Social media sees parallels between the Met Gala's extravagance and the Capitol's displays of wealth in The Hunger Games.


 With pressing humanitarian concerns and protests demanding attention, the lavishness of the Met Gala has sparked debate

In J.G. Ballard's 1962 tale "The Garden of Time," a nobleman and his spouse dwell in a lavish mansion encircled by blooming gardens, seemingly isolated from the world. However, their sanctuary is threatened when a large crowd descends upon it, leading to the downfall of both the house's grandeur and the couple's social standing.

The Met Gala, held as always on the first Monday of May, used J.G. Ballard's story as inspiration for its theme and what guests wore. A bunch of celebrities came to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York for the event. However, it happened during a very difficult and scary time in history. This made a lot of people wonder if the gala itself and the theme (a story about a bad future used to represent our bad present) were even relevant anymore.

Many online have compared this year's Met Gala, with its focus on wealth and glamour, to the themes of The Hunger Games. Suzanne Collins' popular young adult series explores the massive gap between rich and poor, the advantages of the privileged, and the desperate struggle for survival. Social media users are increasingly using The Hunger Games as a way to reflect the bleak state of the world today.

The reason for this comparison is clear: The Hunger Games world isn't that far from our reality. In the story's main nation,Panem, fashion is a tool for the rich Capitol to show off their power and separate themselves from the poor, oppressed districts under constant surveillance. The wealthy wear outrageous clothing that puts the modest outfits of the masses to shame. But this shiny surface hides the government's brutal reality. For example, Katniss, the heroine, is forced to wear a flashy gown for a public parade before being thrown into a deadly fight against teenagers from other districts. Here, the dazzling spectacle distracts from the horrific truth.

The Met Gala sparked comparisons to The Hunger Games almost instantly online on Sunday. While social media buzzed with reactions to the dazzling red carpet, others were painfully aware of the realities happening just outside the gala's doors. Within a short distance, hundreds of pro-Palestine activists protested the war, with some even blocked from attending the event. Meanwhile, miles away, Israeli forces attacked the city of Rafah, causing numerous casualties.

The connection between the Met Gala and the ongoing violence in Gaza, and the subsequent association with Ballard's narrative and the protests outside the event, was strikingly evident. While the essence of the Met Gala remains constant – a showcase of extravagance, opulence, and celebrity culture – the timing this year has sparked new inquiries.

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