, these people are the ones who will decide the fate of our society. That is why Old Man Warner believes the young people are unreliable.

-GORDON F. (C) 2009