What is the noise in Harrison Bergeron?

The "noises" that plague various characters in the story, Harrison Bergeron, are examples of physical handicaps, which are used to equalize the population. Everyone has to be the same... no one can be more intelligent, more physically fit, beautiful, graceful, musical, or any other physical trait that separates them from everyone else. Talents and gifts are handicapped..... think too hard and the noise blares..... better not to think at all. The noises disturb, distract, and distance people from who they are and what they can be....