i seen people use it like...as in...invading privacy or something..can someone explain it .....thanks
2006-07-18 00:29:41 · 9 answers · asked by Robot Chicken 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
It is a term coined by George Orwell in the book 1984.
It was used to described the all seeing bureaucracy which allowed the citizens no privacy, and maintained totals control over their lives. Including where they could work, what they could read, when they could move about, have sex etc.
2006-07-18 00:35:27 · answer #1 · answered by Bryan 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The phrase "Big Brother" comes from 1984, a novel written by George Orwell in 1959 about what was then the future. Basically, in the story, you have a lot of people who work for the government that have infiltrated society for the soul purpose of catching people breaking the law. In the book, the main character is caught because he continually goes to a novelty store that is set up just to catch people. So, you hear the phrase "Big Brother is watching you." It's because you never know who will turn you in for doing the wrong thing. Something to think about: Orwell was right. Did you know the average person spends 8 hours a day on camera whether they know it or not? Anyway, I hope that helps you out
2006-07-18 07:36:55 · answer #2 · answered by Spellcaster97 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I probably could have told you this myself, but I just let Wikipedia save me the trouble. Cited from the site:
"Big Brother" is a fictional character in George Orwell's novel 1984, the enigmatic dictator of Oceania, a totalitarian state taken to its utmost logical consequence. In the society that Orwell describes, everybody is under complete surveillance by the authorities, mainly by telescreens. The people are constantly reminded of this by the phrase "Big Brother is watching you", which is the core "truth" of the propaganda system in this state.
If you ever get the spare time I suggest you read 1984. It's a good book and I even included a link to it via Amazon.com ;)
2006-07-18 07:35:37 · answer #3 · answered by mroof! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's from George Orwell's novel "Nineteen Eighty-Four", about a totalitarian government. "Big Brother is watching you" is a slogan used to remind the people that if they challenge the government they will be found out.
It is really important that you be aware of this book. The term "Orwellian" is another that you should know, as it applies so well to the propaganda-laden world we currently live in. Look into it.
2006-07-18 07:37:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It first appeared in George Orwell's book 1984 as a giant government-style corporation which watched everyone all of the time, and now means any big corporation/ organisation covertly watching people.
2006-07-18 07:33:43 · answer #5 · answered by JadeDragonMage 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A phrase used by George Orwell in his famous novel "1984" in which it denotes a totalitarian state that spies on each and every one of its citizens.
2006-07-18 07:40:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
People who use this phrase are referring to the government. The Federal Govenment. Some people do see them as invading our privacy.
Persoanlly I think if you have nothing to hide - then what are you worried aobut?
2006-07-18 07:40:59 · answer #7 · answered by helpme1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Big Brother can phrase different method:
At Asian country,Big Brother can include family member or Boss in gengster so you must be careful.
At US,Eropah country,Big Brother is the name only for easy cailing somebody.
2006-07-18 07:39:07 · answer #8 · answered by johnlee871231 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Orwell did coin it, basically Big Brother means someone is watching you like an older male sibling would, not necessarily for your own good.
2006-07-19 05:05:33 · answer #9 · answered by Kellie M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋