Dystopia: A speculated society or community where the state of being and condition of life is oppressive and frightening. When analyzing a society and deeming it as a dystopia, there are certain characteristics it must possess. This includes but is not limited to conformation, surveillance, mass propaganda and restriction of independent thought. Individuals that experience this way of life encompass a population of dysfunctionality and fear. The civilians are constantly being watched and deceived by a higher power. Constant surveillance infringes on the victims’ personal freedom. Societal watching automatically submits its subjects to state control. To have control is to have dominance over another which forces one to adhering to whatever dictatorship that is established. This allows for easy manipulation through media. Often, those subject to control cannot think for oneself; therefore, when misleading “information” is presented, he or she is indisputably swayed. The effortless persuasion ultimately aids in furthering the politically biased agenda.
Imagine a population with no individuality. Everything and everyone are uniformed. This could be supported as a case of ensuring equality amongst citizens; however, this is not the outcome. Each member of the community’s sense of self is suppressed. They are dull and lifeless. Everyone thinks the same. Looks the same. Behaves the same. This ultimately results in the further destruction of society. If no one has a form of self-expression, there is a stagnancy in the community’s development. If a population is not able to develop, then eventually it will no longer be in existence. By dissecting the Greek roots of dystopia, “dys” meaning no and “topia” deriving from the root topos meaning place, it is defined as “no place.” A dystopian society leads to the deterioration of life. With no life, there is no humanity, which is the direct effect of a dystopia, “no place” left.
