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Understanding Dystopias: Definition, Characteristics, and Types of Control

Dystopias are imagined futures marked by oppressive societal control and the facade of a perfect society maintained through various forms of control. This concept critiques current trends, norms, or political systems through exaggerated worst-case scenarios. Dystopias often feature propaganda, restricted independent thought, constant surveillance, and societal fear. Control can manifest through corporate, bureaucratic, technological, or philosophical/religious means. Dystopian protagonists typically question the status quo, highlighting the disturbing truths of their worlds.

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Understanding Dystopias: Definition, Characteristics, and Types of Control

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  1. Dystopias Definition, Characteristics, and Varieties

  2. Dystopia: A definition • Dystopia: A futuristic, imagined universe in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through some form of control. • Dystopias, through exaggerated worst-case scenarios, make a criticism about a current trend, societal norm, or political system.

  3. Characteristics of a dystopian society • Propaganda is used to control the citizens of society. • Information, independent thought, and freedom are restricted. • A figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens of the society. • Citizens are perceived to be under constant surveillance. • Citizens have a fear of the outside world. • Citizens live in a dehumanized state. • Citizens conform to uniform expectations; individuality and difference are bad.

  4. Types of dystopian controls • Most dystopian texts present a world in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through one or more of the following types of controls: • Corporate control • Bureaucratic control • Technological control • Philosophical/religious control

  5. Corporate control • One or more large corporations control society through products, advertising, and/or the media. • Examples: • Minority Report • Running Man

  6. Bureaucratic control • Society is controlled by a mindless bureaucracy through a tangle of red tape, relentless regulations, and incompetent government officials. • Example: • Brazil

  7. Technological control • Society is controlled by technology—through computers, robots, and/or scientific means. • Examples: • The Matrix • The Terminator • I, Robot

  8. Philosophical/religious control • Society is controlled by philosophical or religious ideology often enforced through a dictatorship or theocratic government. • Examples: • V for Vendetta • The Handmaid’s Tale

  9. The dystopian protagonist • Often feels trapped and is struggling to escape. • Questions the existing social and political systems. • Believes or feels that something is terribly wrong with the society in which he or she lives. • Helps the audience recognizes the negative aspects of the dystopian world through his or her perspective.

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