Characteristics of a Dystopia

Dystopias: Definition and Characteristics

Utopia: A place, state, or condition that is ideally perfect in respect of politics, laws, customs, and conditions. 

Dystopia: A futuristic, imagined universe in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through corporate, bureaucratic, technological, moral, or totalitarian control. Dystopias, through an exaggerated worst-case scenario, criticize a current trend, societal norm, or political system. 

Elements of a Dystopian Society

After watching film clips, viewing images, and reading the hoax letter about cell phone surveillance, try to write your own definition of each of the elements that characterize a dystopian society.  You have been given only a few clue words for each element.  It is up to you to come up with the rest of the definition!

• Propaganda 

•  Rights and freedoms are restricted. 

• An idea or a human figure or deity is worshipped 

• Surveillance. 

• Use of fear

• Dehumanization

• Nature is not valued, while technology is valued.. 

• Conformity over individuality

• Violence and/or corruption