10/17/01

Science Fiction as a Social Science Seminar

Description of World

The world of Ikrazee it one of utmost insanity. Before I explain why, I will explain the setting of this world. Ikrazee is Earth in the future, 2100. Normal societies ceased to exist when two powerhouse companies engaged in a craze race to discover and implement a program for employee satisfaction. Both companies discovered that the key was adrenaline. They put so much time and effort into the cause and soon realized that adrenaline kept them going and decided that work was more enjoyable when employees were on adrenaline rushes. This effect was contagious, and soon the people were only able to function on complete adrenaline highs.

There are a few individuals who lead mellow lives compared to most of society. The Lows, as these so-called downers are called, are considered to have either suffered severe trauma early in life and are considered extremely rebellious. The Lows live secluded from the rest of society. People of Ikrazee do express the general emotions like anger, fear, and happiness. Sadness is not expressed, however, because this does not allow the flow of adrenaline. People do not lock their doors because taking the time to stop and unlock them slows adrenaline. Ikrazee is a relatively conformative society. Although a dress code for any circumstance is not enforced, everyone follows the first-see-first-wear policy. All citizens drive one of two models of automobiles, one for the rich, and one for the not as rich. Men and women begin working on their 18^th birthdays. If one waits longer or starts sooner, he is considered a rebel. All houses look alike. Each lot measures one-half of an acre, and the houses have three levels. Upon the age of 25, individuals that are still dependent on their parents must move out and purchase a home. Prices of the houses are based on the condition of the home, and the price must be paid in full upon purchase.

On a weekday, it is common to run down the street and see employees parachuting off the tips of building or bungee jumping out of their office windows. This keeps the adrenaline flowing. There are two different traffic systems: one for the runners and one for automobiles. Everyone runs in Ikrazee; walking is reserved for the Lows. The sidewalks are color coded and divided into fast, faster, and fastest lanes in order to keep collision rates down. Automobile traffic is another story. There are no traffic signs or lights. They only slow the flow of adrenaline. Non-runners drive automobiles manufactured with rubber tubing that covers the circumference of the car. Collisions happen regularly; thus, the rubber tubing allows the bumper-car-effect. This allows non-runners to reach their destinations without many stops. One would think this would create mass chaos. Well, it does, but 7 out of 10 people do not let it bother them. They either alleviate stress through road rage or simply abandon their cars and start running. Running and car collisions follow the 10 2^nd rule: if a person is extremely upset with another for not following the basic rules, he is allowed to abuse the violator for 10 seconds. Any longer time will result in an infraction by the hov-air police. These law enforcers hover in the air just above the normal chaos so they are able to regulate if necessary.

The economy of Ikrazee is just as crazy as its social customs. Two types of currencies are used: The rollad and the retra. Both forms are acceptable for consumer purchases. If one makes a purchase with the rollad, 80% of the sale goes to the store from which the item was purchased, and 20% goes to the manufacturer, or producer. If one makes a purchase with the retra, then 80% goes to the manufacturer, and 20% goes to the store. This allows the consumer to decide who gets rich. Since the consumer decides the wealth of manufacturers and store owners, both strive for ultimate customer satisfaction. To accomplish this, television shows fill 10 minutes of a 30-minute time slot. Twenty minutes is designated to advertisement. The citizens of Ikrazee prefer to watch "commercials" to a television show. Oftentimes, shows are not watched because people must channel surf to find a better commercial. Besides television and other typical means of advertisement, companies, and stores, employ real life advertisements. Free goods are given out on the streets in order to attract possible purchasers, and stores hand out their own brand merchandise. Competition between stores and manufacturers is tough.

Everyone wants to make the most money. However, since everyone works so hard and diligently in this fast-paced society, most people share the wealth. The rich are not much richer than the average, and the Lows usually constitute the poorness of Ikrazee because they live in an isolated community without much business.

The only people that have luxuries are the richy-rich. Otherwise, most individuals and families own the basic necessities for life. Luxuries include the basics such as lavish jewelry, boats, vacation homes, etc. Bungee-jumping equipment and other adrenaline based activities that require special equipment are considered luxuries as well.

Unfortunately, the average age of death is 50 in Ikrazee. Adrenaline is the basis for all activities in this society, but the human body cannot handle so much activity. Scientists are looking for a way to prolong life to 70. Therefore, the elderly (those over 35) are favored. Even though they are not able to be as active as what society demands, they try to live life to its fullest.

Although the people do not regularly practice faith, there are some general beliefs shared by the Ikrazeen society. For instance, when a family member dies, the surviving members gather and place their palms on the coffin. The people believe that even the smallest amount of energy left in the soul of the deceased can be absorbed. Also, when the people can successfully swim across Lake Bermuda (1 mile wide), they are considered baptized into faith.