Matthew J. Bera, Editor

On Jan. 20, 2084, I woke up at 11 a.m. – the global wake-up time, changed from 10 a.m. last summer due to reasons I wasn’t allowed to recall – and turned on the TV, as required for morning news consumption. This was of course the only way we could find out where to direct our emotional outbursts throughout the day.

“Good day,” the news anchor said.

“Good day,” I replied to my screen automatically. It was Friday, and I was permitted to be in a good mood.

“Today, the Global Safety Agency issued a new plan to combat visual discrimination,” the news anchor said. “The Global Safety Agency has determined that the most effective way to combat visual discrimination is to make everyone wear the same type of eyeglasses. Starting next month, all global citizens will be required to undergo a painless vision correction procedure and wear standardized eyewear.”

I felt a mix of emotions wash over me. On one hand, I was excited at the prospect of finally achieving true equality, and on the other hand, I felt obligatory outrage at the mere mention of visual discrimination.

The anchor continued: “This groundbreaking initiative will eliminate all visual distinctions related to eyewear. Global Citizens found attempting to alter or disguise their standardized glasses will face severe penalties.”

I was relieved. This was finally a solution to end visual discrimination once and for all. I decided that later in the day, during my 15-minute allotted period for social interaction, I would have to tell my neighbor. I wondered if he would be as excited as I was supposed to be.

The anchor moved on to the next story: “In related news, the Department of Acceptable Opinions has issued new guidelines on permissible thoughts regarding the standardized eyewear mandate. Citizens are encouraged to share their opinions during designated social interaction periods, but are reminded that expressing doubts about the procedure is strictly prohibited and may result in mandatory re-education.”

I nodded at the screen, making sure my enthusiasm was clearly visible to the monitoring cameras. I had no doubts whatsoever about this brilliant plan. I looked at my reflection on the screen, trying to imagine myself with the new standardized glasses.

The anchor’s voice brought me back to attention. “Specific assignments as to what type of standardized eyewear should be acquired in the procedure will be given to global citizens based on a variety of criteria, including but not limited to socioeconomic background, level of education and family history,” the anchor continued, before swearing servitude to the government and signing off for the day.

As the broadcast ended, I couldn’t help but be filled with joy. Joy at the fact that in our societal quest to end visual discrimination, we achieved something far greater. Joy at the prospect of a world where institutional discrimination was not only accepted, but celebrated. Joy that I would be able to live in a society in which I could finally judge people not by the content of their character, but by the type of glasses on their face. I walked to my door, eager to receive my food rations for the day.