What might the shedding of Harrison's handicaps be symbolic of?

Harrison's
breaking free of his handicaps symbolizes a moment of liberation. In Harrison's world, the
Handicapper General is in charge of bringing all of the talented people down to the level of
people with average abilities. On one hand, this policy does protect less talented people from
feeling inadequate and establishes a kind of equality. On the other hand, all it really does is
suppress the ability of some and offers no hope of improving, strengthening, or enlightening the
weaker and less talented people. So, when Harrison liberates himself, he does so in defiance of
such a policy. It is a statement that symbolizes freedom and individuality for those who have
been hindered by handicaps as well.

The only drawback is that Harrison makes
this statement in a completely selfish way. 

"I am
the Emperor!" cried Harrison. "Do you hear? I am the Emperor! Everybody must do what I
say at once!" He stamped his foot and the studio shook. "Even as I stand here" he
bellowed, "crippled, hobbled, sickenedI am a greater ruler than any man who ever lived! Now
watch me become what I can become!"

One could argue
that he is trying to present himself as an inspiration to others. If they too could shed their
handicaps, what might they become? But his statements seem to be all about his own abilities.
So, while shedding the handicaps does symbolize freedom and individuality, Harrison's
presentation also invokes notions of selfishness and narcissism. And while his liberating moment
supports the freedom of the strong, it says nothing about supporting the
weak.