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