Dystopian Inequality in Elysium
The dismal futuristic film Elysium posits a society in the far future where only a wealthy and powerful few reside on a magnificent space station, forcing the rest of civilization to suffer from hunger and illness on Earth. Homelessness is portrayed as a common and dire problem on Earth. The movie depicts overcrowded and rundown living conditions in the slums, with many people forced to live in makeshift shacks or tents.
The protagonist of the movie, Max, experiences life in the slums, which motivates him to try to reach Elysium in search of a cure for his terminal illness. Max’s story is a powerful reminder of the human cost of homelessness and poverty. One theory that can explain what is happening in the movie is the conflict theory. This theory is evident in the film’s portrayal of the wealthy elites on Elysium exploiting the resources of Earth.
Parallels Between Elysium and US Healthcare Disparities
Similar to the current state of healthcare in the US, the movie depicts a future where only the rich and famous have access to it. Sider’s biblical view emphasizes the importance of social responsibility and the need for a civil society that advocates for the vulnerable and marginalized. This view aligns with the movie’s portrayal of a need for a social structure that promotes equality and justice.
An organization should strive to provide medical care and resources to those in need. It needs to be staffed by medical professionals and volunteers committed to addressing the systemic issues of poverty and inequality. Its strategy would involve advocacy and changing the social structure to ensure everyone can access basic healthcare and resources. Its efforts would primarily be focused on creating a new social structure that promotes equality rather than simply helping people cope or providing temporary support.
The societal difficulties in Elysium reflect some issues confronting American society. Healthcare disparities, poverty, and inequality are continuing challenges in the United States that must be addressed throughout time (Ulusoy, 2020). The film additionally highlights the value of education and job opportunities in enhancing social mobility and eliminating inequality. The Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) is a corporation that promotes social equality by providing medical care, schooling, and other programs for neglected populations. If the HCZ operated on Elysium, it would help provide basic health and educational services to Earth’s poor individuals, greatly improving their quality of life.
Reference
Ulusoy, E. (2020). Elysium as a social allegory: At the nexus of Dystopia, cyberpunk, and plutocracy. Markets, Globalization & Development Review, 5(3), 1–13. Web.