The Lottery As a Public Policy Tool
The lottery is a form of gambling that involves drawing numbers for a prize. Some governments outlaw it while others endorse it and regulate it. In some countries, a percentage of the revenue is donated to social causes. It is considered a popular pastime and an excellent source of entertainment for many people. Some believe that the lottery can improve society by providing opportunities for education and medical treatment. It also provides a source of revenue for states. It is a good way to promote tourism and stimulate the economy of a country.
In this short story, Shirley Jackson demonstrates the underlying evil in human nature by showing us the way she believes that small-town life is. She shows that if a majority supports something it does not automatically make it right. Even Tessie Hutchinson accepts the lottery and it turns out to be her death sentence.
This short story takes place in a remote American village where traditions and customs dominate the community. The story begins when Mr. Summers, the man who represents authority in the lottery, carries out a black wooden box and stirs up the papers inside. He then gives each family a number and they select it from the boxes. The number they select will determine whether they will win the jackpot.
There are several problems with the lottery that make it an inappropriate public policy tool. It is not designed to meet the needs of the general population and it encourages the formation of specific, overlapping constituencies, such as convenience store owners (who benefit from the high sales of lottery tickets); lottery suppliers, who contribute heavily to state political campaigns; teachers (in states where lotteries provide revenues earmarked for education); and state legislators, who quickly become accustomed to the additional income generated by the lottery.
Another problem with the lottery is that it encourages gambling addiction and other forms of compulsive behavior. This is especially true for young children who can be easily influenced by the advertising and promotion of the game. It is also important to note that the lottery is a multi-billion dollar industry that is highly profitable for many corporations that sponsor it. The amount of money that the state receives from the lottery is not enough to compensate for the harm it does.
In addition to promoting gambling, the lottery also undermines other government functions. The lottery is a classic example of public policy making being done piecemeal and incrementally, with little or no overall view taken into consideration. Ultimately, this results in the creation of policies that are at cross-purposes with the public interest. Moreover, it is difficult for officials to evaluate the effectiveness of lottery policies because they are often subject to short-term pressures from the industry and from their own internal interests and incentives. For these reasons, it is important to consider alternatives when deciding whether or not to introduce a lottery in your state.
