3. To what extent is Omelas an analogy for our own society? Please discuss and provide examples.
At first, it may seem like there are no similarities between Omelas and our society because it is absurd to think about anyone, let alone a small child, being used in such a negative way for the benefit of others. If a child was locked up in a tiny room, given no clothing, malnourished, and put on display for anyone to visit in Vancouver, the moment citizens found out, there would be a public outcry for something to be done. Then, without a doubt something would be done. Chances are the child would be removed and given to child protection services where it would then, eventually, be put in the care of a more suitable guardian. After all, it’s the right thing to do.
This is not the reaction for all the children in our world however, who are living in such poor conditions and being treated unfairly. At this very moment in the countries where our shoes, clothes, and other material items are produced, children are being exploited by big named companies (as well as small ones) by being forced to work long hours for little pay. So what happens to these kids? Does the government intercept and reprimand the offenders, then remove the children? No. Nothing happens. It is common knowledge to many of us that children and adults are being exploited in various regions of the world, yet the majority of people do nothing about it. They continue to purchase the same goods and do not take any sort of a stand.
So this makes me ask the question; why do we become upset and look for change when it is in our own backyard, yet if it is happening elsewhere, no one really cares? Perhaps we share similar views to those that live in Omelas with an ‘out of sight out of mind’ mentality? Or maybe it is the fear that if we did instigate change, the effect on us would be so negative that it is just not worth the trouble? After all, I am assuming that that is indeed the reason that nothing is done about the child in Omelas. The citizens are very content with their life and for that to change would just be too much. Therefore it is easier to just turn away and try to forget about that young boy and the distress he is in.
Another example in our society where one group suffers while others benefit would be testing on animals. I will not go into great detail on this subject as I have done much research on it in the past and there is too much to get into, however; animals also suffer from our indifference and ultimately our greed. Basically dogs, cats, bunnies, and all kinds of other animals that many of us would consider to be pets are being confined to small spaces and tested on, many for frivolous reasons such as make-up testing, etc. The tests are unnecessary and brutal and in most cases lead to either the death of the animal or the animal suffers life long consequences. There are plenty of other options for the companies that conduct such tests but for some reason not all companies have ceased their testing on animals. As a matter of fact, many haven’t stopped. Still animals are dying painful deaths just so we can wear a certain type of makeup or use a particular type of shampoo. Here is full list of companies that DO test on animals:
How many of those brands do you or your family use on a daily basis? At first guilt may set in for a moment when realizing just how many animals have been tortured so that we can have yet another type of deodorant, but that guilt in many will pass. Then how many of you will just continue to use them? I am aware that many people share the belief it does not really matter because they are just animals, or because they are bred for that, but how does that matter? We are all animals, so if we bred humans to be tested on that would be fine because that’s what they were created for? It just should not be done when there are other options available.
My final example is on a slightly larger scale. It is relied upon for everything; literally, I am referring to the Earth. Our planet is reaching a point when it can no longer support our extravagant life styles. As technology advances and populations continue to increase, natural resources are slowly but surely running out. It seems to me (although this may be a stretch) that the young boy in Omelas could possibly symbolize the Earth and that the people of Omelas are the entire human race. The boy is mistreated and used for the sole purpose of others happiness. While some may visit the boy and be upset initially, they try not to think about it afterwards and seem to forget. This is the same for our planet. Just the like boy screams, our Earth screams too but in a different way. Extreme weather, the extinction of various types of animals, and a smog filled atmosphere, these are the earths way of telling us to stop. We sadly just do not seem to listen fast enough.
It seems that Omelas is indeed very similar to many parts of our society. The loss for some is a gain for others. My question is why? This passage should teach us all something and open our eyes a little more to the inner workings of our society, and really prompt a lot of thought as to what can be done to make change. Whether it is children working in a sweat shop, testing on animals, or abusing our planet just to mention a few, “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” written by Le Guin can be applied to all.
Just because I can’t resist:
Hi Alana,
ReplyDeleteWell done! This response is intelligent and very convincing. You make evident that Le Guin's short story is truly a commentary on our world - despite its fictionalized setting.
The strength of your analysis lies in your ability to use a wide range of real-world examples to justify your conclusion. You move beyond the obvious sweatshop example to talk about the environment, animal rights and child labor. Even this is just touching the surface, so I urge you to keep thinking about ways that our world depends on exclusion and abuse in order to maintain our own 'utopias'.
Great work! As a vegan, I am glad someone finally brought up the animal example.
- Patrick