Discussion of the Term Utopia - Essay Example

 UTOPIA The word “utopia” is a word that does not fit into this world at all. In fact there is nothing in this world that can be describes by usage of this particular term. Yes, often we do end up using the word to describe something or some state yet that would be merely fooling ourselves since for a temporary span of time. The term “Utopia” has been defined as that perfect state of existence in a “perfect world” where everyone is content and happy in their life, where every problem such as poverty, diseases etc are non-existent. In short Utopia is a word to describe a perfect life or prefect state of existence (Urban Dictionary) Etymology The term was introduced by Thomas Moore, who invented the term to describe his imaginary Island where the inhabitants of the island enjoy the perfect social, legal and political system (Online Etymology Dictionary). An Island, where nothing is amiss, nothing is wrong and people lead what we can call a “Utopian or flawless” form of life. In modern Latin, “utopia” means “nowhere”. As years passed by, Thomas Moore’s famous word became an adjective to be used to describe not just his island but any state of perfectness. Utopia- Only a Dream In the lives that we live every day, from the moment we learn about the terms “happiness” or “flawless” we start on a journey to pursue them and turn our own little lives into something that we consider blessed. But, the truth is no one is ever really happy or satisfied. I am not saying it s a crime to be not or dissatisfied but the fact is that Thomas Moore’s word “utopia” has little space in our lives. “Richard Cory” a short, narrative and meaningful poem that I came across, vindicates my argument substantially. The poem talks about a rich man named Richard Cory whose life seemed happy and just perfect to everyone around him. He was gracious, generous, well schooled and wealthy yet at the end of the poem he ends up shooting himself in the head (Robinson, 1922). Herein, we see that even though Richard Cory had all the materialistic possessions that a person needs for his survival, he was not satisfied and his life was not worth living at all. At first it seems almost necessary to describe Mr. Cory’s life as a Utopian life since everything seemed so perfect yet the end of his story makes us think otherwise- How can the term Utopia be used for a state that is nonexistent? Utopia and Politics Utopia, refers to a good government and for some socialists, the Utopian state is an ideal state to live in. “World Peace” would be existent in the state of utopia, however unfortunately it is not so. Each and every day we come across headlines in the newspaper which makes us aware of the fact that world peace is not anywhere near. For example recently Islamic State militants attacked places like Syria and Iraq, killing people and tormenting those who opposed them. They even sent out videos of beheadings of American European citizens (Jakes, 2014). Then there are continuous problems in Lebanon, Baghdad, Iran, and Pakistan etc. World Peace can only come into play when each and every one wants and welcomes it. But, in a polycultural society such as ours, it is almost impossible to get everyone to understand the need for world peace. Each and everybody have their own thoughts about the term peace, thereby diminishing the hopes for a “Utopian” society. Utopia and Economy Utopia is also used to describe a state of perfect life where there is no poverty and everyone is satisfied and happy. But if we look into the world map today we can clearly see three different kinds of nations-Developed, developing and poor countries. The state of people living in the underdeveloped countries such as in Malaysia, Nepal etc is truly agonizing and almost close to unimaginable. Economically speaking, today the global economy is of much concern and poverty is a global issue. Consistent efforts and plans to fight poverty has been a total failure. There a growing difference between the classes and in their income. Even in the U.S., almost 16 million children live under impoverished conditions. There has been reduction in social mobility as well for example, in Wisconsin, thousands of workers earn less than $10 in an hour (Meyer, 2014).On the other hand we are quite aware about the earnings celebrities and high income groups. Utopia and Gender Equality Thomas Moore, describes a society where equality especially gender equality was a must. In such a society everyone enjoys equality and freedom. However, the situation is not so. Even the U.S. lags behind in terms of gender equality on opportunities such as education, empowerment and health. However the problem of gender equality does not end here, since this problem is an age old one and has had some terrible consequences of the gender-selective mindset. In some countries such as India, China, Malaysia etc boy babies are preferred more than girl babies and often this sense of selection leads to female foeticide which exists even to this day. In such societies the inequality is such that male preference leads to problems for the female babies who are not cared for at par with the males. Another example of the consequence of gender inequality is the problem of dowry system in some countries. In some countries dowry is a part of marriages where the bride’s family gives lavish gifts to the groom’s family. In many cases these “gifts” are demanded unconstitutionally and illegally. Sometimes, brides are tortured by their in-laws if their family fails to give a good “dowry.” If truly, gender were treated equally would this ever arise? Again, this talk about gender brings us to the rights of the third gender. In the U.S. the government only recognizes two kinds of gender leaving little choice for the third gender or transgender. Fundamental rights and other rights of such individuals are often not granted. Being a third gender leads to societal problems as well. These instances are a way of highlighting the fact that even today gender inequality exists and we are nowhere close to being called a “Utopian society” Utopia and Ecology Originally, in a Utopian World humans and Nature coexisted in peace. Humans cared for the world around them and inflicted no harm to nature. However, that is not the case in the world that we live in today. Humans are at the very zenith of technological advancement and in that very process we have inflicted harm upon the environment that surrounds us. One of the most important one is the issue of global warming –a subsequent result of polluting the environment with greenhouse gases. Burning of fossil fuels and release of harmful gases into the environment has triggered a Green House effect owing to which the average global earth temperatures have rise. There also been a rise in the sea levels of the oceans. Another important situation to consider is the problem with biodiversity. Humans, in our society are so consumed with their own existence that they do not consider about the right to existence of any other species. Man-wildlife conflicts are on the rise. In some cases human, for their own personal benefit, inflict harm on animals such as Elephants for ivory tusks and rhinos for their horns. Recently, in Glen Africa a Rhino had been shot dead and its horn was cut off by poachers (Kormorant, 2014). In contrast to a society which can be described by the term “utopia”, our society is far from being in cordial relations with nature. Humans pollute their environment without thinking and do almost nothing to bring the growing problem under control. Thus the concept of Utopia in terms of ecology is also non-existent. Utopia and Technology and Advancement No diseases and no suffering exist in Utopia, the Island Thomas Moore talked about. For the field of medical sciences and technology, this form is utopianism is only a farfetched idea. The concept of utopia in the field of technological advancement refers to the growth of technology to such an extent that human suffering would be eradicated and things such as ageing or even death could be stalled. To some extent at least in this case, we may say that we can reduce human suffering and even stall death. Treatment for cancer and other deadly diseases are available today. Even a neurodegenerative problems such as Alzheimer’s can be managed better (Stoppe et al, 2005). We today have the ability to use molecular tools such as genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology to understand diseases, perform cloning and even grow human organs in the laboratory settings. In fact some people believe in Technological utopia to such as extent that they signed up for cryogenic preservation before their deaths till scientists come up for a cure for death. However, such things are available to a handful few. Today, in impoverished countries few people can even afford basic medical facilities leave alone concepts of genetic engineering and cryogenic preservation. Conclusion Thomas Moore’s island- Utopia, where everything is perfect and good begets good and evil begets evil, is just his imagination. We have across many examples of what Utopia is not i.e. it is non-existent. Utopia to us can be an ideal state which can never be accomplished, not as a country, or as a state neither at the individual level. This is only because we are humans- prone to errors, fallacies, greed and want. We can never reach the very end of our wants. But then again, who said wanting was wrong? If humans stopped wanting we would never have an advanced society. Can you imagine not wanting to find another stone to strike the first one? We would never have build fire! Yes, in its true sense the word utopia which means a perfect state is used all wrong in today’s world. Jakes, L. ” ISIS Use Beheadings to Make Up for Losses, Say US Officials.” Abc News. 2014.Retrieved from http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/us-militants-beheadings-make-losses-25962255 on 3 October, 2014. Kormorant.” Glen Africa’s Rhino Killed for Its Horn.”2014 Retrieved from http://www.kormorant.co.za/2014/09/glen-africs-rhino-killed-for-its-horn/ on 3 October, 2014. Meyer,H.” Faith community leads fight against poverty.” PostCrescent.2014.Retrived from http://www.postcrescent.com/story/news/local/2014/10/04/faith-community-leads-fight-poverty/16726373/ on 5 October, 2014. Robinson, A.E.”Richard Cory. Collected Poems, with an introduction by John Drinkwater,”1922. Ceril Palmer, London, p 82. Stoppe,G. Et al.” Treatment of Alzheimer's disease utilising the best available evidence-based medicine -- utopia? “Gesundheitswesen,2002, 67(1),20-26. “Utopia”, Urban Dictonary. Retrieved from http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=utopia on 4 October, 2014. “Utopia”, Online Entymology Dictionary. Retrieved from http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=utopia&searchmode=none on 4 October, 2014. Read More