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While we may imagine a dystopian future of thought police, killer robots, and nuclear fallout, the real future predictions are much more boring. Instead of being brutally brainwashed and enslaved by fascist, authoritarian regimes, we have willingly enslaved ourselves. By allowing the top 1% to get exponentially richer, we drown in a sea of debts, tech, advertising, endless wars, environmental destruction, addictions, depression... the list goes on.

Brilliant, isn't it? But it's ok; there's always Facebook to scroll through (Bored Panda too, obvs), Netflix to watch, chemical-laden meals to consume, manufactured outrages over a mermaid's skin color to comment on. Who's got time for thoughtful resistance in this sick, sad world? Even those that think they are resisting by electing bigoted billionaires, bankers and Eton toffs to represent them are simply playing into their hands, as their dishonest, scaremongering claptrap divides us ever further over political, racial and gender lines!

Sometimes we need to take a step back and see the forest for the trees. This list, compiled by Bored Panda, contains some pretty terrifying examples of present-day dystopian society, things that make you realize that beyond all the distractions of trying to survive and thrive in the rat race, something's not quite right with this world.

So if you didn't find the sinister scenes of mindless automatons chanting “send her back” chilling enough, scroll down below to get a reality check on the spookily Orwellian society we are allowing to be constructed, and let's see if we can fix our near future in the comments! If you want to see even more proof of our dystopian world, be sure to check out our previous list!

The term 'boring dystopia was coined by the late academic and cultural theorist Mark Fisher in 2015. He used it to refer to the "bland, mildly coercive signs that abound in late-stage capitalist society, which foster a vague sense of isolation or unease."

He started a Facebook group that documented these signs as a way to develop consciousness about the world around us. "It was understood from the start to be a consciousness-raising exercise, encouraging people to perceive the actual state of Britain rather than the PR state," Fisher said in an interview with Vice. "Which is surprisingly hard, because there's this mixture of Silicon Valley ideology, PR and advertising which distracts us from our own aesthetic poverty, and the reality of what we have. Which is just all these crap robots…"

#2

This Is Caleb. Caleb Has A Degree In Zoology And Asks His Customers What Their Favorite Animal Is. He Gives Them Facts While Completing Their Orders!

This Is Caleb. Caleb Has A Degree In Zoology And Asks His Customers What Their Favorite Animal Is. He Gives Them Facts While Completing Their Orders!

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"Boring Dystopia was partly about the fact that no one can care about stuff any more," said Fisher. "It's not that they don't care, but in a city like London, or any intensely pressured urban metropolis—add to that the pressures of capitalist cyberspace and people just feel like they perpetually have no time."

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"Our resources for caring are depleted, and that has aesthetic consequences."

#4

Charity

Charity

JAFD74 Report

#5

Put The Blame Where It Belongs

Put The Blame Where It Belongs

RelevantSwimmer Report

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Kathie Leonetti
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's not forget the politicians and celebrities who fly all over who have huge SUVs .

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The Facebook group was short-lived, with Fisher quickly becoming disillusioned with Facebook itself. "For me the point at which the group started to go downhill was when it became like every other Facebook group. It was just recirculating 'content' and sending links, keeping people inside what I would call capitalist cyberspace instead of looking outside at their own environment. It felt like it was reinforcing the condition it was intended to displace," he explained.

"It didn't work at that scale, and you could feel that it wasn't the right place for it… It was just an experiment, and Facebook probably wasn't the right platform. I didn't want it to be diluted."

#6

A Child Can’t Stay On The Transplant List, Solely Because He’s Homeless

A Child Can’t Stay On The Transplant List, Solely Because He’s Homeless

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#7

Calling An Ambulance In USA

Calling An Ambulance In USA

thetrudz Report

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giovanna
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is just RIDICULOUS. I really, honestly don't understand how come the American people are not crazy mad in the streets protesting about that. Like, protesting all the time.

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After Fisher's tragic death in 2017 at the age of 48, his work remains as his legacy and is as important and relevant as it's ever been. His 2009 book Capitalist Realism is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand the modern world, and his 'Boring Dystopia' group lives on mainly in the subreddit r/ABoringDystopia.

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What do you think? Are we truly living in a boring dystopia? Scroll down below to see the rest of the examples for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments!

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#9

Need Books? Donate Plasma!

Need Books? Donate Plasma!

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Bill
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are supposed to sell plasma for beer at that age. This isn't right

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#10

I Had To Pay $39.35 To Hold My Baby After He Was Born

I Had To Pay $39.35 To Hold My Baby After He Was Born

halfthrottle Report

#11

Anything Different Would Simply Be Un-American

Anything Different Would Simply Be Un-American

Tacoking Report

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Beverly
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is one thing we can do: Get out and vote. Vote for the senators and representatives who aren't afraid to push for single-payer, universal health care. And if someone calls you a socialist, tell them to look at Japan, which a) is hardly socialist, b) has the world's longest life expectancy, and c) has a well-established universal health care system.

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#12

Health Care

Health Care

Lons Report

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Tamara Neimet
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't have to wait for it. Come to Ukraine, we are constantly crowdfunding some sick child's care.

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#13

Watch This Advert Or Choke To Death

Watch This Advert Or Choke To Death

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María Hermida
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you need to watch a video before trying to do something to help, it doesn't matter whether there are ads or not; the person will probably die anyway. That's the reason why everybody should learn some very basic first aid skills, like the Hemilich Maneuver, at school, instead of soooo much useless rubbish.

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#14

Only In America Would A Restaurant Display On The Wall That They Don’t Pay Their Staff Enough To Live On

Only In America Would A Restaurant Display On The Wall That They Don’t Pay Their Staff Enough To Live On

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nanashi
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always wonder why they made it that it's the customer's job to make sure if the workers/servers are paid or not. does this system works?

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#15

Public Relations

Public Relations

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Miklós Nagy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And people working in the media industry earn way more than any manual laborer or most of the engineers, scientists, medical doctors...

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#17

"Today My Client Was Excited To Push The Elevator Buttons On The Way To Her First Deportation Hearing"

"Today My Client Was Excited To Push The Elevator Buttons On The Way To Her First Deportation Hearing"

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Koalamonster
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My niece is 5. I cannot imagine her having to represent herself in any legal matters. I'm 30, and I can't imagine representing myself in any legal matters.

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#18

I Don't Like This Episode Of Black Mirror

I Don't Like This Episode Of Black Mirror

nokia621 Report

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Anne
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well.. we are too far in killing bees and the environment.. so.. we will need to do both at the same time. There is no planet B.

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#19

Capitalism In A Nutshell

Capitalism In A Nutshell

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#20

Good Article. No Surprises. “It’s Not About Wanting A Pay Raise Or Extra Income, It’s Just About Wanting A Livable Wage”

Good Article. No Surprises. “It’s Not About Wanting A Pay Raise Or Extra Income, It’s Just About Wanting A Livable Wage”

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Daniel Morgan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And yet Trump has the audacity to say how amazing the country is doing and how everyone is wealthier than ever. Prick.

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JK Rowling
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The ONLY thing I do not like about this post is that Trump deserves to be called something far, far worse than a prick.

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aiysha guerrero
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wow........ i am a nurse with almost the exact same issues.......

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Guenevere DuChamp
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agree. Many of us have these same issues I think. I think the difference is accepting that life WILL have challenges. Financial or otherwise. I’m a designer and struggle financially. My brother is a doctor and has a child with severe, permanent medical issues. Different struggles.

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Dany Pierce-Knies
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Healthcare workers & teachers are so important to our society and are treated so dismal.... it's shameful!

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Ashley Say Whaat?!?
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a freaking Pharmacist with similar issues although not as bad I'm sure. I became a pharmacist to provide a better life for my family at the encouragement of my mother (and thankfully I like the job and love helping others), but what most people don't realize is that while I make more money, I also am in debt due to student loans more than most people. I owe over $250,000 in student loans and because of high monthly payments and high debt to income ratio, I can not even obtain a loan for over $85,000 to buy a house. That doesn't get me much of a house in a safe neighborhood if at all that isn't in major need of repair. So I live with my parents or in a cheap apartment. I borrowed the least amount I needed and lived frugal while in school... our system is so messed up. Teaches should definitely be paid so much more!

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Gipsy Kings fan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There was a TV commercial a few years ago for a bank debit card featuring a young woman acting the part of a kindergarten teacher in her class. She said she often had to buy supplies like “Paint, crayons, hamsters...” So she set up her debit card to make an automatic deposit to her savings account in some amount whenever she makes a purchase, as a way to regularly save money for these expenses WHICH SHOULD BE PAID FOR BY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT. (This adds insult to injury because teachers are so underpaid already.) The commercial made this disgraceful situation seem like it’s a common practice that no one questions or protests against. This is one of the shameful scandals in the U.S. that doesn’t get enough publicity.

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Randy Paddock
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

sad but true in lot of cases all where you live and its not trumps fault its paid political whores who have been in office Years ...

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Carol McLean
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Typical of most teachers - we have 2 and 3 jobs to keep food on the table. After 35 years in the classroom (and as an award winning teacher) I can not recommend a person to go into education. You can make more in an office job with only a tenth of the stress.

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Delaney
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Teaching really isn’t a good paying job people should consider that and look into it before becoming a teacher that’s the smartest thing to do also get a side job

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Anet Arteacher
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In many states there is no union for many teachers. In my state there was a very strong union which is why we had benefits and fair salaries. I had to buy supplies when my own school district would not fund their own classes appropriately. No teachers should have to buy supplies and no District should form their budget based on the fact that the teachers will buy supplies.

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Mascha Claessens
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Uhg, I feel so sorry for teachers in the US... They earn way more than they make now. I've recently become a teacher in Europe (at a public highschool). And I'm quite happy with my starter salary (€2700/month), even though the work pressure is often high and the days often long. Work pressure is increasing because there are not enough teachers in our country. I bet it's the same in the US, but on a much larger scale. Still happy to be a teacher though, and I hope at some point things will change for US teachers (and health care workers etc. etc.).

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Id row
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People who go into that profession must know how the salaries are. Go into a different career direction if you want to make more money. If people started ditching the profession because of the pay, then and only then will the system change. There is so much waste and mismanagement of money going on with education dollars. A shortage of teachers might open people's eyes to it and redirect the money where it needs to go.

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Doc Bravo
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Find a better job. Standard of living isn't the same everywhere. Personal merit, education, and skills get one a better job along with better bargaining for raises. Regardless, not all are good or smart enough to do higher-paying work. Personal choice is what keeps most in their 'bad predicament'.

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the Gallaher's
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

bunch of c**p and lies.. teachers make more than most and they hold kids hostage for more, every year.

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Brandy Grote
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To be fair, my friend is a 1st year substitute teacher, and makes $5hr more than my husband who has been at his job for 20 years.

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Danby Drongo
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

America... (oops, sorry, "Murica) the greatest (ripoff) country in the World. Especially if you're not white. No wonder the rest of the world mentally spits on your political system. Corrupt is far too kind of a word for it.

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Max L.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

same for a teacher in Italy, it's not uncommon there are some temporary since 30 years.

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Andrea Delden
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is absurd! The future of a country depends on their children and the children depend on their teachers. What will your future be? Who will your future leaders be? Will the brightest want to lead or just make money? Without the help of teachers the average and below average will grow up not knowing anything about any other country but their own! Oh yeah, that happens now, American students graduating from college don’t know where Canada is!

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Jon Payne
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The US spends more per child than other countries when it comes to education, and they are testing better/scoring higher. -What are some viable solutions to improve education and have reasonable teacher salaries?

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Jo Choto
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of the most shameful aspects of that "great" country.

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Mark Kelly
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

pfft here in Canada teachers are paid pretty well, starting at about 50k a year.

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Charley CharleyEx
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did they mention your salary when they offered you the job? More brilliant life planning.

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Leo H
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry not buying it...sure a starting teacher may have a low wage...but they have full insurance,401k,benefits.. But a 20 yr teacher has to be making 50 grand easily..where the f does she live..Beverly hills

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Anna Repp
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are delusional, a lot of teachers do not make that much. And $50K is not enough if you are a single mom with kids.

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Wil Vanderheijden
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And isn't there in some states a rule that if teachers get sick they have to pay the wages for their substitute? Only in America.

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D.J. Thorb
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is disgraceful when some scumbag selling junk stocks is allowed to scoop off millions from pension funds .

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#21

Both Are In The Wrong But Look At How The Pictures Are Depicted

Both Are In The Wrong But Look At How The Pictures Are Depicted

Choreutic Report

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Wil Vanderheijden
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The blindfold of Lady Justice is eaten by the moths and she turns out to be a racist, conservative b!tch.

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#22

Not A Bad Plan

Not A Bad Plan

heyspacequeen Report

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Koalamonster
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I knew a girl who got Hep C from her ex-boyfriend. Her insurance would not pay to fix it unless she was very very ill. As far as I know she still has it. Had she gone to jail she would have been treated and it wouldn't be an issue anymore.

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#25

Teeth Are A Luxury Only Paying Customers Are Allowed

Teeth Are A Luxury Only Paying Customers Are Allowed

ItsDanSheehan Report

#26

Ambulances For 3k? Lets Just Call An Uber

Ambulances For 3k? Lets Just Call An Uber

deray Report

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Luis Milian
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

in the US, the cost for an ambulance to take you to the ER is as expensive as buying a new car.

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#29

This Is How Expensive It Is To Attempt Suicide In The US

This Is How Expensive It Is To Attempt Suicide In The US

alcumist Report

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Care
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hope they're doing better now. Debt definitely doesn't help depression.

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#30

Open Office

Open Office

sweis Report

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Miklós Nagy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The 90s when people were angry about their well paid, stable jobs and about their peaceful life...

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