UTOPIA V DYSTOPIA UTOPIA A place state or

UTOPIA V. DYSTOPIA

UTOPIA • A place, state, or condition that is ideally perfect in respect of politics, laws, customs, and conditions. • • • Ecological Economic Political Religious Utopia Science and Technology Utopia

ECOLOGICAL • A traditional way of life that is more in harmony with nature. • An organic way of life

ECONOMIC • An equal distribution of goods, frequently with the total abolition of money • Citizens only do work they enjoy and which is for the common good, leaving them with time for the arts and sciences

POLITICAL • World Peace, Global Oneness • Everyone getting along regardless of race, culture, political beliefs. • A world without war.

RELIGIOUS • • Harmony Peace Understanding Enlightenment

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY • Set in the future • Utopian Living Standards: absence of death and suffering, changes in human nature and the human condition (Star Trek)

DYSTOPIA • Definition: A futuristic, imagined universe in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained. • Purpose: Through an exaggerated worst-case scenario, the author makes a criticism about a current trend, societal norm, or political system. • Possible Categories: • • Class Systems Nature Politics Economics

CHARACTERISTICS OF DYSTOPIA • Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society. • Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted. • A figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens of the society. • Citizens are perceived to be under constant surveillance. • Citizens have a fear of the outside world. • Citizens live in a dehumanized state. • The natural world is banished and distrusted. • Citizens conform to uniform expectations. Individuality and dissent are bad. • The society is an illusion of a perfect utopian world.

CATEGORIES OF DYSTOPIA • Class Systems: • People referred to as numbers rather than names • People are cloned so there are several of the same people, they are uniform and lose individuality (Brave New World) • People required to “not excel” and lose their competence • Often no religion and no families

CATEGORIES OF DYSTOPIA • Evils of Nature: • Settings of dystopias are frequently urban • Separate all characters from any contact with nature • People are conditioned to be afraid of nature

CATEGORIES OF DYSTOPIA • Political Corruption: • Governing class is hedonistic or shallow • Negative consequences, oppressive • Pessimistic views of governing class – brutal, uncaring

CATEGORIES OF DYSTOPIA • Economics: • Black markets for goods that are difficult to get • Governing class controls everything • Big businesses have control and are corrupt

THE DYSTOPIAN PROTAGONIST • Feels trapped and struggles to escape. • Questions the social and political systems. • Believes that something is terribly wrong with the society in which he or she lives. • Helps audience recognize society’s flaws.

UTOPIA VS. DYSTOPIA Utopia Dystopia Society Equality of all people Classes, caste system View on future Optimistic, upbeat Pessimistic, downbeat Form of government Democracy Regime Education Equal and advancing education Propaganda Economy No money, equal distribution of goods Rich and poor people, no middle class Legislation Fair system of punishment Unfair and excessive punishment Atmosphere Happy, harmonic families Unfortunate, unlucky people