[ Q u a i n t Q u a g m i r e s ]

[This is my attempt to address both Brave New World and The Handmaid's Tale via creative writing.]

Throughout this semester, I have been curious about how we should define “utopia” in society. My interest in this question arises from the idea that the same society can exist as both utopia for some members, and dystopia for others. Perhaps these pockets of dystopia are what enable the utopia for others. Is the relationship between utopia and dystopia a zero-sum game, where if one end increases in magnitude for some group of society, the other end increases for another? Is it possible to conceive a utopia, in which no groups are sacrificed for the good of others? This is an idea that we have both talked and written about in class. When I consider this question, I think the way we define a “utopia” is key. As such a general term, individual definitions of what a utopia is can vary wildly. If you see your utopia to mean that you possess everything; that you own money and land and resources and power over others; that you hold a position atop a hierarchical, aristoc...

Over the recent summer, I read 1984 by George Orwell. Reading 1984 and Brave New World showed me a shocking resemblance between fictional Dystopias and today's technologically-driven world.  (No Spoiler Alert) In 1984 , Orwell introduces a technology called a telescreen, a 24/7 personal surveillance camera. The thought of being watched for every second of your live is frightening. However, considering the amount of time all of us spend on social media, these telescreens bear an uncomfortable resemblance  to Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and other social media outlets we use everyday. A consequence of interacting with our electronic devices so much? Numerous opportunities to get influenced and misconstrued by inappropriate and twisted reality and news. Additionally, with social media becoming more accessible to younger kids, the risk of leading young minds to erroneous conclusions is even higher. This is where the Brave New World part of the resemblance comes in.  ...