Philip+D***

Aim Audience- Noah Gabrielsen

Philip Dick targeted his books at the common people of society. In particular, Dick supported skepticism towards authority and independence for everyone. “Dick was suspicious of authority, and this suspicion carries over into his stories, which are filled with humans in oppressive, totalitarian societies controlled by either military organizations or corporations.” Clearly, Dick believed that people are susceptible to being taken advantage of. By placing his novels and stories in dystopian societies, he warns readers that their own authority figures could also be corrupt. While such dystopias are exaggerated for this effect, Dick effectively conveys his message that people need to be observant towards their own governments and other power-holders. This being said, Dick also believed that establishment itself was dangerous. J.R. Dunn supports this by saying, “ Dick's political awareness was not so much undeveloped as developed to a point where he fully recognized the futility of politics.” Dick obviously knew that politics could not be removed entirely, nor could the system be overhauled in a meaningful way. Instead, Dick used his literature to spread his thoughts on government. Altogether, he understood that his efforts were better off warning others about the dangers of politics than actively fighting the present establishment.

Works Cited Dunn, J.R. “Philip K. Dick and Our Predicament.” American Thinker. 5 May 2013. Web. 6 Nov. 2013. “Who was Philip K Dick.” PK Dick: His Legacy and Influence. Web. 6 Nov. 2013.

Historical Cultural