Limiting choices to gain control and power
In Z. Rex, the mad scientist controls a genetically modified T. Rex by giving it a set number of options to choose from in a situation. The Rex preserves some of its autonomy making it a more effective fighter while still being under the control of the scientist.
Veronica Roth’s Divergent establishes a society where people are tested for tendencies toward a certain faction. The test, however, doesn’t choose the faction for the individuals. The Choosing Ceremony honors “the democratic philosophy of our ancestors, which tells us that every man has the right to choose his own way in this world” or, as Tris points out, “one of five predetermined ways.”
Even Shakespeare pointed out in Taming of the Shrew that “there is small choice in rotten apples.”
Early childhood development educators tell people that the best way to keep children from throwing tantrums is to give them a limited choice of two things. Rather than asking a child what he or she would like to eat, adults should ask whether the child wants, for example, a tuna sandwich or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
This gives the child the opportunity to make a choice and seem autonomous. It also makes it easier to deal with the child when he or she suggests pizza. The simple response is, “That’s not one of your choices” with a restatement of the two choices available.
While the choice of car color may not be a real choice, it is one that Americans value. Color does not change the form or function of any particular automobile, it just changes the superficial appearance as defined by pigment. When Henry Ford started mass producing vehicles, he said that the consumer could have any color as long as it was black. He later relented and started making cars in different colors.
This outward differentiation, however, is just a superficial way to keep people from having to make choices that involve anything more than their appearances. By giving Americans a set number of choices, companies are reinforcing the idea that Americans are free to choose without actually allowing people to choose anything that might change society.
Read about learned helplessness and choice.
Veronica Roth’s Divergent establishes a society where people are tested for tendencies toward a certain faction. The test, however, doesn’t choose the faction for the individuals. The Choosing Ceremony honors “the democratic philosophy of our ancestors, which tells us that every man has the right to choose his own way in this world” or, as Tris points out, “one of five predetermined ways.”
Even Shakespeare pointed out in Taming of the Shrew that “there is small choice in rotten apples.”
Early childhood development educators tell people that the best way to keep children from throwing tantrums is to give them a limited choice of two things. Rather than asking a child what he or she would like to eat, adults should ask whether the child wants, for example, a tuna sandwich or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
This gives the child the opportunity to make a choice and seem autonomous. It also makes it easier to deal with the child when he or she suggests pizza. The simple response is, “That’s not one of your choices” with a restatement of the two choices available.
While the choice of car color may not be a real choice, it is one that Americans value. Color does not change the form or function of any particular automobile, it just changes the superficial appearance as defined by pigment. When Henry Ford started mass producing vehicles, he said that the consumer could have any color as long as it was black. He later relented and started making cars in different colors.
This outward differentiation, however, is just a superficial way to keep people from having to make choices that involve anything more than their appearances. By giving Americans a set number of choices, companies are reinforcing the idea that Americans are free to choose without actually allowing people to choose anything that might change society.
Read about learned helplessness and choice.