How do you know Ray Bradbury?

Ray Bradbury is a well-known man but at the same time, not a well-known man. Have you heard of The Pedestrian? Probably not, but you have definitely heard his “most popular” book Fahrenheit 451. Contrary to popular belief he has written more than The Pedestrian and Fahrenheit 451, he has actually written and published 30 books, 600 short stories, and multiple; essays, poems, screenplay, and regular plays.

A common theme is the idea of censorship and conformity. Censorship is as stated “the suppression or prohibition of any parts of books, films, news, etc. The Pedestrian’s main character, Leonard Mead is a normal man who lives in a dystopian world where he has to watch television inside his home. The television only shows sports and the news. “What's up tonight on Channel 4, Channel 7, Channel 9? Where are the cowboys rushing, and do I see the United States Cavalry over the next hill to the rescue?... What is it now?” he asked the houses… “Eight-thirty P.M.? Time for a dozen assorted murders? A quiz? A review? A comedian falling off the stage?” He then decides to rebel. His form of rebellion was to walk. He enjoys being alone and taking in the things around him. He spends a lot of the time talking to the houses while he is walking.

That is until the cop car spots and tells him to get in, “Where are you taking me?” His question is considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security.” That perfectly describes “The pedestrian” universe, because everyone in this world is controlled. Controlled into only knowing what the government wants them to know.“What are you doing out? ‘Walking,’” said Leonard Mead to the car.

His conversation with the car is casual however it shows that a simple act can be and will be scrutinized and controlled. Ray shows us the danger of the simple and how far our desire for technology can go. The interaction further indicates that it is abnormal for someone to have the desire enough to be walking instead of watching television.

The car hesitated, or rather gave a faint whirring click, as if information, somewhere, was dropping card by punch-slotted card under electric eyes. “To the Psychiatric Center for Research on Regressive Tendencies.” You might ask what the similarities are? Ray Bradbury warns against government controllers and technology's effect on individualism. He most notably warns against censorship and conformity, as seen in The Pedestrian. Leonard Mead represents those of us who haven’t conformed to our changing society. We may not live in a fictional world, but nowadays we rely on technology more than ever. Is that inherently a bad thing, no it is not, it just means we are evolving. You can still use any device that you want, just remember to stay true to who you are as an individual.

In conclusion, Ray Bradbury in this story indicates that he believes technology and government overreach erodes individualism. He makes you imagine that a simple act like taking a walk is looked at with scrutiny and control. He takes something as enjoyable as watching TV and he makes us as readers look at it in a different way. Mr. Bradbury was able to create a fictional world perfectly depicting what our future will come to if we cannot keep a sense of self. Ray Bradbury was not saying that technology is inherently bad by any means. He is signaling a possible future by saying, with increased technology, one has to worry about censorship and the loss of individualism.