Dystopia/Utopia

[chelsea_ann89]

Poll clarification: Define the word "right" however you will. For instance, the word can mean just, correct, proper, moral and others. Different interpretations lead to slightly different connotations with the word, so we have the opportunity for a more varied discussion.

 

Discussion questions: How would you define a utopian society? What are your favorite utopic/dystopic books or movies?

 

 

In my version of utopia, everyone is understanding, tolerant, and respectful of everyone else's choices, rights, and property. Also, nobody is report-happy in the Neoboards and avatars like Bonju don't take 3+ years to figure out.

 

Brave New World's my favorite book, but I don't have a favorite part. The Island with Ewan McGregor was a good movie, but I'm not too fond of the idea of there being clones of me. Multiple copies of Ewan McGregor, maybe... :D

[celticheavens]

Ah Dystopia... A recurring theme in my early teen years ^^;;. I was introduced to the idea when I first came in contact with Literature and fell in love with the concept. Odd ain't it?

 

Discussion questions: How would you define a utopian society? What are your favorite utopic/dystopic books or movies?

 

./start rant.

 

Utopia.. It is when everyone can coexist without prejudice, hatred and all that nonsense so I was made to believe. An utopia is unattainable for it's definition differs with each individual - An utopia for me might be a dystopia for another.

 

Utopia is nothing but a mere illusion conjured by humans who long to escape into a fantasy land in which everything is perfect. I scoff at the idea personally, for why daydream about a place which can never exist? I guess the only use of it realistically would be that it motivates us to strive to reach a world in which most would find more comfortable in.

 

I have not touched any books on the subject in a long long time... I have come to realise that the more I read them, the closer I am to leaping off the precipice of optimism. I used to love books depicting an Orwellian worlds such as Brave New World (which you've already brought up), 1984, Animal Farm, Fahreheit 451 etc. I actually prefer seeing the protagonist's seemingly iron will bend in the face of numerous brainwashing and tortures by the main 'government' before finally relenting as he realises that such a rule is impossible to change. It further reinforces the idea of a dystopia don't you think?

 

Other fiction/movies such as Battle Royale and Lord of the Flies may show a small side of such a concept (people willing to do anything to get ahead of others/survive without a care about ethical values) while V for Vendetta's film adaptation may have dampened the idea in exchange for more action, but I think the concept has been incorporated (subtely) in many artistic works even till today. An intruiging concept it may be, but can it really spur us to work towards a common goal for a 'better' world?

 

./endrant.

[linda]

Look at Mao and his work in China. He was trying to create an utopia, yet he miserably failed. Each person's idea of utopia will always be inevitably different. This is why the mere idea of utopia is all in one's head. The fact that our utopias are all different is the central factor to why dystopia will be imminent in our society.

[Agnes Birdsong]

I dislike the notion that literature "should" end in any particular manner; a truly good novel should transcend black-and-white notions like morality or correctness in favor of actual human truth.

 

To demand that your literature meet some kind of criterion of propriety is to reduce it from high art to base propaganda.

 

We is an excellent novel. I have always been a fan of dystopian literature; I find the heroes inspiring and their circumstances fascinating.

[kukuruza]

I have not touched any books on the subject in a long long time... I have come to realise that the more I read them, the closer I am to leaping off the precipice of optimism. I used to love books depicting an Orwellian worlds such as Brave New World (which you've already brought up), 1984, Animal Farm, Fahreheit 451 etc.

 

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