Brave
New World Research Paper
Gokul
Muru
Essential
Question: What does it mean to be human?
Research
Focus: Caste Systems in Society
I have read and understand the sections in the
Student Handbook regarding Mason High School’s Honesty/Cheating Policy. By
affixing this statement to the title page of my paper, I am certifying that I
have not cheated or plagiarized in the process of completing this assignment.
If it is found that cheating and/or plagiarism did take place in the writing of
this paper, I understand the possible consequences of the act, which could
include a “0” on the paper, as well as an “F” as a final grade in the course.
Signed:
Gokul Muruganantham
Ms.
Nichole Wilson
English
IV B
12
April 2014
Gokul Muru
Ms. Wilson
English IVA
12 April 2014
The Systematic Society
Growing up in
the sixties during the period of segregation, Malcolm Tatum, a white American
citizen, was playing catch on a vibrant day with his close African American
friend. These activities were conducted in a manner as secretive as CIA agents
in the Cold War; mainly due to the fact that these sort of actions were
forbidden. But, not all secrets are forever covered. A neighbor observed this
scene only to tell Malcolm’s mother. Events afterward were not in the favor of
Malcolm resulting him in disciplinary punishment. This resulted due to
Malcolm’s friend being an African American. However, by today’s standards,
Malcolm’s friend is considered lucky to be thriving as “human,” compared to a
100 years back when he would have been considered a “slave.”
About 100 years ago, slaves were treated as property,
which carries a definition further from that of human. They were whipped
mercilessly, and forced to work in plantation fields for inhumane hours. Back
then, being human was defined as being a white male. This judgement was formed
mainly through an invisible “racial caste system”, that was believed to cause
stability in society. However, the instability of this perception was seen
through the eyes of the Civil War.
Currently, we
live in a Brave New World through which bias based on status and appearance is
very much prevalent. These statuses are arranged with the use of the caste
system, which is either visible or invisible in today’s society. Within Alduous
Huxley’s Novel, The Brave New World, it can be seen in the manner of the
caste system through which the Alphas and Betas are of a higher status;
meanwhile, Gammas and Epsilons are of a lower status. The World Controllers
believed that this system will help maintain social stability. However, through
the eyes of John, it is seen as the first step toward that of social
instability. He could predict that the surfacing of one dissident can topple
the World State, as more questions arise against the existence of the system.
The World State also carries this fear, and the actions of John questioning
soma distribution are the evidence to this theory.
The Caste System is based on perception of status. Perception
is a force that can be used in a right or wrong manner. The right manner
results in perceiving abilities, while the wrong manner rests in perceiving
external values. In a shallow depth of field, these wrong perceptions seem to
carry a sense of duty to maintain social stability, however they deviate
society from necessary ideals. These biases are used in a simple scenario of a
doctor’s appointment to job interviews. Perception can either make someone very
inferior, therefore keeping them from their needs. Or, it can tinker someone’s
jealousy, unlocking the unwanted actions. When questions are asked about these perceptions,
then chaos may erupt. While perception
of a caste system in terms of appearance and race may bring in a sense of
stability, it actually creates a sense of disunity, therefore this Brave New
World that society is entering into can be a dangerous ordeal.
Section #1:
In the Brave New World, the World State citizens retain the undying
aspects of human nature, which is forming an organized structure of the human
social system. Status and appearance play a pivotal role in the World State, as
the caste system is formed in order to reflect it. The lowest members of the
system carry a defected appearance which limits their skills, while the highest
members have beauty and high wealth of knowledge; the main tool to build this
system is the use of bioengineering. The caste system within the World State
only provides for temporary stability, as it carries underlying consequences of
instability.
Appearance is one such point that
determines the status of one in the caste system. Even an alpha named Bernard
is discriminated by his fellow caste members mainly due to his appearance. “He
stood eight centimeters short of the standard Alpha height and was slender in
proportion. Contact with members of the lower caste always reminded him of his
painful inadequacies” (Huxley 64). This one point has caused for rumors to be
formed of him, that he accidently had a slight mixture of alcohol in his
surrogate. After observation, John has started to ask whether the caste system
is based on ability or appearance. This question was asked by John, therefore
making way for a potential rebellion. Moreover, the appearance of Linda, after
her departure from the Savage Reservation, also makes for a solid reason to how
appearance determines the status of one. She is described as “Fat; having lost
her youth; with bad teeth, and a blotched complexion, you couldn’t look at her
without feeling sick” (Huxley 153). This appearance itself promotes an unwanted
discrimination based on outlook within the World State, which would be expected
toward a lower caste member; however, to the contrary she is of a higher caste,
a Beta minus. Therefore it can be seen that the caste system has turned World
State citizens into becoming discriminatory toward their caste members,
unlocking the potential for societal instability. Sinister of all, these
appearances are biologically predisposed; therefore, forming an unfair
advantage for many.
Moreover, John is able to detect the potential threats that the caste
system can cause in terms of instability within society, when truths are
uncovered, mainly the bioengineering component. He is able to see that the
caste system is formed on the basis of biological predisposition, but it would
not be determined due to self-built skills or abilities by the individual. Even
Mustapha Mond commented, “But as time
goes on, they, as all men, will find that independence was not made for man,
that it is an unnatural state- will do for a while” (Huxley 232). The world
controller, himself, is aware of the instability that the caste system
possesses in reality as the idea of independence and freedom changes throughout
the ages. During his initial discussions with John, he says that he has locked
up all books from past societies in a safe. Immediately, the assumption can be
made that Mustapha carries a suspicion that if the books come to the hands of
World State citizens, society can be rewritten which means instability of the
previous one. However, he believes that the caste system keeps society
comparatively stable than before, as some people are “dumbed down.”
Furthermore, he believes that as long as Soma and happiness are present within
society, no one will be able to ask a question about the World State, which
Mustapha Mond believes will cause for stability. He even proceeds to say “And being contented has none of the
glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a
struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness
is never grand"(Huxley 221). However, John discovers this statement to be
false as he is arrested when he questions authority about the distribution of
Soma. These actions were committed out of fear by the government. It can be
seen even the caste system cannot be protected solely by happiness, indicating
a potential rebellion.
The idea of a
caste system provides for an unfair distribution of labor. John sees it as a
system of disparity, as the high end Alphas experience happiness and pleasure,
but low-end Gammas experience constant manual labor, without a sense of
experience. However, Mustapha Mond justifies this system by commenting that
everyone is happy with their places in this world, and that an “Alpha-conditioned man would go mad if he
had to do Epsilon Semi-Moron work–go mad, or start smashing things up” (Huxley
222). To John’s terror, the World State was not what it seemed; it
grants prosperity to only a few who are predisposed. As a result, society’s
burdens are placed on a few due to the existence of the caste system in the
World State. Even more, a person is built according to the caste system.
Section #2:
Similar to the
society of the Brave New World, present-day society is also living in the ideal
of the caste system. This system is applied to beauty, race, and even birth.
Even though, America does not have an open caste system, it has multiple closed
caste systems that are either visible or invisible to society.
The “racial
caste” system that America has imposed is one such that has led to endless
bounds of discrimination and suspicion. It was formed during the belief of the
“White man’s burden.” It was believed that it was the duty of the white man to
make all races civilized during periods of colonization, therefore allowing for
the making of the racial caste system in which white human beings are at the
top. Throughout the waves of history, this belief has been slowly eroded.
However, these ideals remain in some individuals and institutions. There has
been recent news about discriminatory practices by law enforcement in the cases
of Michael Brown and Eric Garner. Michelle Alexander, a writer, labels that “It (law enforcement) was not just another
institution infected with racial bias but rather a different beast entirely,”
(Alexander 1). She refers to this beast as the racial caste system. Currently,
a South Carolina school has found a rock in front of its school which was
painted with a derogatory message towards African Americans. This message was
etched by a culprit that is yet to be found. However, art students replaced the
derogatory message with words of peace. Even though society is stable in a
shallow perspective, underneath it carries an unstable foundation as more
killing are taking place on the grounds of the racial caste system.
In addition, the caste system tends to place a superiority stamp on
those at the top of the system without unveiling any flaws at the top 1%. For
example, American Exceptionalism is one such subject constantly being cherished
by politician Dan Fisher. He even attempted to pass a bill an Oklahoma deciding to ban all AP history classes within the
state. This action in return causes for dark events such as slavery to be
forgotten; columnist Jay Pairni commented “American politicians who dwell on
American exceptionalism only dishonor us (Americans) by suggesting we play dumb to our past,” (Pairni 4).
Exceptionalism of the superior caste members can cause for several ideas and
wrong-doings to be hidden. One such superiority is defined by economic status,
which is a caste system itself. One event that shows the dark side of
exceptionalism is death of male gamers at a Taiwanese Café. Gamers are believed
to have a high amount of leisure time, due to their current exceptional
economic status. Therefore, it can be shown that growing amount of superiority
can be a danger to an individual as
increased economic power makes way for addictions.
The top-end members of a caste system have both higher
benefits and risks in the top place. Job interviews can go well for those who
rank high on the “beauty caste system.” But if the interviewee of the same
gender interviewed the applicant, there is a potential moral bound that can be
crossed. The applicant can be rejected simply due to their ranking high on the
“beauty caste system.” An act of jealousy. These observations have been proven
by the studies conducted by the North Carolina University. Moreover, those that
are “beautiful” have a chance of being attended by the doctor at a later
moment, which has a fatal possibility of worsening health conditions for that
patient. However, this caste system based on appearance carries many unfair
advantages. Walker, the student behind the North Carolina research, states that
“We have a whole set
of cultural ideals about beauty that let us say if someone is attractive – and
through those same ideals, we begin to associate it with competence,” (Robson 6).
The caste system of appearance is seen to cause a wide disparity in terms of
careers. “One study of MBA graduates found that there was about a 10 to 15%
difference in earnings between the most and least attractive people in the group,”
(Robson 5).
Therefore, it exposes the fact that selection based on
abilities is a myth.
As
a result, there are many caste systems within present day society; therefore,
it is indicating that a step in the Brave New World has been made. Even though,
the step is being made in the wrong direction, there is still time to
restructure society to meet the needs of everyone, other than a few
individuals. “Moral systems derives from preferences
about how we wish others to act,” (Williams 1). These few
individuals have a morality that makes way for the caste system in the Brave
New World.
Section #3:
Caste Systems were believed to structure society
in an organized manner; however, it has been found that it serves as an machinery
for discrimination purposes. When looking at the past centuries, we see that
the caste system has slowly softened up, but it is still used to rank
individuals. But, the World State has conceived the caste system to be a vital
point in the running of society. The authority is openly discriminating against
individuals. However, there are dangers for those who benefit and lose from
this process. For example, the elite Alpha’s have been kept in a perilous charm
known as soma holiday; meanwhile, the “dumb” Gammas are kept in a state of only
minimal knowledge. As a matter of fact, the government is controlling society
utilizing the caste system. Moreover, it is simply used for derogatory
purposes, which causes for eligible individuals to be empty of the needed opportunities.
Our present day society is also following suit toward this “Brave New World,”
even though the path is being treaded lightly.
The
Caste System is one such model used to typecast beauty, race, and birth.
Present day society contains all of these caste systems in a lighter form;
however, the World State has a heavier system based on that of the biological
predisposition. Moreover, the underlying themes are the appearance of one’s
stature. Bernard is one such individual stuck within the caste system. Even
though he is considered as an Alpha, his appearance carries with that of a
Gamma. From this mixture, he faces the discrimination of the caste system to a
higher extent. He has been commented by an individual that “some men are almost
rhinoceroses” (Huxley
88). Furthermore, he is compared to a rhinocerose who cannot do tricks, as he is an
abnormal from of a normal alpha. This abnormality of
his appearance causes for him to get the taste of discrimination.
Unfortunately, present day society is no better by any margin. The appearance
of individuals is seen as a discriminatory point for many. This discrimination
hurts the chances of these individuals to lead productive lifestyles, as many
aren’t picked for their eligibility. An example is that “One study of MBA graduates found
that there was about a 10 to 15% difference in earnings between the most and
least attractive people in the group,” (Robson 2). Furthermore, other eating disorders and self
esteem issues arise from this discrimination. These individuals have the
potential to be cast as outsiders similar to the situation of Bernard, the
caste system sets up one to face rejection and lessen the diversity within
society, simply due to the outlook of appearance.
The caste system also has dangers in store for those at
the top of the ladder. Overconfidence of one individual can translate into a
belief that they are exceptional, without a flaw. However, they fail to realize
their exceptionality overshadows many truths; as a result, it can cause for the
production of a human who have not learned lessons vital to survival. Mustapha
Mond, the world controller, is no different. He believes that the caste system
is very superior, as it has the power to keep the society stable; however, he
fails to see that dissidents against this system can form, therefore toppling
over the World State. Moreover, present day society has more dangers present
for those at the top of an invisible caste system. Countries which feel a
superiority over others attempt to protect their exceptionalism by covering the
dark past of their countries. Dan Fisher is one follower of American
Exceptionalism. He believes that all AP History classes must be eliminated in
order to protect the glory of America. However, he is asking for a bigger cost,
which is to cover up the politics of slavery and World War I. As everyone
knows, dark parts of history should not repeat itself. All of these events were pivotal in American
History. The feelings of superiority threatens the identity of a country;
therefore, causing an uproar among the citizens.
Furthermore, the caste system causes for instability by the act of
unproductivity. Citizens at the higher caste have less meaning in their lives
as they are exposed to luxuries that there place at the system can give them.
However, since this system is biologically pre-disposed, it deviates from
present day society. In present day society, there are many factors which can
create a caste system, but the factor of money is a translation for
productivity. Comparatively, America has a visible caste system based on money;
when looking at the labor system, billionaire CEO’s are not responsible for
arduous tasks undertaken by their counterparts who thrive in the bottom 1% of
the money caste system. Therefore, CEO’s are seemed to carry less of the
burden. This causes for the top of the caste system to thrive in a lazy manner
causing for instability in their lives. An example of this instability can be
seen when two Taiwanese individuals were found dead in a café after excessive
gaming. The high status of one can turn them to desperate addictions, which can
cause for instability in the top portion of society. Moreover, this addiction
is paralleled with the habit of World State Citizens using soma for addictive
purposes, in order to feel a sense of pleasure. It is seen that these
addictions “conflict with work, education and other people, and loss of control” (Griffiths 2 ). Therefore, the caste system will
be the main downfall for the citizens at the top. The higher in the caste
system, the more dark ideas that one is exposed to in the World State. From
this article, we can see that our world will soon approach the ideals of the
“Brave New World.” The evolution of societal values is gradual, as we are
approaching the path of the World State citizens. Similar to the evolution of
morality, humans will choose a path that best suits them in their life
endeavors. “Moral
systems derives from preferences about how we wish others to act,” (Williams 1). Therefore, the caste system has evolved its
morality to involve bioengineering in order to allow how the government wants
society to act.
Consequently, as we are living through this Brave New
World, the bias of the caste system will cause for societal instability. John
who faced the consequence of this perception of the World State started a
question which would spark into a revolution later in time, revealing the
instability of society. Moreover, there are Johns in this society who face the
dreaded outcomes of the misconceptions of the caste system. Meanwhile, the
people placed at the top of the caste system are exposed to addictions and laziness,
which are main pitfalls of society. Many others believe that the caste system
would lead to a more stable society; however, in reality it would be a reason
for society being unstable. Overall, present-day society is far
away from the destination of the caste system from fully being integrated, but
society is travelling on a path toward its fruition. Only a changed mindset can
divert one from this path that society is traveling.
Works Cited
Alexander, M. (2012, July 24). America's
Current Racial Caste System - We Need to Ensure That It Is Our Last.
Retrieved April 4, 2015, from truthout.
Blackwell, V. (2015, Feburary 4). Art
students send a message after racist graffiti painted on rock. Retrieved
March 25, 2015, from CNN.
Griffiths, M. (2015, January 21). Gaming
to death: What turms a hobby into a health hazard? Retrieved March 25,
2015, from CNN.
Parini, J. (2015, Feburary 24). Does
American exceptionalism make us dumb . Retrieved March 25, 2015, from CNN.
Robson, D. (2015, Feburary 13). The
Surprising downsides of bring drop dead gorgeous . Retrieved March 25,
2015 , from BBC.
Tatum, M. (2006). Little Boys at Play –
A Story of Segregation in the South. Retrieved April 12, 2015, from Remind
the Fifties .
Williams, S. S. (2010, May 2). Did
Morality evolve . Retrieved March 25, 2015, from Psychology Today.
