Ariel & Christina Discuss: Why Must Utopia Be Cruel?

In this episode, Ariel and Christina try to get to the bottom of why our fictional visions of utopia are so negative. They often involve mindless acquiescence to an authoritarian nanny state, the oppression and labor of an underclass, or both. It’s as if we can’t imagine a situation in which we all voluntarily treat each other (reasonably) decently and life can be good for everyone. We discuss the literary origins of utopia, how it has evolved (or not) as a concept, and Ariel gives a few examples of sci-fi futures that are about as close to her style of solarpunk utopia as can be. Ultimately, the topic of utopia raises more questions than answers!Links:Original blog on the concept of a protopia: https://kk.org/thetechnium/protopia/Audio dramatization of "Kitaskinaw 2350": https://www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-podcasts/1020-this-place/episode/15862270-kitaskinaw-2350"This Place" publisher's page: https://www.portageandmainpress.com/Books/T/This-PlaceEpisode 6.10: the Dilemma of Utopian Joy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saBnIh3jZq4 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Om Podcasten

Solarpunk Presents is a podcast that explores the people and projects working on bringing us a better world today.Solarpunk is more than just an idea, more than just an aesthetic. Those inspire us, but where do we go from there? How do we put the values and visions described in solarpunk fiction and art into action in the here and now? What does that look like, translated into the reality of our present moment, into the places and spaces where we’re at? Hosts Ariel Kroon and Christina De La Rocha are producing podcast episodes featuring interviews with people working to make the world a better place right now, as well as discussions of solarpunk, DIY, aesthetic, housing, and more. Join us as we explore what #solarpunk looks like in the present.The best way to reach us is to email us at solarpunkpresents at gmail dot com or on our socials:Website: https://www.solarpunkpresents.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/solarpunkpresentsMastodon: https://climatejustice.social/@solarpunkpresentsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/solarpunkprFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/solarpunkpresentspodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@solarpunkpresentsTumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/solarpunkpresentspodcast Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.