Over the years, I have read a lot of dystopian literature. Dystopian books generally refer to a society or world that is characterized by suffering, oppression, or extreme injustice. In a dystopian setting, the social, political, or environmental systems are deeply flawed, often creating bleak, undesirable conditions for its inhabitants.
Some of the first books I read that left an impression on me include Alas Babylon, by Pat Frank, which I read in the 10th grade, 1984 and Animal Farm, both by George Orwell, and A Canticle for Liebowitz, by Walter M. Miller. All of those were published before I was born. That was followed up by things like The Handmaid's Tale and Oryx and Crake, both by Margaret Atwood.
Then there were the movies that stuck with me: Mad Max, The Postman, Waterworld, etc. Heck, even Game of Thrones was a dystopian fantasy.
Scary stuff. In none of these did women, in particular, make out very well.
Since we are moving into a bit of uncertainty, I thought I'd offer up some common elements or themes often found in dystopian literature:
1. Oppressive Government: A totalitarian or authoritarian regime controlling every aspect of life, including surveillance and constant monitoring of citizens through technology or informants. There is also a loss of privacy.
2. Propaganda: Media and messages designed to manipulate and control public opinion.
3. Restricted Freedom: Limited personal, political, or social freedoms.
4. Dehumanization: Citizens are treated as numbers or resources rather than individuals.
5. Environmental Decay: A degraded or polluted environment due to human neglect or disaster.
6. Technological Control: Technology used to oppress, control, or replace human functions.
7. Economic Inequality: Stark division between the elite and the impoverished masses; a rigid hierarchy that determines status and rights.
8. Rebellion or Resistance: A group or individual fighting against the oppressive system.
9. Censorship: Suppression or alteration of information to maintain control.
10. Artificial Scarcities: Manufactured shortages of resources to enforce dependence.
11. Loss of Individuality: Citizens are forced to conform, with personal expression discouraged or punished.
12. Fear and Intimidation: Use of violence, punishment, or the threat thereof to maintain control.
13. Cultural Decay: Loss or erosion of art, language, history, or traditions.
These elements often intertwine, painting a bleak picture of a world that serves as a warning or critique of current societal trends.
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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 890th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.
Very interesting!
ReplyDeleteNever been a big fan of dystopian lit. And your list sounds more and more like what we're heading towards.
ReplyDeleteCheck. Check. Check. I just got a message from a friend who works in the government saying in part that they have 10 days to report anyone who doesn't stick to the new rules or they'll be consequences.
ReplyDeleteIn her 19 years in publishing, I don’t believe Jacqueline Onassis ever edited dystopian lit. But I know your #13 was one of her top passions. She championed restoration so Americans would be proud of our heritage. She was the only First Lady to use Mount Vernon for a state visit, restored the White House and made the public rooms a historic showplace, and preserved Lafayette Square. After being returned to France after WWII, the first time the Mona Lisa left was to come to Washington DC, at Jackie’s personal request, so that Americans who couldn’t afford a trip to the Louvre could see it. When she returned to New York City, she fought to save Union Station and today there it’s home to a tribute to her She referred to the impact of tearing down old but still suitable buildings for modern new ones as “violent,” leaving us “a nightmare world.” (<<<Sounds dystopian.)
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