Is Clean Air the Next Luxury? The Dystopian Reality of Gasping
In a world where even the air we breathe is becoming a commodity, one might question the foresight of satirical playwright Ben Elton. His 1990 debut play, *Gasping*, shattered the…
A dystopian future refers to a speculative society characterized by suffering, oppression, and often extreme control by a totalitarian government, technological dominance, or environmental catastrophe. It presents a bleak and troubling vision of what the future may hold, contrasting sharply with utopian ideals of a perfect society. In literature, film, and other media, dystopian futures typically explore themes of surveillance, loss of individuality, societal collapse, and the dangers of unchecked authority. This genre often serves as a critique of contemporary social, political, or technological issues, warning of the potential consequences of current trends taken to their extreme. The term evokes feelings of despair and caution, prompting discussions about morality, freedom, and the human condition.
In a world where even the air we breathe is becoming a commodity, one might question the foresight of satirical playwright Ben Elton. His 1990 debut play, *Gasping*, shattered the…