Definition: Dystopia is a fictional genre that portrays an imagined society characterized by oppression, suffering, and serves as a warning or critique of trends in modern society. Dystopia epitomizes a genre encapsulating societal phobias and scrutinizing prevailing power structures. In accordance with Fredric Jameson, dystopian literature embodies a “negative utopia,” Continue reading
One way that panopticism has permeated our culture is the widespread use of surveillance technologies, especially on the internet and in public areas. The ubiquitous presence of surveillance cameras in public spaces such as streets, stores, and even homes makes people conscious of their surroundings all the time. People become Continue reading
Hobbes is well-known for describing the state of nature as one of perpetual struggle, with life being “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” Hobbes proposed a social compact to get out of this situation, in which people cede some of their liberties to a governing body, establishing a strong, centralized Continue reading
My ideal society is a utopia where human potential is realized, sustainability is prioritized, and equality prevails. A dedication to social justice, environmental stewardship, and personal well-being lies at the heart of this utopia. In my ideal society, equality comes first and foremost. Everyone would have equal access to resources, opportunities, Continue reading
A dystopian society is characterized by oppressive control, dehumanization, and societal decay. Dystopias are frequently used as warning tales about the negative effects of unbridled power and social inequality. The term dystopia refers to societies ruled by authoritarian governments that stifle individual liberties and uphold injustice, motifs that are present Continue reading
Imagine you wake up to find yourself in a dark and cold prison cell. Only the sounds of water rhythmically dripping from an unknown source to comfort you in the loud silence of the large cell. As you do your first 360º of the cell, you discover that all except Continue reading
We live in a world where dystopian societies are recurring themes in literature and media, so observing different types of governments and how they could be abused is essential. After observing the Wikipedia article “List of Forms of Government” and a selection from Hobbes’s Leviathan, I feel indirect democracies are Continue reading
For Privacy, I’m willing only to give up some of those rights that in the end will benefit me more than harming me. One example that I’ve had to deal with is living with a roommate and suitmates for the past two years. Because I’ve had at least one roommate Continue reading
Foucault’s concept of panopticism unveils a paradigm of power and control that extends far beyond the confines of the prison system. At its core lies the panopticon, a hypothetical architectural design wherein inmates are subjected to constant surveillance from a central watchtower, inducing a sense of perpetual visibility and self-regulation. Continue reading
While no system is perfect, some forms of government inherently lend themselves more to the preservation of individual freedoms and societal well-being. Among these, democracy emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a framework that, if upheld with integrity and accountability, could steer us away from the overall notion of Continue reading
