Orwell's 1984?

Question

Does anyone else think that we're edging closer to Orwell's idea of the future? Internet slang has become "newspeak" and webcams have given us a way to watch each other; a sort of neo-Big Brother. I don't know, maybe it's just me, but I'm getting sick and tired of trying to read Q&A's that read like a cryptoquiz puzzle. U Kno wut i meen? UGH!!! I'm only 19 and even I'm afraid for our future.

Answer 1

Yes, I agree, however, this is not an etiquette question.

Answer 2

I think the most sinister aspect in todays world is that, like 1984, spin doctoring has replaced politics. Those in power know its much easier to appear to be doing something than actually trying to change things and the whole political process is now just a series of soundbites played out for the benefit of national TV.

On the flip side - human rights and protections are pretty strong. Okay - so there are cameras everywhere and computer technology makes information incredibly accessable - but if you think back to Orwells day - you were in trouble if you were gay, if you belonged to green pressure groups, if you were foreign you had less rights, etc. In addition I would day that people with disabilities have much fairer rights today and minorities are helped rather than hindered. Press freedom is very savagely protected by those in the industry and the same can be said for TV and Radio. Access to info also exists now in a way that was unheard of in Orwells time. Imagine telling your doctor in 1959 that you DEMAND to see your records!

I would say 1984 is further away now than when it was written, if we are honest. Lets hope it stays that way.

Answer 3

Yep. U got that rite - LOL!

I read 1984 more than 25 years ago and every day I see this country moving closer to that end. It's as if the book went from being a cautionary tale to a blueprint for the future. It won't be too long before books are obsolete and it will be very easy to rewrite history with a few keystrokes. People like us will be exterminated like the "Obsolete Man" in Serling's Twilight Zone. The ignorant masses will be sedated with drugs and alcohol and Professional Wrestling and cable TV and video games.

We switch from being allies with people like Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein to being enemies. It doesn't seem to matter with whom we're at war - as long as the war machine keeps rolling on to keep these power-hungry people in office. The back-door changes to the Constitution made by legislation like the so-called "Patriot Act" are the beginning of the end. Secret arrests, secret trials, incarceration and torture of OUR prisoners in foreign countries... Damn, I think we may be there already - just 20 years later than Orwell anticipated.

Time to join the Hemlock Society!

Answer 4

Add to the webcams, things like GoogleEarth where you can view closeups of neighborhoods all over the world, and you could start to wonder where privacy exists. I heard the statistic recently that the average person gets caught on a security camera around 200 times a day. And then there are mobile phones ... you can be in contact 24/7.

So I think its up to the individual to make certain of providing for their own privacy as best they can, if indeed that's what they want.

Answer 5

So enable me get this immediately. they have given you this homework on a e book that you're not to any extent further as a results of study till when you've surpassed contained in the homework? tell me this isn't yet another nice celebration of state practise. ok Orwell in 30 seconds. Orwell changed into born in a time once you've undesirable adult adult males like Hitler and Stalin operating amock. The BB charactor is type of a mish mash of both. In 80 4 the conception changed into that a chap named Smith lived in a totalitarian state. television ought to visual exhibit unit and be watched. So in case you've been no longer doing all of your morning paintings out, and they grew to change into onto you once you wern't they'd punish you. you've entire surveylance. secret police and so on. Smith tries to insurrection. He starts up an afair with a lady (somewhat fround upon through the state, for the reason that those relationships are deamed risky through the state.) . Britain in 80 4 is at conflict. it really is been at conflict for a at the same time as. No easily conflict exists, in spite of the indisputable fact that the state pretends that they are at conflict in order to regulate the populous and to boost production. Smith rents an condominium and not using a television so as that he can proceed his affair. the top effect is that the state is common with each little thing that he's doing and, on the perfect second, arests him and his lover. he's interigated and ultimately ends up in room one 0 one (the position the position all of your nightmares come real). They wreck him and he finally ends up betraying his lover. She does an identical for him. After re-programming him he's disbursed, a damaged, yet party toeing guy, again into the populous to paintings in a useless production unit pastime. many of the symbolism used contained in the e book and the movie will be usual to all and multiple who has considered a fascist information genuine. Now, somewhat than reading the e book quickly, flow out and skim the Video. this does no longer have as a lot element because the e book, yet elements you with a sturdy ordinary theory that can help you you answer this question. success

Answer 6

I've been reading 1984 for the past week, haven't finished yet though. I know what you're trying to say. The people that talk in that way are just idiots picking up the slang unconsciously. Sure the whole population will pick up a few new words here and there but it wont get out of hand or anything.

Answer 7

Sort of, but not for the reasons you give.

Text messaging slang and shortcuts don't bother me that much -- they're just a sign of language doing what it always does, changing.

What's Orwellian to me is to listen to politicians especially the current administration: Mass murder is liberation, for example.

Funny, but both Orwell and Ayn Rand said that this would be coming from the left, but the left ain't got nothing on the wing-nuts!

Answer 8

Darling Ryan, Be afraid, be very afraid...As long as bush and his corrupt crappy-assed cronies are in charge, there is MUCH to fear...and YES, we are moving inexorably closer to Georgies world-view...is was a warning, but when people pay no heed...this is what happens...crap happens. All I can tell you my dear, is try not to despair too much, there is hope, all is not lost, about half of America, if not more than half now, is awake and aware of the travesty that is happening to our great land, so we are fighting for all we're worth...join the fight Ryan, and hang tough kid, we need you!

Answer 9

I'm impressed. You are only 19 and have read and understand 1984?

Its always just around the corner. BTW, have you seen V for Vengence? Its worth a ponder for some fascinatingly possible scenarios too.

Answer 10

yes, OF Course: Its closer than you think, The government can recognise people from satallites in space. They can capture phone conversations by computers without a phone tap. The posiblity of total control is here, The news media is primarily controlled by few corporations and political interests

Answer 11

I tried reading that book but I just couldn't get into it. I thought the beginning moved too slowly-not much was happening. Maybe I should give it another try. I usually love classics and I love reading in general.