The utopian idea continues to fascinate even today. Two interesting items:
Fox Entertainment is starting a new “reality” series, Utopia, this fall, based on a Dutch series that was a big hit in that country. The premise of the show is that fifteen people are placed in a remote location with instructions to remake society. It’s not truly a social experiment, of course, but rather a bit of entertainment along utopian themes. I may watch an episode or two just to see how they present the utopian ideal, but it sounds a lot like Survivor without the intentional privation. I notice that the TV networks no longer even employ the fig leaf of “reality,” but prefer “unscripted” instead. But who knows, maybe the personalities will pull me in and I’ll become a viewer.
Closer to home, the Missouri Germans Consortium is scheduling activities in connection with an exhibit at the Missouri History Museum that will commemorate the activities of the German emigration societies in the U.S., and more specifically the Giessen Emigration Society that led a group of around 500 colonists to the Missouri River valley in Missouri in the 1830s. The exhibition will open at the History Museum in late November, and I’m definitely putting it on my calendar!
stevewiegenstein 
I’m curious to learn what you think, but I suspect that Sir Thomas More does it better than Fox ever will. 🙂
Enjoyed your entry on an interesting topic – one that makes “Slant of Light” such an interesting read.
We shall see! I’m always up for a good reality series….and thanks for the kind words about Slant of Light! I am planning to write more about utopias/dystopias in the coming weeks. It’s fascinating to me how prevalent the dystopian story line has become in recent years.
Wonderful! I look forward to reading more of your thoughts.
I think the dystopian story line is particularly appealing to adolescent readers because it is conducive to the very issues they deal with:
– the tension between collectivism and individualism
– whether one should conform or be independent
– rebellion
For whatever reason, most parents/adults are unable to be of much service, so the young adults or teens can be the protagonists. Those who are different and the outcasts are the heroes/heroines. When I work with my students, these novels lead to some very interesting conversations.
Write on, Steve!
We are super excited! I think you’ll end up watching more than 2 episodes. 😉
Ok, I’ll take your word for it. Going in with an open mind.