Why is the United States Gradually Becoming the Oceania in 1984?
Brazil, Nov 2023 - Reflections on a Dystopian Journey:
The novel 1984 by George Orwell was a dark warning of the consequences of totalitarianism, not a proscriptive manual. Yet, many have adopted it as an instruction guide rather than a cautionary tale. This is concerning, as it seems the United States is gradually sacrificing its freedoms for an illusory sense of security.
It's imperative that students learn about George Orwell's 1984, alongside other seminal works like Utopia by Sir Thomas More, The Fatal Conceit by Friedrich Hayek, The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx, and The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith. Understanding how propaganda is used is also crucial for today's digital age.
Social Media and Propaganda in the 21st Century
From the earliest written communication on clay tablets to the rise of social media, there have always been individuals—and sometimes even governments—probing into the lives of others. The advent of the telephone and social media has exacerbated this trend, allowing for real-time eavesdropping and the sharing of personal information beyond the control of individuals.
With the success of social media and the prevalence of text messaging, today's "busy bodies" can easily access and share private information. Unlike the days of party lines, where calls could be listened in on by others, today's technology allows for an even wider net to be cast over personal information. This is a significant issue in a world where the line between public and private is increasingly blurred.
George Orwell's Intention and the setting of 1984
George Orwell's 1984 wasn't meant to be a prophetic novel about the future. The book's title, 1984, was chosen merely because the publisher thought it would stand out. There were no explicit predictions about technological advancements; rather, Orwell was critiquing the societal and political climate of post-war Britain.
Orwell was observing the pervasive paranoia and the corrupting influence of surveillance in a society emerging from the ashes of World War II. He feared the resurgence of a fascist-like government, which was threatened by both past fascists and the perennial fears of such regimes. By setting the story in 1984, Orwell aimed to subtly critique the present rather than make an overt statement about the future.
Modern Parallels with North Korea
North Korea is a stark example of a society where surveillance and thought control are the norm. The government encourages a system of denunciation and ratting on neighbors and even family members. The Inner Party, often represented by government officials, lives in luxury, while the lower classes struggle to meet their basic needs. Orwell's depiction of the struggle for privacy resonates with the everyday reality of North Korean citizens.
The Dystopian Reality in America
While the United States has not reached the same level of totalitarianism as seen in 1984, there are disturbing parallels. The sacrifice of individual liberties for security is a worrisome trend. The trivial search for razor blades in the book represents the broader dissatisfaction and the potential for subversion. In today's America, the freedom to be unique and individualistic sometimes comes into conflict with the desire for a more controlled society.
The only true sin in America, according to some, is the desire to be an independent, free individual. This is ironic because the founding ideals of the country were based on individual liberties. However, as the government seeks to control more aspects of life, the risk of a slide into totalitarianism increases.
As Orwell warned, the gradual erosion of freedom under the guise of security is a real and concerning issue. It is essential for society to critically examine the trade-offs between liberty and control to maintain the delicate balance that allows for individual freedom to thrive.