The Ones Who Walked Away from Omelas

Social Justice is often described as forming an ideal environment fueled by the concepts of equality and promoting the human dignity and rights of the common good.  In “The Ones Who Walked Away from Omelas,” Ursala creates a utopian society that seems to have no visible flaws at first glance. “They were not simple folk, you see, though they were happy. …But there was no king. They did not use swords, or keep slaves. They were not barbarians.” On the surface, the city of Omelas might be interpreted as an environment incorporating the basic principles of social justice: solidarity and equality. When initially reading this passage, the reader might assume that a utopia is an environment that incorporates the principles of social justice. Upon closer examination, this theory can quickly become disproven. “The Ones Who Walked Away form Omelas” states the stark reality that utopias do not exist. The notion of creating a flawless society can only flourish in the shallow imagination. Therefore, in order to understand social justice, we must first understand that suffering exists. The emaciated child imprisoned within the depths of this ‘perfect society’ is a concrete example of this theory.  No matter how perfect life may seem from the outside, there is always that one person locked away in isolation, ultimately suffering on the inside. According to the passage, suffering is even contagious. Many who visited the decrepit child never became whole again and were swept into a downward spiral of suffering, ultimately due to the lack of the support of the community. “At times one of the adolescent girls or boys who go to see the child does not go home to weep or rage, does not, in fact, go home at all. Sometimes also a man or woman much older falls silent for a day or two, and then leaves home. These people go out into the street, and walk down the street alone. They keep walking, and walk straight out of the city of Omelas, through the beautiful gates.” Though utopias are impossible to create, we can implement actions into our daily lives to take one step closer to living a life full of social justice. Instead of shunning those who suffer, we must embrace them as a community. 

Class Survey

Personal Information

Hi! My name is Alexandra Higl and I'm from Parma Heights, OH which is located on the west side of Cleveland approximately forty minutes away from JCU. My primary e-mail is ahigl15@jcu.edu which I check multiple times a day. If looking for me, you can find me either breaking a sweat at the gym, playing the melodious tones of my violin and piano, wearing the mask of another by acting in a play, curled up with my notebook writing, volunteering in various service opportunities, or just taking it easy and hanging out with friends.

Learning Style and More

The ideal classroom setting where I flourish as a student is generally composed of respectful students, an instructor at the ready to answer my questions, matched with a calm, easy going environment teeming with acceptance. Initially, I hesitate at times to voice my opinion in a new setting. Once I adjust, you will soon realize that I am quite an opinionated individual.

Technology and More

I believe that the most important technological invention thus far is the computer. The computer itself has laid a foundation to further enhance the way we communicate, think, read, shop, write, and even act. The computer has paved the way to the invention of the internet thus revolutionizing our means of communication. A few years ago, someone would have laughed at the word "Twitter," have been baffled by the concept of online webcam communication, and would have snickered at the concept of 'poking.' The internet has not only brought upon a radical change in personal communication between two individuals, but global news stories as well. In today's new technological era, we have access to news breaking events on the other side of the globe at our very own fingertips, thus making publications such as newspapers and magazines inch one step closer to becoming obsolete. Personally, I rarely open up a newspaper or Time magazine and rather simply log onto CNN or The New York Times' website to keep myself current with both national and international happenings. Most importantly, if not for the invention of the computer, you would not be reading this blog that I have composed.

 I simply cannot imagine life without my Macbook, ipod, or cell phone. These three common technological devices provide both an easy means of communications to my friends and family as well as endless hours of entertainment. I like to think of myself as computer savvy as well as the majority of my generation who have grown up with the invention of the computer and have even attended mandatory classes focused around this technological device. I have always found myself interested in digital media and one day hope to enter the field of TV Broadcasting, possibly becoming a news anchor or producer. In high school, I always was a "Facebook hater" and refused to even open an account until last year. After my year's worth of Facebook experience, I have grown to appreciate this social networking site. If I had to rate myself on technical proficiency, I would say I am about a 6.5 or 7.

About Dr. Shutkin

1. What are your personal thoughts about the new technological era of today? Do you feel this era impacts people as a whole in a positive or negative manner?
2. What do you think is the most important technological advancement of today?
3. How are social justice and the media intertwined?