The New Abnormal Monika Bielskyte 'Challenging the binaries of dystopia vs utopia and society vs technology'
Aug 13, 2024
Monika Bielskyte, a prominent futurist and founder of Protopia Futures, dives into the intricate dance between reality and speculation. She discusses the importance of inclusive design that amplifies marginalized voices and critiques techno-utopianism, advocating for a 'Protopia' model. Her journey from a non-Western upbringing shapes her views on freedom and societal narratives. Monika also highlights how futurism in film influences cultural understanding and underscores the need for collaboration between artists and scientists to tackle global challenges.
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Childhood in Soviet Lithuania
- Monika Bielskyte's childhood in Soviet Lithuania shaped her view of the future.
- Witnessing the regime's collapse and the rise of digital tech showed her that change is constant and that technology is a double-edged sword.
Challenging Dystopian Futurism
- Dystopian futurism, while aesthetically appealing, can be counterproductive.
- Bielskyte questions the focus on such visions and advocates for creating futures we want to inhabit.
Techno-Utopianism Critique
- Bielskyte challenges the idea of technologically driven utopias, seeing them as potentially rooted in dystopian realities.
- She emphasizes the importance of values-driven change, with technology as a tool rather than a driving force.