Comparing The Hunger Games to our world has never been much of a stretch. Though emphasized by the dystopic premise, everything hits too close to home: a severe disparity between the upper and lower class, poverty-stricken families driven to desperate measures, deeply harmful policies and practices from a corrupt government. The list goes on.
As we continue to see the story of Ferguson, Missouri unfold, the parallels are impossible to ignore. In the first Hunger Games film, we see District 11’s heartbreaking reaction to a young tribute’s death. The media frames their mourning as mindless rioting. The Capitol reacts with unchecked violence and cruelty.
These things shouldn’t feel familiar. But they do.
This is not the first time dystopia has proven to be more than just a genre. Stories like these span continents and centuries. But with another Hunger Games film about to make its box office debut, we have an incredible opportunity to honor that suffering and change the narrative.
The Odds In Our Favor campaign seeks to do just that. While the media welcomes the new film with gossip and glamorization, help keep the spotlight where it’s needed most. Take back the narrative by sharing your Hunger Games story and joining the #MyHungerGames movement.