Utopia and Dystopia Two visions of the world

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

Utopia 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: EducationMedical issues CareersFashion Entertainment

Utopia  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 society? Describe it.Describe it.

Dystopia

Dystopia  Definition: an imagined place or state of things in which everything is unpleasant, typically a degraded environment and a totalitarian regime  Origin: John Stuart Mill, 1868 speech in the House of Commons about Irish problem Common theme in modern books and movies

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

Propaganda

Propaganda

Propaganda

Propaganda

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