One of the most interesting aspects of my research is the idea that America, or the idea of “America,” is a utopia. This assertion makes sense when you consider the fact that when the first wave of Europeans came to the New World, they did so in the hopes of establishing an ideal community. Even to this day, “America” is still associated with the idea of a better future.

Fundamentally, American culture and tradition was created under the influence of utopia ideals.  From the beginning of these course we have studied different, and often contradictory, ideas of what it means to be a utopia. When looking at America and its history it is interesting to think about how the utopia of America compares to other proposals for utopia like Sir Thomas More’s. Even to this day, “America” is still associated with the idea of a better future. When the colonies revolted against the oppression of England, the people called for a more utopia society. Years later the same thing occurred when Americans protested in the streets during the civil rights movement. And even today, as people fight for marriage equality.

So when I talk about the “Americanization of Fourierism” does that mean that Fourierism became more ideal? From my research, I believe not. Even by “Americanizing” this socialist movement, it could not be possible under the conditions of the engrained American tradition.