1984 Essay, Research Paper

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.