Leaving Omelas

     In the article, The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas, Ursula LeGuin reflects on how different people choose to respond to situations. LeGuin details a city, Omelas, by which life is unsettlingly happy. The utopian society prides itself in its independence from violence, hatred or useless gadgets. However, ultimately, the article focuses in on a minute detail of the city; the joy and carefree livelihood of all the citizens rests solely on the neglect of one small child. While some seem deeply disturbed by this contact zone, others remain unaffected. It seems that LeGuin writes this article in the interest of emphasizing how people react differently to the same situation, regardless of the impact the situation may have on one’s emotions. 

 

     LeGuin first describes a reaction where citizens are traumatized by the horrific circumstances of the child, yet they are not moved to dramatically change their lifestyle. “They feel disgust, which they had thought themselves superior to. They feel anger, outrage, impotence, despite all the explanations…it is their tears and anger, the trying of their generosity and the acceptance of their helplessness, which are perhaps the true source of the splendor of their lives” (4). LeGuin explains what these people initially feel when introduced to this child. Though, in time, with the thought of this child on their conscience, these men and women let guilt humble them. They ensure that they never take life for granted and allow the neglect of this child to fuel the positive characteristics for which they stand. The influence of the child is very powerful to those who are affected in this manner. “Theirs is no vapid, irresponsible happiness…they know compassion. It is the existence of the child… that makes possible the nobility of their architecture, the poignancy of their music, the profundity of their science. It is because of the child that they are so gentle with children” (4). LeGuin stresses the positive outcome the child has on many people’s emotions but also points out that these people do not feel responsible enough to alter the child’s life and essentially their society. 

 

     Alternatively, few citizens are so impacted by this child, they feel compelled to leave Omelas. These are the people who, if given the chance, would amend the manner in which this society worked. “These people go out into the street, and walk down the street alone. They keep walking and walk straight out of the city of Omelas… They go on... they walk ahead into the darkness, and they do not come back (4). When LeGuin writes about “the ones who walk away from Omelas” (4), she explains a different kind of emotional response to the neglected child. When faced with this contact zone, these few become overwhelmed with the thought of this innocent child’s torture. They choose to leave Omelas because they understand the neglect of an innocent child is unjustified. The men and women who choose to leave the city are uncertain of their destination, but certain that occasional unhappiness is worth decent living for every child. “The place they go towards is a place even less imaginable to most of us than the city of happiness. I cannot describe it at all. It is possible that it does not exist. But they seem to know where they are going, the ones who walk away from Omelas” (4). These individuals are determined to bring about change in their lives. 

 

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     I would like to think I would have left Omelas behind me… a society that entrusts its well-being on the neglect of a child is wrong. 

I hope I would be affected enough to make a change in my life after learning about the city’s ‘one condition’. Yet one purpose of LeGuin’s piece, is to show how people respond differently to situations. Thus, my reaction to visiting Lavina and her family must vary from others’ hypothetical responses. 

 

     After returning from Romania, I continued to write Lavina and sponsor her family in the Mission of Mercy program. My family took part in caring for other children around the world as well. We donated more money to sponsor programs and charities and became involved in community service. There were many occasions in which I connected with others who were less fortunate than me and this continued to shape my perspective in life. Through my experiences of the contact zone, I hope to have come out a better person. On the contrary, reading the piece by LeGuin helps me to recognize the assorted reactions others may feel when experiencing contacts like mine. I feel the effect Lavina had on my life was inevitable, but to some, the experience would leave a scar that eventually healed. These people would become grateful for their circumstances, these are the ones who would choose to stay in Omelas. 

 

     I do not know where Lavina is today. I am unaware of anything about her now. But I hope if I were ever given the chance to reconnect with her, I would tell her she would be my reason to leave Omelas. 

 

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