Utopia and Dystopia Today

Dear readers!

Once again, we are faced with two words of Greek origin. To speak of a Greek word, in a sense, carries the connotation of philosophy. But in today's article, I will try to present a perspective that I believe will interest you, by addressing philosophy and current politics together.

I am not inclined to delve into the etymological roots of these words. I would like to briefly explain the two words as follows:

When we think of UTOPIA, the following definition and expressions come to mind:

· The word utopia was first used by an English writer named Thomas More.

· It describes an ideal society that does not currently exist, designed for the future.

· It is the imaginative design of 'good' and 'optimism'.

· It focuses on the future, not the present.

· It possesses a quality that triggers a sense of 'inspiration' in the human mind.

· It aims for an ideal form of society that does not exist today.

· It leaves an impression of perfection and flawlessness.

· In a utopian society, the individual is free, happy, and not under any pressure.

When we think of DYSTOPIA, the following words and expressions come to mind:

· It was first used by the English writer John Stuart Mill.

· It describes an authoritarian and oppressive state or system.

· It is an order where individuals' private lives disappear, and they unconditionally obey the state and the system.

· It encompasses meanings such as evil, theft, fraud, lies, hopelessness, sickness, abnormality, and violence.

· Dystopia is a definition related to the society we live in.

After briefly defining these two difficult words, my readers who were interested in left-wing politics, especially in the 70s, will immediately recall the founders of 'utopian socialism': Henri de Saint-Simon, Charles Fourier, and Robert Owen.

Soon after, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels sharply criticized these scientists, accusing them of being dreamers. The strange and thought-provoking aspect is that the 'Communist Society' proposed by Marx, which promised individual freedom, stability, and happiness, was also, in fact, a utopian society. According to Marxism, with the destruction of capitalism, the scientific utopian process would accelerate, and humanity would be saved from the scourge of dystopia. There would be no more class differences, and the state would disappear. A moral society and individuals would emerge.

Many books have been written about dystopia. Especially the books "Atlas Shrugged" by the Russian-American philosopher and writer Ayn Rand and "The Hunger Games" by the American writer Suzanne Collins have become bestsellers. But I must not forget to mention that the first dystopian novel of the 20th century (1908) was written by Jack London. In his novel "The Iron Heel," Jack London describes the oppression of the oligarchic tyranny in the United States over the working class, the petty bourgeoisie, and farmers. In his novel, where he characterized the rise of imperialism and the oligarchy as the "iron heel," he almost foretold the resurgence of racism and fascism as a result of the oppression of trusts (large corporations) on the oppressed segments of society.

The Nobel laureate French writer Albert Camus also addressed the issue of dystopia:

“Both the people of my generation and those entering businesses and faculties today have lived and are living like dogs. It is certainly not the first time that people have lived with a future walled off before them. But in the past, people would overcome these walls with the help of words and calls. They were full of hope. Today, however, no one speaks; because the world seems to be governed by blind and deaf forces that do not hear our warnings, advice, or wishes.

Today, the most important issues creating despair, fear, and distrust in the individual's heart are: the invention of the atomic bomb (fear of dying at any moment), technological progress (fear of unemployment and feeling insignificant), and population explosion, which is the devaluation of human beings.”

ARE DYSTOPIA AND UTOPIA TWO SEPARATE CONCEPTS?

Until now, all writers and philosophers have treated or continue to treat the concepts of dystopia and utopia as two separate definitions and concepts. In my opinion, these two concepts are intertwined and exist together. A person experiencing dystopia (evil/hopelessness) longs for utopia (goodness/prosperity) and struggles for it. In this sense, every person is simultaneously under the influence of dystopia and utopia. They continue their struggle for life on a path determined by these two components. That is,

someone collecting trash on the street (dystopia) naturally plans and desires to have a home and a car like everyone else one day (utopia).

AND TURKEY

My dear readers! It might seem strange to you that I am introducing these concepts of utopia and dystopia amidst so many problems. Just as a fish living in water does not know what water is, we too continue our lives within the world of utopia and dystopia at every moment.

First, let's look at the dystopia (pessimism) in Turkey:

· War, violence, and terror prevail everywhere.

· Child abuse, femicides.

· Financial hardship and the resulting increase in divorces.

· Erosion of moral values, decrease in respect.

· Increase in suicides and domestic violence.

· Depression (Turkey is one of the countries that uses the most antidepressants).

· A psychological dictatorship created from above has entered the heart and mind of every person. Here, there is a need for an explanation. Dictatorships have now changed form. The definition of dictatorships that openly commit oppression and torture is disappearing, and instead, fear and anxiety are instilled deep into our souls, especially through media and social media.

· Fraud, deception, favoritism, and nepotism are increasing everywhere.

· Mafia-type structures prevail.

· Substance abuse among youth is rapidly spreading.

· Both youth who cannot go to university and youth who graduate from university are struggling with unemployment.

· Fake religious communities, ultra-nationalist and fascist societies appear everywhere.

· Neglect and violence against the elderly, children, and animals are at their peak.

· Ecological problems are piling up.

· The institution of marriage among young people has collapsed due to the lack of cars, homes, social security, and job security.

· Forced marriages with close relatives due to bride price are becoming a necessity.

· Families spend all their wealth on their children's education, but the graduated youth wander around unemployed and powerless, causing deep disappointment in families.

Now let's look at the government's utopia (optimism) in Turkey:

· As our friendship with Russia strengthens, natural gas prices will remain at a reasonable level and be continuous. Our natural gas needs will be secured in this regard.

· We have started producing our own weapons. We will soon begin missile tests.

· We will annex the Northern Iraq Kurdish Region, which we see within the National Pact borders, at an appropriate time in the future.

· We will open oil wells in the Eastern Mediterranean by agreement with Libya.

· We will build a few more bridges over the Bosphorus.

· Turkey will be connected from one end to the other by high-speed rail.

· There will be no youth left without a university degree.

Now let's get to the most important part, the people's utopia (future design):

· Turkey should be at peace with its neighbors.

· Democracy should be established with all its institutions.

· Barriers for those of different languages, religions, and sects should be removed.

· Transparency and accountability should be possible.

· The unemployment problem should be solved.

· European Union values and principles should be taken as a basis.

· Partisanship should end.

· The broad powers given to state officials should be limited.

· Party leaders should not go to prison for thought crimes.

· There should be no discrimination between provinces and regions.

· The public should be able to meet their daily needs without fear.

· People should be able to express their political views freely.

· Education should be free and without burden to families.

· Every person should have the right to treatment even if they do not have social security (http://www.igdirdogusgazetesi.com/haber/3462/17/necife-goz-gore-gore-olume-gidiyor-acil-tedavi-lazimyok)

· Modernly designed shelters that do not harm human dignity should be everywhere.

· Solidarity and collection centers capable of meeting basic life needs such as food, clothing, and household items should be established everywhere.

In conclusion, we can say this:

NO TO PSYCHOLOGICAL DICTATORSHIP, YES TO UTOPIA!