Essay/Term paper: 1984

Essay, term paper, research paper:  English Literature Essays

1984


I think that today's society is a "half version" of George Owell's novel,
1984, in some ways it is similar and in others, uniquely different. The closest
we come today to a "Big Brother" is the mob. The people are also controlled by
watchful security cameras and subliminal messages. However, something in life
today is very different from that of 1984, it is the people. In the words of the
famous lyricist, "Power to the People."
In analyzing "Big Brother," there are similarities between it and the
mob. The Mafia is a crime family that can see everything, there is no going
against the mob or else someone is going to die. The Mafia is so widespread that
it has operatives all over keeping an eye out for cops or law enforcement, this
is the Mafia's "telescreens" (Orwell 6). Another startling similarity between
the mob and "Big Brother" is the Mafia's strange way of making someone disappear
or "vaporize" (Orwell ). Almost unknowingly a person's identity can be changed,
altered, or deleted.
Authorities use security and surveillance cameras to observe criminal
activities or possibly every day activities. Too much surveillance liberties
are given to police or FBI. By using hi-tech cameras which can actually
document a person's life. Unknowingly, there may be a cute little camera
installed in the bedroom.
Another way that today's society controls the masses is subliminal
messages. Illegal now, subliminal messages were widely used in the
entertainment business, especially during the fifties. An example is that movie
makers would add a split-second commercial add for popcorn and soda during a
movie. Customers would actually be manipulated into buying these products. Even
though, this kind of brainwashing is illegal, it is still very hard to detect,
who's to say that we are not bombarded by subliminal messages just by watching
commercials on television. This is too risky, to think that a person's actions
and emotions can be swayed by someone else's perversion's. Again, this is very
similar to 1984.
Of all the things there are today that would make it impossible for
there to be an inner or outer party, as in 1984, is that there is each other.
No matter how hard our government tries, they cannot reach everyone. Contrary to
1984, where they do get everyone, I feel that was extreme and unlikely. I find
it highly unlikely that a form of government can find a way to get the whole
world to follow them. 1984 is not a reality, strength lies in numbers.
In conclusion, life in the nineties, is a very resilient time. In this
time, there is a substantial amount of restriction of the public, much of which
is for law and order. A lot of this day and age may resemble George Orwell's
1984. It is nothing but a facade of government mixing with technology at a
dangerous level. There's nothing to fear because 1984 is far-fetched and an
anti-socialists nightmare.