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Examining Books by George Orwell
There are striking similarities between the books written by George Orwell and our current political system. He wrote a book called 1984 that depicts a totalitarian regime that is very repressive.
The scenario that he described in the book is exactly the situation that is present in America today, especially after the passage of the Patriot Act of 2001. Under this Act, the citizens are constantly monitored for espionage and are arrested for the slightest suspicion. This is the same situation described in Orwell's 1984.
The leader of the 'Utopian' state in this book appeared only on TV and people were made to believe that they were living in the best possible country in the world. People were living in a constant state of fear and terror.
This is precisely what is happening in America today and this was predicted by Orwell in 1946 when 1984 was published.
The oppressive regime in his book is the precursor for our Government today.
1984 A HALF A CENTURY LATER
George Orwell's masterpiece sent shivers down the spine of Western intellectuals and they vehemently opposed these ideas as a science fiction novel. Half a century later, the novel's frightening scenarios are becoming true.
There is unrelenting and uncontrolled surveillance on people and all this is done under the veil of protectionism. Though this is an encroachment on every individual's liberty and privacy, it is nevertheless being continued by the Government without any regard whatsoever for the concerns of the citizens.
ORWELL'S ESSAY EXPLAINS HIS HATRED FOR TOTALITARIANISM
In Orwell's essay 'Why I Write', he described that he was against totalitarianism and will try to write against it always. He went ahead and penned his thoughts in 1984; that year was supposed to be the 100th anniversary of the Fabian movement.
When questioned about the book, he rightly said that he believed that the world was heading in that direction.
The protagonist of the book was forced to prepare false propaganda about the virtues of the regime through falsified literature. Nowadays, the same is happening through our media which is being controlled by the elite and the Government.
People are made to believe that they are living on a bed of roses when they are actually trying to survive on a bed of thorns.
THE ORWELLIAN THEORY
The many ideas and books written by George Orwell has given rise to the phrase 'Orwellian'. This phrase describes a controlling attitude, complete denial of truth and manipulation of people by the ruler of the country in order to achieve their personal goals.
If the current political system is analyzed, one can understand that 'Orwellian' is the right phrase for this form of Government. In the novel, the past records of the protagonist is expunged and erased completely.
This is the same policy followed by the American Government to get rid of unwanted or controversial people who question their authority. Many clandestine activities are not brought to light and the elite and powerful continue to get richer and more powerful at the expense of ordinary Americans.
Where is Orwell when we need him?
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