Not usually a fan of SF, but this 1961 novel by Kurt Vonnegut just clarified clown world a little better for me. In Harrison Bergeron, a female federal agent called the Handicapper General ensures equality by applying stultifying handicaps to anyone who dares rise above mediocrity. Here in the UK, there is a Government Minister for Women and Equalities. Her sole task appears to handicap men, and one particular demographic in particular. Enough, already! Otherwise, the future is bleak.