Discussion of the work of Ursula Le Guin
In the short fiction story “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas,” Le Guin describes problems, issues, and dilemmas in the Utopian society of Omelas. The author sought to highlight symbolically the ugly and unsavory conditions facing the humanity. The stories depict a colorful image of the society and sarcastically depict the inhabitants as happy. Nevertheless, beneath the “happiness,” Le Guin exposes the sufferings of a child forces into solitude and locked in a secluded cage. Through such descriptions, the author gives a clear depiction of the cruel nature of justice and the precious price of happiness (Le Guin 2). News of the caged child’s existence and suffering scares some residents of Omelas and threatens the perceived level of happiness. According to the author, the child’s discrimination is “just” towards sustaining the status quo. In essence, Le Guin is justifying the malicious mistreatment of the caged child as crucial in sustaining the collective contentment.
Discussion of the work Walter Mosley
The short story “The Trial” by Walter Mosley analyzes problems, issues, and dilemmas related to equal protection and protection against possible discrimination. The author depicts the disconcerting story of a housing project that is attracting ad hoc tribunals. The complex housing project involves cases of rich drug dealers bribing cops to receive related benefits and favors (Mosely 8). Mosley’s “The Trial” explores and introduces the readers the complex nature of the relationship between the poor American communities and the contemporary legal systems. For example, the African American community described in the story does not believe in the ability of the modern legal and law enforcement agencies to solve a murder case. The community contemplates using its own legal processes to attain justice and promote human rights (Mosely 9). One of the character in “The Trial” Bob assert that, “I’m ready to say that we are the law” in apparent reference to the community’s resolve to develop its own legal systems and processes.
Similar issues occurring in situations in our times and experiences
Indeed, Le Guin’s revelation of the “child’s abominable misery” portrays an explicit parallel to the contemporary issues facing the humanity. Some modern-day societies propagate evil misdeeds and human rights abuses as a “justifiable” end towards achieving happiness with little considerations towards other people. Additionally, Mosley’s short story “The Trial” provides an insightful perspective of the application of justice and human rights issues in a poor neighborhood. The story relates to situations in most of the contemporary societies. Disparity in the application of the rule of law between the fortunate and poor communities is on the increase. Both stories address issues relating to justice and discrimination in the application of the rule of law among other social perspectives.
Anticipated changes
I believe that there will be comprehensive and desirable changes in most of these situations 25 years from now. Most of the expected changes are attributable to the varied initiatives by the United Nations, human rights activists, and increased public responses to varied societal issues. For instance, the African American society in “The Trial” made a decision to operate based on their own legal processes to sustain human rights issues and justice. Such entities are promoting desirable practices aimed to ensure equal distribution of resources and the application of the rule of law. In particular, I envision an equal society in my community and in the global societies. Similar to the Utopian society of the Omelas, I believe that more people will become outraged and disgusted by the horrifying human rights issues.
Work Cited
Le Guin, Ursula K. “The ones who walk away from Omelas.” Evil and the Hiddenness of God (2014): 23.
Mosely, Walter. “The Trial” in Freedom: A Collection of Short Fiction Celebrating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, pp. 98-124. © 2009 Toronto: Key Porter Books Limited.