In order to keep their power, dictatorial governments can take over societies and eliminate all potential threats to it. The power of these governments may be undercut by the relationships between the families within the society. This must be addressed and dealt with vigorously. Ayn Rand tells the tale of Equality 7-2521. A totalitarian society separates children and their parents at birth. It also prevents them from forming any relationships that are close to family ties. These conditions are not acceptable to Equality, who forms relationships that challenge the government’s ideas and explain why dictatorial leaders would want citizens to be isolated from family or close relationships. Ayn Rand argues that a dictatorial leader would instill his laws on citizens as a way to keep them from falling in love with the government and to stop the formation of a single identity.
Rand, in his novel, demonstrates at first how totalitarian society separates children from their families to allow them to be raised according to their own standards. Particularly, Equality 7-2521 and all of the children around him were taken to the House of Infants immediately after his birth. They were then raised by teachers who strictly adhered to the Council’s morals. Equality had a difficult time growing up with teachers because he was unable to mix with other children. This resulted in extra punishment. Equality describes that he was lashed more frequently than any other child (Rand 22). Because he was unable to be less than his peers and act identically to them, equality was lashed more often than other children. He was an outlier and his behavior was a problem for the ideals they held dear. The teachers who raised him saw this clearly and had to correct him. Equality’s repeated lashings demonstrate that it’s easier to recognize faults in one’s behavior and fix them to live up to an ideal. Equality later explains the principles that had been instilled in him from his earliest days. Equality says that if your brother men are not in need of you, you don’t have to burden the Earth with your bodies. This was something he learned early on (Rand 22, 22). Equality is a sign that he knows and is familiar with the principle of Teachers and Council. His existence was insignificant if it weren’t for the greater good. This was something he learned from his parents when he was a youngster. Equality is able to demonstrate that he has a good understanding of the principles and was taught them by his parents. Equality 7-2521’s preference for Liberty 5-3000 and International 4-8818 is a threat to the totalitarian society in which he lives. Equality describes his first friendship in the negative way with International 4-8818. (Rand 30). Liberty is not allowed to portray the formation of a relationship as he is required to love all members of society equally. International 4-8818’s friendship is illegal because it is dependent on identical affection. Equality prefers International 4-8818 to show how it is bad for despotic cultures. Equality develops a relationship later on with Liberty 5-3000. After he leaves the city, she follows him, saying “we’ll follow you everywhere you go.” We will face any danger that threatens you. If death threatens you, we will face it together. We are condemned, and you will be damned too” (Rand 82). Liberty 5-3000 abandoned society and is ready to face all consequences for her love affair with Equality. Equality 5-3000 has made it clear that she values their relationship more than any punishments. Liberty 5-3000 puts more importance on her relationship to Equality than she does the society’s values. This is a sign of how affections can overcome oppressive ideas and diminish the influence of a dictatorial government.
Rand also shows how people are prevented from forming relationships and family ties that can inhibit the creation or identity. Equality 7-2521 says that after starting a relationship with Liberty 5-3000, his child will fully understand the concept of self. Equality learns to have an ego and vows to share the ideals of his future family. Equality adds that his “son would be raised as man.” He will learn to say “I” and take pride in it. He will learn to walk straight on his own. He will learn respect for his own spirit (Rand 100). Equality claims that his children will grow up knowing their own egos and be proud to show their individuality. Equality was raised in a society that did not allow for families or use of the personal noun “I”. However, Equality now believes that future generations will be able to fully appreciate their own identities and won’t let this stop them from moving forward. Equality’s resolve to raise his children as fully as possible demonstrates the power of family relationships to set an example that the government cannot ignore and children can identify with.
To implant their ideologies and keep people in line with their rule, autocratic leaders often create living arrangements in which people are isolated from their family and relationships. People can easily be controlled by those in government when people are removed from families early. To ensure that families and their relationships are not threatened by the government’s power, they must use coercion to isolate them. Although the government can oppress and threaten citizens when they run oppressive totalitarian regimes, they are able to hold significant power over their bonds and ultimately challenge tyrannical control.
