Pico Union as a Contemporary Utopia - Essay Example

College: Critique on Pico Union as a Contemporary Utopia Based on beliefs and tenets of Thomas More, one of the renowned humanists of the 20th century, a Utopian society refers to an ideal community, not for its aspects of perfection, but for the dwellers’ effort to co-exist peacefully and help each other. More, therefore, fully acknowledges that it is virtually impossible to attain a perfect society, and such a Utopia would only exist in fictional works of philosophy and religion. The humanist asserts that, the only thing that people can do to guarantee utopia like attributes is, attempt to create a living environment that fosters social equality (More 32).

Grube and Reeve (328b-331b), in their analysis of Plato’s Republic exert further emphasis on egalitarianism, as a crucial aspect of an ideal community. Based on both authors’ perspectives, it is rather apparent that the principal features of an ideal human community include: prevalence of peace, social equality and diligent service to the community, among other positive attributes. The Magnolia Place, located in LA’s Pico Union is indubitably one of the modern models of utopia. The establishment brings together volunteers from the community including regional and administrative organizations, who aim at increasing access, utilization as well as the quality of local resources, utility services, and support for the underprivileged in the area.

The Magnolia Place, therefore, strengthens social relations among community members and improves economic development and opportunities. Even though, the neighborhood within which the organization is located was in the past regarded as the most insecure in Los Angeles, it has developed into a refuge for the people in the region (N.A 1-2). The transformation is a confirmation of More’s ideology that a Utopian society consists of flawed individuals, who choose to make a positive change in their environs.

The establishment depicts volunteers’ effort to foster equality, security and peace, through enabling the disadvantaged to get work, healthcare and reasonably priced housing, in addition to other fundamental utilities. Works Cited More, Thomas. Utopia. 2005. 11 April 2013. Grube and Reeve. Plato: Republic. Indianapolis, Indiana: Hackett Publishing Company. 1992. Print. N.A. Contemporary Utopia: Magnolia Place, Pico Union. 2013.