Would you rather live in a totalitarian utopia or an anarchic wasteland? Of course, obviously, the inclusion of the imperfect human psyche in the presence of an utopian society would be paradoxical, however ignore that for a minute: Basically the question boils down to standard of living vs. freedom. I would love to see your reasoning on this. Please don't turn this into a communism/socialism vs. libertarianism debate; that would ruin the fun.
Anarchic Wasteland. Why? Well, I've been watching these zombie shows lately and I think I could survive in that environment. And I really don't think totalitarian and utopia go together very well.
It is imposible to define utopia. My utopia and yours may be very different. Anarchy is something we can all understand and agree on. So, unless we are talking about MY utopia I choose anarchy.
Didn't read OP before voting poll. I basically voted Utopia over Wasteland, regardless of how we got there. Sort of like the ends justifying the means. But if you say Freedom vs Standard of Living that's a different argument.
I voted the same way for the same reason. I could live with a benevolent dictator if need be....not interested in living anywhere accurately referred to as a "wasteland."
The poll is completely ambiguous. An individuals utopia can be anything, regardless of the means. I think a more accurate discussion would be free will vs destiny.
I voted for the totalitarian utopia because an anarchic wasteland could easily and would likely be turned into a totalitarian wasteland, and utopia > wasteland.
Easier for me to rise to power in a Totalitarian utopia. To start I would make a mandate for resealable chip bags and Pringles cans everyone can fit their hand in. It would be paradise.
What is a totalitarian utopia? Anarchic wasteland I can picture. Totalitarian utopia is hard to envision. Oh, and... <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xAZXGjoQTzw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gj_JM_4gtwQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Oh Dave, if I repped for folks posting stuff I love, I'd rep you over and over again. Question: Do we still have all our neat technological toys in the totalitarian utopia? If so, I go with that. I'm assuming in an anarchic wasteland there is none of that since the country would probably be alot like Revolution.(no power, no clear cut government other than who holds the most individual power)
An anarchic wasteland, in terms of social/cultural/economic hierarchy, would look vastly different than our current set up - many of those who enjoy a great deal of power and comfort and advantage now would probably be killed and eaten within a few weeks. Those on the bottom end of the social scale would see a path cleared of the current obedience-based incentives and would, in all likelihood, rule.
Yes you get to keep your toys in a totalitarian utopia. However, you make the same as everyone else, you have the same luxuries as everyone else, and you abide by the rules like everyone else. Do you want to be a painter but were chosen to be a... let's say construction worker? Too bad, you can't pursue your ambitions but your needs will always be provided. For an anarchic wasteland, picture fallout but without the nuclear winter backdrop. Simply enough its an anarchy. Actually, a better example would be reverting humanity back to the hunter and gatherer era however with the knowledge and skills of a current day human. Eventually, communities would form yes, but for the most part you are on your own.
I like running water, constant electricity and being able to sleep without a gun under my pillow/pillow like thing. Would I trade that in exchange for constant surveillance, constant fear of disappearing, or watching what I say and do? More often than not. You have to be really entitled and spoiled not to understand what the lack of safety, services and persistent hunger can do to a person or even a provider of a family.