When I was first asked this question my immediate instinctual answer was "yes, of course I would walk away from Omelas." That answer came without much thought into the matter, because, of course, being brought up in the society I'm in now has taught me to cringe at the very thought of child abuse and unnecessary suffering; however, upon further reflection, I don't think it's as easy an answer as it first seemed.
First, I must take into account that nobody in Omelas feels guilt. No guilt at all. So, then, what would be my motivation to leave? When I answered 'yes' part of the reason was because I felt as though I wouldn't be able to live with myself knowing that my happiness comes at a very high price...but Le Guin makes it clear that nobody in Omelas has such feelings.
Second, I must take into account that walking away will not solve the problem. I would still be allowing the problem to live on in Omelas, I would still be 'turning the other cheek,' and the only way to actually solve the problem would mean the destruction of Omelas and the citizens' happiness. Would I be able to live with that? I'm sure that if I took the child away, negative emotions (namely, guilt) would quickly be introduced into the regularly happy city, and I would have to stomach that guilt for the rest of my days. Could I handle it?
Third, I must take into account the fact that the existence of this child has been known of and accepted as part of the culture for a long time. Depending on how old I was when the child was first imprisoned, s/he could possibly have been there for my entire life. If I had grown up with this knowledge, would I really be so eager and willing to take a stand against it? If it's accepted as 'the way of life' and has been for ages, would rebelling against the idea even cross my mind?
Essentially, the question that is being posed here is "is the happiness of one worth sacrificing for the happiness of many?" While deep in my heart I recoil against saying yes, I don't think I could say anything else. I wouldn't be able to destroy families and relationships to save one small, dirty child. I wouldn't be able to sacrifice my OWN livelihood and joy for this child. I'm going to be honest here and say that I'm not that altruistic. It breaks my heart, but I have to keep in mind that this heartbreak wouldn't exist in Omelas. There would be no guilt, and I, too, would eventually talk myself into believing that the child really is better off in it's squalor. So there's my answer, as horrible as it is and as ashamed as I am to say it, I would not walk away from Omelas. At least I'm honest, that's all I have to say.
Hi Robyn,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your honest and compelling response. You certainly get to the heart of the issue - weighing the happiness of one against the happiness of many. And, you explore a number of perspectives on the issue in an organized fashion - I appreciate that. However, in future blog posts, I would like to see your answer to the question come through at the start of the blog post. Then, in your justification, feel free to examine both sides of the issue. I just would like to read all of your thoughts with your final decision in mind.
I urge you to keep thinking about this issue. Specifically, what are some real-world examples from our society that would make it hypocritical for us to leave Omelas? Wouldn't this strengthen your argument?
- Patrick