Essay Written by Applepi101
Utopias & Dystopias: Comparing & Contrasting Two Different Worlds
Utopia, and dystopia, two different worlds, two similar names, yet so different in so many ways. A paradise, or a world gone wrong. Equal, or unequal. Perfect, or not. So many factors influence the living conditions that are in either the not-near future or what could have been our past.
Utopias were quite popular during the 19 century when William Morris wrote News From Nowhere in the late 1800's. People strive to create utopias in the US. A few of the places where utopian communities were started include Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Iowa, and New York. None of the creators succeeded, although having good intentions.
Dystopians, as stated earlier, are the exact opposite. The Giver, by Lois Lowry is a perfect example of this. Lowry wrote the book to show her discontent in the lack of awareness humans have about giving their rights and independence to another party, who often uses means of getting rid of anything that may be violating the policy of "sameness". Some examples in the book are when the Council gets rid of color, and the main character gets frustrated knowing that he would not have an opinion in the color of clothes her wears, what music he listens to and much more.
Although Jonas' community may seem highly utopian, children being given training for their future careers, it is highly dystopian. The society is run by an oli-garchy, which is a government run by a few people - in this case, the Community of Elders enforced the "laws". In his community, there is no drought, starvation, lack of housing, poverty, or even prejudice. Although we notice later in the book that the entire area has given up their basic rights, their freedoms, for this "common good" that people are being blinded by. The Community is aware of this, and thereby forbids that anyone from sharing the details of their job, even with their "family". Jonas realizes this is nothing but hypocrisy, and a society based on false ideals of goodness and conformity.
Overall, utopias are a place of ideal goodness, a place where everything is uniform, which in my opinion, would be a place where females and males have equal rights, and an equal say in politics, roles, and there would be no stereotypes restricting people based on gender identity, race, ethnicity, or income. Income would be at various costs depending on how large the family would be, and everyone would receive an education specifically to their career options, which would be based on their interests. There would not be climate change, plastic pollution, or an increased population, doesn't that sound ideal? However, with the world we have created today, it would be almost impossible for us to mold the already-hardened clay.
To sum up my statement, utopias are where there are no problems or issues presented, where everyone is equal, and all-in-all, an ideal society that everyone feels safe. A dystopia would be one where there is a group, person, or area controlling the entire community, whose ideas are presented in The Hunger Games, Animal Farm, The City of Ember, and many other extraordinary books.
Hope this helps!
--Applepi101
P.S I've been wanting to write an essay like this for a while, thank you for motivating me!!
