The Future is Ustopia

🌍The dominant visions of the future are often created by a small group of people who prioritize their own interests over the collective well-being of humanity.

📱Silicon Valley's utopia envisions a world where technology fulfills our every desire, while Hollywood's dystopia portrays a future of conflict and inequality.

💡Ustopia is a concept that challenges these narratives and emphasizes collective well-being, equity, and the active involvement of people in shaping the future.

🌐The city of Barcelona is an example of ustopia in action, with its participatory platform Decidim and initiatives like Superblocks, prioritizing the needs and desires of the community.

🏢Atlanta is another city where residents are mobilizing to create ustopias that prioritize public goods over profit and challenge the militarization of spaces.

What is the difference between utopia and ustopia?

—Utopia represents an idealized vision of the future that often ignores the complexities of our present reality. Ustopia, on the other hand, acknowledges the challenges and interconnections of our world and strives for collective well-being and equity.

How can technology be used to create ustopias?

—Technology can be a powerful tool for enabling participation, transparency, and collective decision-making. Platforms like Decidim in Barcelona show how technology can empower communities to shape policies and prioritize their needs.

Are ustopias feasible on a larger scale?

—While ustopias may start at the local level, they have the potential to scale up and inspire broader change. Examples like Barcelona and Atlanta demonstrate that when people come together with shared goals, they can create tangible impacts on their communities.

How can individuals contribute to building ustopias?

—Individuals can contribute to building ustopias by actively participating in their communities, advocating for equity and justice, leveraging technology for positive change, and challenging dominant narratives about the future.

Why is it important to reshape our imagination?

—Reshaping our imagination is crucial because the stories we tell about the future shape our actions and priorities in the present. By embracing a vision of ustopia, we can work towards creating a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and equitable.

00:08The future is often shaped by a small group of individuals, imposing their visions on the rest of humanity.

01:12There are two competing narratives about the future: Silicon Valley's utopia and Hollywood's dystopia.

03:03Ustopia challenges these narratives and emphasizes collective well-being and the active involvement of people in shaping the future.

05:20Barcelona is an example of ustopia, with its participatory platform Decidim and initiatives like Superblocks prioritizing community needs.

07:55Atlanta is another city where residents are mobilizing to create ustopias that prioritize public goods over profit and challenge power structures.

09:41Ustopias are taking shape globally, with communities working towards a future that prioritizes people and the planet.

10:52We each have the power to contribute to building ustopias by actively participating in our communities and challenging dominant narratives.

11:36Reshaping our imagination is crucial to create a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and equitable.