Convenience is a key to any village, land, or in this case a Utopian community. Since majority of upstanding American citizens do not prefer complex lifestyles, the Utopia is designed to be extremely accessible. The community revolves around both an agricultural and industrial lifestyle. In this case, residents are given a choice to whether they want to work in a factory or a farm. Since the farming land is encompassed with an urban setting, the residents virtually live in the best of both worlds. Also, equality between sexes and freedom of religion are promoted through the land. All types of prejudice towards people—including blacks—are eliminated and replaced with mere acceptance. Inhabitants of this Utopia will live the most harmonious lifestyle a society can offer.
This Utopia's main source of income will be through industrial means. Therefore there are many factories/mills located in the urban part of town. The homes are placed in close proximity to these factories/mills so that the workers do not have to spend much time walking. This will ensure more energy for the work days. To avoid a potential fire, the factories/mills are strategically positioned away from the woods. In this case it is impossible for a fire to spread to the woods from a malfunctioning factory machine. This promotes safety throughout the community. The second source of income will be through agriculture. The farms, located in the rural area, are by the river for a better source of water. Since the river enhances the ability for a fertile farmland, there will be the growth of fruits and vegetables, from squash to berries. Again, homes are placed near the farms so that workers do not have to spend all their energy walking. This community will be a commercial enterprise where crops are traded for goods, and factories mass produce products that are in high demands.
In the urban area there are many public parks and sociable buildings spread throughout. This gives the residents the advantage of getting to know one another in a friendly atmosphere. There are roads that lead to the river for avid fishers or for those who simply enjoy the water. In the rural area, there is a public building for residents to take a break and unwind. There are beautiful orchards added to give the farmland an aesthetic appeal.
In the effort to help steer individuals away from drinking, a public building will be used to inform the dangers associated with alcohol. Since the equality of women has always been a prominent issue, a town hall will serve as a place for women to voice their opinions. This ensures fairness between the sexes. This Utopia will not be a religious community; there is not just one belief. Instead, residents are free to practice whichever religion they please.
Group Commentary:
We met on Thursday, September 30th on the 3rd floor of the Johnson center from 12:30 to 1:30. Prior to the meeting, we each read over the assignment on our own and jotted down ideas of what we think the Utopia should look like. At the meeting we read our ideas aloud and all decided what would work and what wouldn't. After, we combined all of the ideas onto a list. Shannon and Laura took the list home and worked together to design a map. Nhat wrote the first draft, and Justin revised to make sure that it is compatible to the map. When the draft was done, Anh edited it for any grammatical errors. The map and essay were sent to each group member via email. Anh did the group commentary.
Superb job on creating your Utopia. I liked how the town was spatially arranged and the reasons why the town was arranged in that specific matter. (With the concerns of fire in the factory/mill with the other factories) However, when presenting the Utopia itself, the support paragraphs could have been modified to match with the thesis statement, which the inhabitants of the town will live the most harmonious life. (Would the inhabitants be stressful due to factories around them? why would it be particularly be harmonious) Also the ideas of the town being equal in sex and race; how do these reflect the arrangement of the town? or Who would work at the farms and the factories? The women? or Men? Or combined? How does this affect the equality between them? Addressing these questions could have been helpful understanding the Utopia better. The post could have had a part where the Utopia is reflected on the other Utopian communities and how is it different from their belief of Utopia. There could have also been a conclusion to sum up the ideas introduced and how they are related to the thesis statement if not to end the post. Overall, nicely planned Utopia. (Just needs a better finishing touch)
Posted by: Beeson Cho | October 19, 2004 at 06:48 PM