What problems of his day was Bellamy responding to, and how did his vision of the future point to solutions for those problems?
Humanity has a history of exploiting those not bestowed with the riches that are a status symbol in any given society. Such dystopian societies are what Bellamy responds to in the book in a subtle manner reminiscent of critic’s approach in the 19 th century in responding to oppressive regimes. Bellamy was a largely travelled man with first-hand knowledge of American and European cities, in which they encountered little that impressed them (Bellamy, 2003). Like the society during the 19 th century, Bellamy was in awe of the capabilities of industrial economy on private capital and as an efficient means for wealth accumulation. However, Bellamy recognized that despite its ability to raise the standard of living and produce cheap goods in mass, the industrial economy concentrated wealth on the hands of few privileged individuals and families (Bellamy, 2003). The wealthy exploited the poor who despite recognizing the wide gap between the two classes, resigned to belief that there was no way to change the system. On the other hand, the wealthy were insensitive and felt that the poor were an inferior class to the rich. Inequality, oppression, and suffering were dominant phenomena in such a dystopian society (Bellamy, 2003).
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Bellamy’s solutions to the problems evident in their society were exactly the opposite of the predicament of the society then. Bellamy dreamt of a utopian society that possesses nearly perfect qualities for its members. The fundamentals of a utopian society emphasize on egalitarian principles of equality in economy, governance, and justice, though strategies for their attainment vary (Bellamy, 2003). To contextualize their concept solutions, Bellamy approaches the problem through use of the City of Boston as a case study. This is evident in the exclamation by Julian West about their vision for a new Boston after waking up from a 113-year-old slumber (Bellamy, 2003, p. 55). It is this centuries-old tradition of utopian fiction that Looking Backward: 2000-1887 is based. Bellamy employs utopianism in a simple and minimal plot as a vehicle to convey their ideas for social reform. The objective was to counter entrenched hostility towards public capital, and dominant tenets of socialism (Bellamy, 2003). Bellamy argument is based on the theory that an ideal society would have intact separation of genders, marriage will retain its importance as an institution, the government remains to be respected and a powerful means to maintain social order, personal freedom will be enhanced, consumer choice enhanced, work merit recognized and rewarded, and every individual has full access to the nation’s services and products (Bellamy, 2003). However, Bellamy distances themselves from extremely radical theories of socialists and anarchists by adopting a subtle approach in persuading their readers to understand utopian ideas.
Are there problems of the day that Bellamy seemed oblivious to?
Predicting the future often presents challenges due to uncertainties that may not be evident at the time of planning. In the novel, Bellamy recognizes the challenge faced by reformers to convince members of the society to overhaul the status quo. One can argue that by advancing utopian concept, Bellamy is oblivious to the fact that some societies have accepted the status quo and any ideas to change it are received with a lot of skepticism or hostility. Another issue that Bellamy seemed oblivious to is in their conceptualization of a perfect society modelled on a city of Boston (Bellamy, 2003). In today’s world, governance of such a utopian city would face significant challenges due to external influences. Modelling of a utopian society on a city cannot work in today’s globalization with the world termed as “a global village” because of the interactions made possible through advances in technology (Bellamy, 2003). In addition, the ideology of a perfect society may not be received positively by all societies due to cultural differences that entrench the status quo, especially in issues to do with gender and economic inequalities (Bellamy, 2003).
Why do you think his book proved so popular and influential?
New ideas are often perceived as a breath of fresh air because they open avenues to new imaginations never envisioned before. Such was the case with Bellamy’s (2003) book, Looking Backward: 2000-1887. In an era where freedom of expression was only a theory, Bellamy beat the odds in their book through the adoption of a subtle approach that readers could identify with. Their characterization of the rigid stratification of the era as a moral outrage was founded on the belief that some factions were in opposition of the status quo, but feared the wrath of expressing their concerns publicly (Bellamy, 2003). Therefore, one can argue that Bellamy set the precedent by breaking this barrier of fear.
A fiction novel such as Looking Backward: 2000-1887 , would not attract significant audience under normal circumstances. However, Bellamy approach makes it easy for readers to identify with issues and problems raised and the suggested solutions (Bellamy, 2003). This aspect of the book is accomplished through use of Julian West and Doctor Leete whose conversations mirror issues affecting large segments of the society in the 19 th century. Any oppressive regime faces opposition from factions and individual’s intent on social reforms and abolishment of the status quo. The book provided positive insights to these groups inspiring them to pursue their dreams of a humane society (Bellamy, 2003). The influence of the book of famous social, political, and economic theorists is a reflection of shared ideologies advanced by Bellamy.
Would you personally like to live in Bellamy’s utopia? Why or why not? Why do you think his vision did not come to pass?
On individual level, no one would object to live in Bellamy’s utopia. Why would one choose to live in a different world where they have to fight and compete for everything in life while they have an option for a much easier life? (Bellamy, 2003). Though Bellamy observes that even in utopia one has to work, recognition and reward on meritocracy ensures that experiences of having to obtain such favors using backhanded approaches is non-existent. Utopia would be a true reflection of a flattened world where the playing field is level and individuals and companies can compete fairly (Bellamy, 2003).
Unfortunately, despite efforts made in the world to advance democracy and other factors that advance human values, Bellamy’s utopia remains just a concept. The world is defined by governments with different ideologies, but most are bent on advancing capitalism (Bellamy, 2003). Even cities have local governments with ideas that cannot be harmonized to pursue a common goal. Social and economic aspects are influenced by politics, and differences in political ideologies present challenges to stakeholders with utopian ideas. Bellamy utopia is an attractive concept, but it has no practical application in a world where competition for scarce resources pits humanity against its own ilk (Bellamy, 2003).
Reference
Bellamy, E. (2003). Looking Backward: 2000-1887 . Peterborough: Broadview Press.
