1. Definitions, Examples & Characteristics
Utopias & Dystopias
Definitions, Examples & Characteristics

2. Utopia
A place, state or condition that is ideally perfect in respect of politics, laws, customs and conditions.

3. Utopia
What would your version of a utopia look like?

4. Dystopia
A futuristic, imagined universe in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through corporate, bureaucratic, technological, moral or totalitarian control.

5. Characteristics of a dystopian society
Propaganda is used to control the citizens of the society.

6. Characteristic #2
Information, independent thought & freedom are restricted

7. Characteristic #3
A figurehead or concept is worshipped by the citizens of the society.

8. Characteristic #4
Citizens are perceived to be under constant surveillance

9. Characteristic #5
Citizens have a fear of the outside world

10. Characteristic #6 Citizens live in a dehumanized state.
Dehumanize= deprive of positive human qualities

11. Characteristic #7
The natural world is banished & mistrusted.

12. Characteristic #8
Citizens conform to uniform expectations. Individuality & dissent is bad.

13. Characteristic #9
The society is an illusion of a perfect utopian world.

14. Types of Dystopian controls
Most dystopian works present a world in which oppressive societal control and the illusion of a perfect society are maintained through one or more of the following:

15. Corporate Control
One or more large corporations control society through products, advertising, and/or the media

16. Technological Control
Society is controlled by technology: through computers, robots and/or scientific means

17. Bureaucratic Control
Society is controlled by a mindless bureaucracy through a tangle of red tape, relentless regulations & incompetent government officials.

18. Philosophical/Religious Control
Society is controlled by one religion or philosophy which is enforced by a dictatorship or theocratic government.
Nazi Germany. North Korea. USSR.

19. The Dystopian Protagonist
Often feels trapped and is struggling to escape
Questions the existing social & political systems
Believes that something is terribly wrong in the society in which he or she lives
Helps the audience recognize the negative aspects of the dystopian world through their perspective

21. 3*2*1 Bridge
3 Thoughts
2 Questions
1 Analogy