What Makes America Utopian?
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Many individuals wonder what would make America Utopian? Utopian is defined as having characteristics of a utopia, especially having impossibly ideal conditions especially of social organization. There are quite a few definitions of Utopian but this one is a specific definition, one that is always used. America is very unique first off, among nations of Western society in its utopia-touched origins. The 17th century reflects the passion and also preoccupation with nature and conditions of Utopian being. Utopian in America goes way back to the pilgrims, who sailed off in the Mayflower. In that time the immigrant communities gave birth to native-born Utopians, who eventually broke away and found their own communities, usually towards the West.
Also, America's most influential Utopian was Edward Bellamy which his novel was very popular called "Looking Backward" and it was a massive seller. It was a set tale in the distant future of the year 2000. It discussed what makes America Utopian and how it all happened. He has been through it all. Bellamy founded no mini-Utopians himself and preforming to place hoping in overall evolution of American society toward a better life. Hippie Utopians were also sprouting like weeds in those days. A Utopia built the whims of a single person isn't much of a Utopia at all. A individual named Amos Alcott decided to found fruit lands in Harvard, a community based on strict vegetarianism and ascetic living, they didn't have many stuff such as no hot water, no animal labor etc.
A Utopian society would be a society that has highly desirable pretty much perfect qualities for individuals. There are many characteristics of a Utopian society, such as individuals are treated equally, live without fear, economic security etc. Utopia was originated by the works of the 1st century. There were many types of Utopias. Economical utopias increased and really expanded during the 19th century. It also rose with poverty, commercialism, and capitalism, was the concept of "greater good". There is also political Utopias, religious Utopias and so on. After all being said, there is quite a few things that occurred that made America Utopian, by all these things that happened in America society. We should all make our own choices and be free to do what we would like and everyone has their own view of things.
I agree with your point that there are many interpretations of Utopia, and I appreciate the historical contextualization here. I wonder if you just focused on one and explained that in more detail, this would really flow? What happened to Alcott's vision? How many people were involved in his program, and how long did it last? Are there any groups that were inspired by Alcott into action today?
ReplyDeleteNice history context that was added about utopia and its origin on how it was started. What was Edward Bellamy’s novel about? Did he discuss what his view and version of what utopia would look like? I agree with your statement that there multiple of different type of Utopias. I would say that it is an unlimited version of utopia because everyone has their view. One can think that a perfect environment is the start of a utopian area, while others would say that an ideal society is an ideal utopia. In the link that I’ve provided, show different student of their version of what utopia is and dystopias: https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/belli-sp2014-eng2000/category/my-utopia/.
ReplyDeleteCierra,
ReplyDeleteYour blog is very historical! I also agree with the points you've made about the utopia and its origin. How does America go back to the pilgrims? In your second paragraph you stated Edward Bellamy has a novel and it was a big sell. What information does his novel give? What makes the other types of utopians different from the rest? But, I do agree there is different types of utopia. Also, you stated Amos Alcott found fruit lands. How many fruit lands were found? How long did this living last for the community? The details and information provided was very interesting to read!