What is the central theme of the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson?

The central theme of "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson revolves around the dangers of blind tradition. This theme is exemplified through the story's setting in a seemingly normal and innocent village that participates in an annual lottery without questioning its purpose or morality. The shocking twist at the end, where a villager is sacrificed in a brutal ritual, serves as a critique of how people can adhere to harmful practices simply because they have always been done that way. This underscores how traditions can perpetuate violence and inhumanity when they are followed without scrutiny or understanding. The characters' acceptance of the lottery illustrates how societal norms can overpower individual moral judgment, highlighting the destructive potential of unexamined customs.