I think that dystopian elements are definitely present in the American higher education system. The first thing that comes to mind when I think of dystopian elements would be the use of panopticism that exists. Panopticism is a term created by a French philosopher named Michel Foucault. It deals with the idea of surveillance and its use as a means to control people’s actions. This idea can be seen in the way that classrooms are set up or in the fact that we are made to sign into class in order for us to attend properly. Furthermore, the general monotonous almost bleak nature that some of the American higher education systems have definitely adds to the overall dystopian environment. The idea at times that one test, such as a final, can decide everything and hold serious weight when it comes to a person’s future displays much about the dystopia that is higher education.
