Essentially Utopia thrives and survives on the fact that there is little, if any, communication or contact with others outside their society. I believe the Amish are a sterling example of how this theory of Utopia would play out over time. The key to Utopia’s success, and furthered maintenance, rests profoundly on the necessity of isolation.
This notion I offer can be supported by the eroding of customs, lifestyle and prominence of the Amish in the US. More and more Amish youth are leaving their communes to be apart of American life. Along with that, more and more leniency is given to the customs they have held for centuries to better adapt to the increasingly modernized and industrialized world around them. I believe the Utopian society described would inevitably succumb to the types of corruption that infects all modern societies of man if it were faced with the type of globalization that is present today.
In terms of equality and moral code, perhaps one can argue that the Utopians, and Amish, seem to have it better; however what of quality of life? Cultivating creativity and passion. Experiencing personal achievement and celebrating individuality. These are things that Utopia does not account for, or hold in any high regard. At the time of More's publication, societies that function in this manner had not been observed over long periods of time to know whether or not such a place would actually function as a "utopia" for those who live there.
In terms of equality and moral code, perhaps one can argue that the Utopians, and Amish, seem to have it better; however what of quality of life? Cultivating creativity and passion. Experiencing personal achievement and celebrating individuality. These are things that Utopia does not account for, or hold in any high regard. At the time of More's publication, societies that function in this manner had not been observed over long periods of time to know whether or not such a place would actually function as a "utopia" for those who live there.
In my opinion, the Amish represent a longitudinal study of how a place like Utopia can exist over time, and how such a society would maintain itself today. I believe they highlight the efficiency of such a community being self-reliant; however the issues of discontent that arise from the forced compliancy and suffocated individuality that is inherent in such a society, along with the knowledge of starkly different ways of life that is available to them due to industrialization and globalization, reflects the reason a place like Utopia would not exist in harmony over time.
What we find is that Utopia sounds ideal in theory.
What we find is that Utopia sounds ideal in theory.
Yes, they may meet all practical functions to live such as food, shelter, clothing, occupation, protection, however there are more to modern man's needs than merely survival. This can be seen with the Amish communities. Their way of life is almost exactly how Utopia is described, and most agree that this way of life is undesirable compared to American society and culture. This is not to say that there isn’t much to be learned from Amish culture and customs, however I believe the key point here is “learned from.” We can gain an arguably purer perspective from their customs and ideals without having to convert to their lifestyle, just as Europeans could learn from the description of Utopia, and consider adjusting aspects of society, without supporting the complete upheaval of Capitalism for Communism.
Obviously the Amish culture is based wholly on religious beliefs, however their lifestyle, moral code, general isolation, work ethic, rules of dressing, communal self-sufficiency etc. can be closely paralleled to that described for Utopians. So do you agree that the plight of the Amish, that are trying to maintain their customs and culture, are a good example of how More’s Utopia would fail to stand the test of time?
Obviously the Amish culture is based wholly on religious beliefs, however their lifestyle, moral code, general isolation, work ethic, rules of dressing, communal self-sufficiency etc. can be closely paralleled to that described for Utopians. So do you agree that the plight of the Amish, that are trying to maintain their customs and culture, are a good example of how More’s Utopia would fail to stand the test of time?
I think it is so interesting how you related the book Utopia to the Amish community. Despite the striking similarities between both communities, I never would have recognized the relationship myself. I also think it is interesting if you take in the Amish practice of "rumspringa" where Amish youth are sent into the "real" world to experiment with work, drugs, sex, and other things conventionally considered banned or discouraged by their society. While "rumspringa" may be seen as a craving to get away from an oppressive quasi-utopian society, it is interesting to see the shockingly large percentage of these teens who return back to Amish life afterwards. Perhaps something about this society is alluring/rewarding after all.
ReplyDeleteThis is so interesting. I am from Lancaster, PA (the heart of the Amish) and I didn't even think of this connection. I agree, that such a society may seem right and they can uphold it as long as they try, but eventually the modern world will take over. I do think we can learn something, but as you stated, such a society needs to adjust, and simply has to maintain what they can of their culture. The Amish do interact with the non-Amish, and in fact need them to thrive. Yet another reason they may not stand the test of time. Very interesting post!
ReplyDeleteI think its great that you found a model that exists in our society today. I would have never made the connection between Utopia Book 2 and today's Amish groups. From this entry it is easier to place ourselves in More's character's perspective because we have a similar utopian situation to relate to. As much as there are certain characteristics about each utopian society that should be adopted, I think that in both cases, the opposing societies are too much settled and stubborn in their ways to even consider the slightest alteration. Yet I think its great that there exists other models of societies that we can learn from and compare ourselves to.
ReplyDeleteProbably one of the best Ruminations I've read in this class. Your analysis of the Amish culture in comparison to really opened some new avenues of thought for me. I had always sort of taken for granted that the world should constantly be attempting to move toward Utopia and that despite the fact that we will probably never get there is is more about the constant effort than anything else. Now I'm thinking, what if some part of our society has already reached that point. Clearly none of us would want to be Amish. The limitations and restrictions on personal freedom would be too much to bare.
ReplyDeleteThis provides a very interesting comparison to a society that exists today. I think you are dead on when you say the only way for these societies to survive is in isolation. There is a supreme court case, Wisconsin v. Yoder, that deals with the Amish. I think the results had a lot to do with them being an isolated population. The outcome is basically that because of the Amish's way of life, compulsory education is not required for the children. The weird thing about this case, is that it is specified that this exception is for the Amish only and will never be extended to other groups. However it is will be interesting to see if anything changes, since the lines between Amish and the outside community seem to be fading.
ReplyDeleteGreat Rumination, Allison! I think it is extremely interesting how you related the Amish as a Utopian society. I especially agree with your observation that key point is that we can learn from the Amish, just as Europeans could have learned from Utopians, without completely reforming into their lifestyle. I think this is an accurate observation regarding More's purpose in authoring Utopia. I do not believe that More intended us to become Utopians, but rather to recognize how they address problems in society and learn from their lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your ruminaton. I, too, did not make the connection with the Amish. While they are trying to preserve their way of life, they do have contact with "outsiders", selling their baked goods, furniture etc. I even stopped and bought home made root beer from children on the side of the road (not very good I might add). This outside contact seems to be helping them to preserve their customs.
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