The Giver Dystopian Society

A cooperative world where everyone works together. Enjoyable for sure, perhaps even perfect. Yet, is it even possible in the current world? In the current world, utopias are impossible since there would be a limitation and an insufficiency of materials, the lack of freedom and individuality would lead to rebellion, and the state of humanity’s technology is not advanced or developed enough.

A limited population is a key factor in utopias, but in reality, it would only lead to the society failing to be self-sufficient. In Lois Lowry’s, The Giver, Jonas’s community exists in a cycle-like fashion where each child and each single member of society follow the same exact path in life. Likewise, there is no new jobs or occupations. Each child the

age of eleven knows what is out there for generations on, with no exception. (Lowry 50-53) Although this seems to work it’s way out for them, it is important to know they have little to no geographical influence. The current world is completely different, and is no doubt constantly changing. This would make living in isolation difficult, since there would be no help from outside civilizations in times of need. Without help, it would become much harder to fight natural forces such as drought when a society is by itself, which could lead to crop loss and starvation. In Lissa Price’s, Starters, Callie lives in a world where the vaccination, a necessity of life in the current state, is running out. To use it effectively, they give it to the weaker members of society. However, this turns Callie’s life atrocious as she becomes the minority when the people without the vaccination die. (Price, Epilogue) This shortage leads to many turning to stealing, theft, and an overall higher crime rate, which is certainly not utopian. In order to deal with a shortage, a society must take into consideration the majority above the minority. This is a dangerous recipe as it can lead to harm of the minority or worse, rebellion. Rebellion is one of the most destructive things, and utopias and rebellion seem to go hand in hand.

A common theme in dystopian societies, a lack of freedom and individuality led to rebellion.

In The Giver, Jonas learns new ideas that lead to frustration. It is not the idea itself, but the struggle of everyone not having the knowledge he has. It was the absolute separation between him and his peers that made a sort of anger form. (Lowry 99-101) It is from this anger and frustration that rebellion surfaces. The anger that there has been error and that no one else understands it, but they should leads to the feeling of injustice. Since this type of injustice can only come when around other members of society, it is almost certain this will happen in a civilization where people interact with each other. Likewise, in Starters, Callie finds the need to seek revenge when influenced. So desperate, she even goes to the level of assassination just get back what she had. (Price 246-249) This need comes from the utter realization of injustice. As previously stated, she is the oppressed minority. Different people think in different ways, and in people like Callie, their thinking can be dangerous. For example, when a person is given a choice, where neither options are acceptable, they may decide to make their own choice. This choice is often not a preferable one, and can cause a disruption that can lead to bigger complications down the road. For this time period, there is no technology that can change

this.

With emotion comes rebellion, and humanity does not have the technology to change this.

In The Giver, Jonas decides to not to take the stirring pills, which are used to help contain emotion. These pills play a big part in the society to maintain control. However Jonas decides to stop taking these pills and starts to feel the emotions again. (Lowry 129-132) When these are these are a big part of keeping the society functioning, and technology is not advanced to have them, it poses a problem. Even then, the probability of everyone taking them is not certain. Along with the fact that distribution would be a challenge of it’s own, it does not seem likely that the would be accomplishable. In Starters, Callie’s chip, the main thing controlling her, is altered to suit other’s needs. This only makes her more dangerous and leads to Callie turning to what she thought was the enemy’s side. (Price 150-152) As seen, technology can be used to shift power and destroy systems. However, it is improbable that such technology could even exist. Even now, it is common knowledge that technology is known to malfunction, but when used in such measures as to achieve peace through control, the results can be devastating. This leaves the choice of either to not have control, or have control with unavoidable risks. Sadly, both can end in ruination of a

civilization.

Although desirable, utopias are impossible since there would be a limitation and an insufficiency of materials, the lack of freedom and individuality would lead to rebellion, and the state of humanity’s technology is not advanced or developed enough for the modern world. A society trying to be a utopia will have to make many choices, many of which will lead to rebellion and error. However, it’s still compelling to strive for the impossible.