A naive utopia

I have long held an affinity with the song Imagine, by John Lennon. As with many things however, it is easier to accept the song on face value yet increasingly difficult when you break it down. Lennon advocates a utopian society where all our differences are obliterated. What can be wrong with that, right?

Today was the first day in memory that I have come to the realisation that utopia does not, and cannot exist. It is naive to think it can, as no universal definition of utopia exists. This leads to exclusion. Exclusion leads to division which brings us right back to where we started. In this sense, I assert that it is possible to advocate that we currently live in a utopia. We respect each other’s differences, yet come together on common issues, right?

Unfortunately, this is also a naive conclusion. Having followed APEC closely, I have listened attentively to the politicians and leaders delivering prepared speeches far more eloquently than my own emphasising the importance of economic ties in maintaining a war-free society (a position I agree with). It is easy to forget however that not every country is part of this inner-loop. I love Star Trek. To me, the prospect of a society built on respect, science and equality (gender, race and species) is utopia. Yet, similar to the Lennon song, this is a naive view as it overlooks the easy criticism of the promotion of communist and fascist ideologies. I attack not individuals who hold these ideologies, but use them as a reminder that people who think differently than you or I exist.

Diversity appears to stand between us and the concept of utopia, and yet my definition of utopia cannot exist without diversity. It is with a heavy heart that I lay the fallacy of utopia to rest, we hardly knew ye.