FOCUS 01-23-14 How would you describe a utopian society? What would it look like? How would people act? Would there be laws? How would the utopian society handle the following things: Education Medical issues Careers Fashion Entertainment

Utopia vs. Dystopia CLASS NOTES

Utopia Definition: An imagined place or state of things in which perfection has been achieved; an ideally perfect place, an impractical idealistic scheme Origin: Sir Thomas More, 1516, Utopia Concept originally linked to religious ideals, but now also refers to socio-political ideals

Varieties of Utopia Ecological Utopia Economic Utopia Political Utopia Religious Utopia Science and Technology Utopia

Ecological Utopia A traditional way of life that is more in harmony with nature. An organic way of life

Economic Utopia an equal distribution of goods, frequently with the total abolition of money, and citizens only doing work which they enjoy and which is for the common good, leaving them with ample time for the cultivation of the arts and sciences.

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

Religious Utopia Harmony Peace Understanding Enlightenment

Science and Technology Utopia Set in the future Utopian Living Standards: absence of death and suffering, changes in human nature and the human condition (Star Trek)

Dystopia An imaginary place or state in which the condition of life is extremely bad, as from deprivation, oppression, or terror. Origin: John Stuart Mill, 1868 speech in the House of Commons about Irish problem common theme in modern books and movies

Animal Farm Think about Animal Farm. What qualities and characteristics of a dystopia were present in George Orwell’s novel? List as many as you can in your notebooks. Be prepared to share and discuss your ideas with the class.

Varieties of Dystopia Society Social Groups Nature Politics Economics

Society Examples: Class System 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

Social Groups Examples: Concept of religion under attack Concept of families no longer exists

Nature Examples: Settings of dystopias are frequently urban Separate all characters from any contact with nature People are conditioned to be afraid of nature

Politics Examples: Governing class is hedonistic or shallow Negative consequences, oppressive Pessimistic views of governing class – brutal, uncaring

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

Characteristics of a Dystopian Society Propaganda is used to control the citizens of a 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

Characteristics of a Dystopian Society 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

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

EXIT Could a utopian society ever truly exist? Why or Why not? Have you ever seen a movie or read a book that was about a utopian/dystopian society? Describe it.

Utopia / Dystopia Complete the Chart for Ray Bradbury’s “The Pedestrian” and answer the questions on the back of the chart regarding setting. On Monday, January 27 QUIZ ON “THE PEDESTRIAN” AND UTOPIA / DYSTOPIA CLASS NOTES