Maybe the two readings you describe can both be correct at the same time, and even complement each other?
Perhaps the point being made is: we find the initially described utopia hard to believe because we are in a situation similar to Omelas, where our pleasures depend on someone elseโs misery. So when someone tries to have us believe that true utopia is possible, we reject it, because facing up to its possibility would force us to confront our guilt about our current situation.
Maybe the two readings you describe can both be correct at the same time, and even complement each other?
Perhaps the point being made is: we find the initially described utopia hard to believe because we are in a situation similar to Omelas, where our pleasures depend on someone elseโs misery. So when someone tries to have us believe that true utopia is possible, we reject it, because facing up to its possibility would force us to confront our guilt about our current situation.