The Utopian Life In America

By Sharron Cantu


When individuals can live together in peace and harmony, it can be magic. In some cases, it can lead to living the utopian life so few have lived. Whether or not success can be found in utopian lifestyles often depends on those involved. One way to assure a chance at better success is to place like-minded individuals in the same general vicinity within a neighborhood.

The word, first coined by Sir Thomas More for his book describes a fictional island in the midst of the Atlantic. The term has been used more recently to describe communal and intentional communities. Both of which incorporate the talents of different individuals to create a fully active and often self-sustainable community. Between bartering with other household members and for outside goods, the community can live on a cash free basis most of the time.



In the late 1960s and early 1970s, a number of communes existed all over the United States. Many on the east and west coasts housed individuals who shared chores, cooking, cleaning, gardening and worked to provide others in need. Today the focus on these intentional communities seems to be more on shared baby and pet-sitting than shared chores and food. Regardless, the other aspects of sex, drugs and rock and roll have also been removed from earlier times.

The word, of Greek origin literally means "no place." Interesting meaning when one considers the realty of the meaning of the word and the adage that "no place is perfect." The earliest mention of a Utopian paradise would be that of Plato's Republic. Whether with Plato's Republic, or others' since, one thing in common with most is that the economics are often based on a socioeconomic status.

When looking to create commune or intentional community, it is good to have as minimal a carbon footprint in the process as possible. Once the individuals are on-site, it is important to discuss the responsibilities and shared talents of the household. It is also important to pick a location that is ecologically sound and in good environmental health. Otherwise, the village may only be completed to have to be torn down and rebuilt elsewhere.

As a result, due to the commercialism and capitalism that took over the late 19th and early 20th century, many communes and intentional communities arose in various parts of the world. Social disruption created by the establishment of these new markets has always been thought to have been the cause of this particular recessive period in history. It is during this time that the socioeconomic status among those living in different communes, intentional communities and other shared housing became quite clear.

At times, it can seem as though a group home or dormitory may equate to this type lifestyle. This could not be further from the truth. For, to live a this type lifestyle means to live peace, love, kindness and harmony. It is possible that in some cases a group home, or dormitory perhaps the type that is run for charity may be able to establish a similar lifestyle.

Andromeda (1957, ) is a film that shows the human race communicating with a Great Circle to create the perfect technological society. The basic idea being that peaceful, loving, kind individuals can build the perfect life. With the economy and other factors, it is no doubt that this lifestyle may be more popular in the future than the past.




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