Is dystopia cooler?
It can often seem easier to defend the idea that the world is broken, because credible evidence is easily available to defend that argument.
Does negativity, pessimism and dystopia make us appear cooler, than holding a position that is far more positive?
It can often seem easier to defend the idea that the world is broken, because credible evidence is easily available to defend that argument.
What's far more difficult to do these days is to hold a perspective that 'the brightest days are still ahead for humanity'.
Surely only an ignorant fool would make such a laughable statement, right?
But also, visions of better futures are boring.
Telling stories of people collaborating and flourishing are not only naive, they are also far less interesting than stories of war, abuse or ruthless dictators.
We'd much rather watch a documentary about Jeffery Epstein than one about Mother Teresa, because we're fascinated by what goes on in the dark recesses of the minds of criminals. In many ways this helps us feel better about our own behaviour.
Optimism is not only uncool and a counter to the prevailing narrative, it also puts you in a precarious position, because in most cases, it can feel like the world is then trying to prove you wrong.
But in the face of a clear and present danger, optimism transforms into a brave act of defiance and becomes cool as a pure act of reckless rebellion. If Viktor Frankl had written his well-known book, while sipping tea in the Cotswolds, it probably wouldn't have made the same impact.
For utopias to be cool, the dark danger can't be at a distance - it needs to be made imminent and carrying grave consequences should it succeed.
Nothing brings people together and gives energy to a higher purpose more than a common enemy that is on the brink of destroying them.
The British are a good example of this principle, they have turned complaining about the weather into collective entertainment, because the weather is normally just a nuisance, not an existential threat. But when floods rise up and transcend into something more than annoyance...threaten to wipe out entire towns, then everyone gets mobilised and heroes emerge.
Don't underestimate the power of the intentional manufacturing of imminent danger.