The Hunger Games: A Commentary on Classism and Exploitation 

"The Hunger Games" (2012) poster, featuring Jennifer Lawrence. 

Introduction

Gary Ross's "The Hunger Games" (2012), based on the best-selling novels by Suzanne Collins, is widely regarded as a staple of dystopian media. The film takes place in a futuristic setting which resembles the demolished remains of North America (now known as "Panem"), which have been divided into twelve distinct districts and one capitol. The movie follows its main characters, Katniss and Peeta, after they are forced to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a brutal fight to the death which is broadcasted live. Throughout the entirety of the film, there are several references and callbacks to the brutality of experiencing classism and the exploitation of the less fortunate that happens in modern society. These themes of classism and exploitation are demonstrated by the objectification of the poor, the harsh nature of reality television, and the marketing of the female identity. 

Dehumanization of the Underprivileged

Map of Panem's districts

The twelve districts of Panem are broken down and categorized by their professions or crafts. For example, districts one and two focus on military training and the production of luxury items. District three produces electronics, district four specializes in fishing, and so on. Despite the efforts of each district, their hard work ultimately only benefits the capitol's oppressive, cruel regime and lavish lifestyle. The citizens of the districts are often left to fight for their own survival, which can be seen in one of the first scenes of the film when Katniss leaves to hunt for food. Katniss spots a deer, aims to shoot it, but misses when Gale surprises her. She tells Gale that the deer was "the first she's seen in years," and when he later offers her bread, she excitedly asks him if it is real or not. Those who live in the districts are ultimately seen as less than human and treated as such while the rich in the capitol live off of their hard work, using those less privileged than them to raise themselves higher. 

Broadcasting Brutality

Casear Flickerman

One of the most distinguished aspects of the Hunger Games is that they are broadcasted live every year. Cameras hound the contestants from the moment they are reaped to the second they die (or win). Caesar Flickerman, a recurring character in the movie, is known for hosting a talk show that promotes and advertises the Hunger Games in a fashionable, flashy manner. Most of the people who attend these showings are from the capitol, where they do not experience the suffering and harshness that those in the districts do. Every year, they watch as several people die on camera in front of them, and are complicit in their struggle. The citizens have grown so comfortable and desensitized to the trauma displayed before them, which is something that happens regularly in today's society as well. Tragedy is broadcasted on social media and news networks every day, and it has become a part of every day life. In some ways, it has become entertainment to watch, which begs the question: where do the lines between morbid curiosity and complicity blur? The citizens of the capitol cannot comprehend the pain they see on television as real, and therefore it does not affect them. The struggles of those forced into this unfortunate position is seen as entertainment because it is something they can comfortably believe that they will never have to face. Because the participants are from areas of poverty, their sense humanity does not matter. The Hunger Games were created to punish those who rose up against oppression, and the broadcasting of it is simply another way to rub salt in the wound; to demonstrate that the rich and powerful have the upper hand, and if they want to see the poor suffer, they will. 

 

Marketing the Female Identity

Katniss's dress

During the Hunger Games, watchers are able to "sponsor" certain contestants and send them items directly to the arena that could help them win. In order to acquire sponsors, the participants are trained to market themselves in a way that portrays them as desirable or worthy of appreciation in some way. The most striking example of this can be seen when Katniss and Peeta are riding through the tribute parade on a flaming chariot. Katniss is dressed in a way that begs watchers to not look away, and she later demonstrates the fire that was worked into her dress. This earns Katniss the title of "The Girl on Fire", which turns her into a character for the audience to idolize. Katniss is expected to perform, and to look a certain way in order to garner the attention of the audience, and later receive sponsors. This is not only an issue that is seen in the Hunger Games. Many women, especially those who are not as privileged or wealthy, feel as though they are forced to perform in order to survive. Additionally, Katniss and Peeta's relationship becomes a spectacle of the Games, which would later change the rule of only having one winner. They are portrayed as star-crossed lovers, unfortunately thrust into a situation where they must fight one another. The audience romanticizes their pain, but the focus is mainly on Katniss, as she has already branded herself as a person of interest for them. Towards the end of the movie, she is told to say on television that she "couldn't imagine a life without [Peeta]", which further pushes the narrative that she, as a woman, can only be seen as somebody's love interest if it guarantees her survival. 

Final Thoughts

"The Hunger Games", directed by Gary Ross and based off the best-selling novels by Suzanne Collins, is a harrowing and raw narrative centered around the unfair reality of those living under classism and oppression. The film offers several insights to the treatment of the citizens of the districts and how their experiences reflect the social injustice faced by people who live in poverty today. The movie explores how the suffering of the underprivileged has become entertainment through illustrating the brutal nature of reality television, as well as demonstrate the roles that women in poverty are often forced to fit into in order to survive. "The Hunger Games" is a beautifully written and developed commentary on current world issues, which pushes the consumer to consider the future of modern day society as a whole. 

Works Cited

“The Hunger Games.” Lions Gate Home Entertainment, 2012.