Introduction
Living in an imperfect and often terrible world, people often dream of utopia. It would be an ideal place where all people are equal, where race and ethnicity are not a problem for society but a source of pride, and the concept of socioeconomic status has lost its relevance. However, dystopias are often more effective in understanding the direction in which society should move to create a prosperous future. They describe situations and events that one would not want to see in real life and, as a result, form a clear idea of what the future should not be. Therefore, this paper analyzes three dystopian works to understand strategies for creating a more equitable and just society.
Parable of the Sower
Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower depicts a near future in which climate change, social inequality, and human greed grow exponentially. The main character, Lauren Oya Olamina, is an African American teenager who records everything around her. From her journal, readers learn that in the country, “things are so dangerous and crazy” (Butler 7). Poverty leads to robbery and murder for food or clothing, and black people are criminalized and deprived of their freedom. In all the chaos, the main character is trying to find ways to survive. Lauren states, “I’m trying to learn whatever I can that might help me survive out there” (Butler 58). She is not to blame for what happened to society, but she is forced to adapt to these changes in all possible ways.
Gattaca
Gattaca depicts another dystopian reality in which discrimination reaches a new level. The main character, Vincent, says, “I belonged to a new underclass, no longer determined by social status or the color of your skin. No, we now have discrimination down to science” (Gattaca). In this way, the film’s plot emphasizes the progressive problem of oppression caused by the desire of people to eradicate everyone who differs from generally accepted norms. Moreover, a person cannot influence his position because it is proven by science. However, Vincent succeeds and realizes his dream of becoming an astronaut. One of the main reasons for this is that it “never saved anything for the swim back” (Gattaca). People who are initially disadvantaged in society need to make much more effort and not feel sorry for themselves, knowing there may be no way back.
The Marrow Thieves
Cherie Dimaline’s The Marrow Thieves depicts a world where indigenous peoples are persecuted and captured by the government for experimentation. On them, the government is researching indigenous peoples who can dream. The main character’s father says, “They don’t think of us as humans, just commodities” (Dimaline 203). It is the main problem because to get what they want, people erase the boundaries of humanity and deliberately kill others. However, the author gives hope for changes for the better in the future. One of the characters states, “Sometimes you risk everything for a life worth living, even if you’re not the one that’ll be alive to see it” (Dimaline 118). People who can take risks for the sake of the common good are the main hope of this world.
Common Message
Although all three works show different situations, they share a common context. The authors highlight the problem of discrimination and oppression and its potential to increase. People tend to be hostile toward everyone different, and without changes in the social system, this hostility can erase the boundaries of humanity. However, there is hope that people can create a better future. It just requires constant self-development and complete dedication.
Conclusion
Modern society is still far from ideal, given the existing problems of discrimination and oppression. However, the absence of any action to solve them leads to their increase and normalization. As a result, there is an urgent need to address social inequalities. Although the government is acting to solve the problem, society and each individual are the main deciding forces in this fight. Once people begin to think not only about their interests but also about their general well-being, the world will have hope for a brighter future.
Works Cited
Butler, Octavia E. Parable of the Sower. Four Walls Eight Windows, 1993.
Dimaline, Cherie. The Marrow Thieves. Cormorant Books Incorporated, 2017.
Gattaca. Directed by Andrew Niccol, Columbia Pictures, 1997.
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