Are we humans or are we androids?

"Nothing could be more impolite. To say, 'is your sheep genuine?' would be a worse breach of manners than to inquire whether a citizen's teeth, hair, or internal organs would test out authentic." (Dick 8)

            The author illustrates a future in which social customs have been completely altered. Although the androids are controlled by altering the setting on their dials, and not by authentic feelings, they still succumb to a materialistic behavior which parallels to that of humans. Since real animals have become scarce, an animals authenticity is a direct display of an owners economic standing. The dystopia created emphasizes the importance of wealth. There is an apparent irony of the disparity of wealth prevalent in the 1960's when the novel was published and the economic issues conveyed in the novel. Ultimately, the animals are the direct personification of Dick's concern over economic issues that he believes will still permeate society in the year 2021.