The Hidden Cost of the Lottery
The lottery is a game of chance in which participants pay a small amount for the opportunity to win a prize. Lotteries can be used for many different things, from a prize for the winner of a sports competition to the distribution of units in subsidized housing or kindergarten placements. Modern lotteries can also be played online and are a popular form of gambling. They are typically marketed by states as ways to raise revenue. While state lottery revenue does help to reduce public debt, the high tax burdens on winnings make them a very expensive way to gamble.
The story of Tessie and the villagers illustrates several issues that we face as humans. First, it shows that human beings are capable of doing horrible things, even in a seemingly peaceful setting. Secondly, it shows that people follow tradition blindly, regardless of whether the original meaning is lost or the purpose is irrelevant. The villagers in the story do not question the lottery or its traditions, and those who try to change it are considered crazy.
It is important to realize that the lottery has a hidden cost to society, and that this cost should be examined. It is important to recognize that the money spent on tickets could be better spent on building an emergency fund or paying off credit card debt. Moreover, people need to be reminded that they have a much higher chance of being struck by lightning than winning the lottery.