In Jonas' society, everyone is treated equally and it is believed rude and inappropriate for anyone to be viewed as different. Difference is seen as a bad thing, and everyone tries not to point out when there is something different about a person. It makes those people feel self conscious and singled out. Being singled out in Jonas' community is a very bad thing, and they try to avoid it at all costs. Jonas' society is a utopian (or arguably a "distopian") society, which means that it is supposedly an "ideal" community where everyone is equal and there is no pain or suffering. However, Jonas eventually comes to find out that there is a lot lacking in this form of society: emotions, colors, joy, family, and even pain and suffering, which make the pleasant experiences that much more precious.