Societal Expectations and Perks
I started my tour of the GTA today and it’s quite… interesting. As the train glides through the radiant streets, there's an undeniable harmony in the air, a symphony of inclusivity and individuality that I've never experienced before. Let me take you through my exploration of this captivating society.
The tour guide's voice echoes, urging us to appreciate the seamless fusion of fashion and inclusivity as we go by the massive shopping center. All around, people of various body types seem to proudly flaunt their uniqueness. It's a refreshing departure from the rigid standards back home, where societal expectations weighed heavy. Human modeling is absent from runways and social media, a shift that both intrigues and challenges my perceptions but…why are all the models robots?
The AI-driven Virtual Wardrobe is quite cool; the scanning robot, with its friendly demeanor, assesses my body type and suggests styles that it feels would look best. Lots of plain colors and a lot of black but I don’t mind so far, it feels liberating, stepping away from predefined labels and sizes, not always needing the brand name expensive stuff or impressing people with my cool sneakers that took a good chunk out of my weekly pay. However, a lingering thought crosses my mind—what algorithms determine what is deemed stylish? Is this a genuine celebration of individuality or a subtle form of control? I tried to try on something that looked cool that was yellow and I wanted to buy, at least as a first souvenir, but I was unallowed to buy it as the self check out said it didn't compliment my skin tone. I was exploring on my own when I was approached by a woman who looked at me menacingly as she approached with a robot… that looked like he was supposed to be dressed like a cop? She told me I needed to immediately change my pants, as the camouflage was triggering her??? The robot concurred that camouflage was not allowed and I was pressured to change my pants right away. Who knew my pants from the army would be such an issue, even as a tourist! Now I'm continuing my walk around in a boring pair of gray slacks…
Moving beyond appearances, the tour guide exclaims that the GTA encourages the integration of holistic identity. Passions, achievements, and contributions take center stage. The virtual realm beckons, offering a space to explore and express multifaceted identities. It's a concept both intriguing and liberating, challenging the compartmentalization I grew up with…
The tour guide beams as she ensures that policies ensure equal opportunities, and public spaces are designed for accessibility. It's a refreshing change, a stark contrast to the world I come from. Yet, beneath this inclusive exterior, I can't help but wonder if there are unseen complexities at play…
Venturing into hobbies, clubs, and activities reveals a meticulous design catering to individual interests. What I find so curious was the fact that if you wanted to join one of these groups or communities…there would be a scanner and some short questions about you, and the program would see if there is space for you based on its EDI criterias, so I saw some people get turned down from joining because they had already met the standards of their ethnicity group and abilities…which I thought was kind of upsetting… As a Greek man with an olive-ish complexion, but also a veteran, I experimented with joining a few clubs and activity groups, to which I was accepted more than I was declined, but it still upset me when I didn’t get into one I would have really wanted to join…
Social media, absent of body-centric standards, becomes a curated showcase of diverse talents. It's a paradox—celebrating diversity yet subtly influencing preferences…everything seems…kind of fake in a way? Everyone seems so cheery, yet uptight, like they are all acting and there is no vulnerability or controversy anymore. What are they afraid of?
Sports and gyms aren't just about physical fitness; they're vibrant hubs for social interaction. The atmosphere exudes positivity, and the emphasis on health and wellness feels genuine. As I engage with the community, I'm struck by the authenticity in the pursuit of well-being. The workouts and calorie burn were monitored by machines, which was expected, but I saw that different people had to meet different goals based on their body…so weight must be a factor? Regardless, it feels weird not to follow your own program in the gym, and only being granted leave when you meet your goal…
We also passed by a park, which was quite vibrant and fresh smelling, with perfect green grass and blooming flowers. There was an area for dogs and a play area accessible for all children. But as I took a look closer, noticing the grass was the most perfect I'd ever seen, I noticed it was a fake… a very convincing one. I also noticed the flowers had a kind of artificial smell, but they looked and felt real as well… What started out as the most luscious and fresh park I’d ever seen has now turned the experience sour, as it is not natural, and I feel like there is more oxygen and artificial smells moving around the area to mask it…
As the dream train continues its journey, I find myself immersed in a captivating blend of new experiences. Each stop unfolds a new layer of this society, leaving me in a very contemplative state. The allure of this harmonious world beckons, and I eagerly anticipate what lies ahead in this exploration of the GTA and everything it has to hold.
By Iris Balaban