1984 is a renowned banned book written by George Orwell and published in 1949 that portrays a dystopian society in which freedom is outlawed and “War is peace, freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.” George Orwell, also the writer of Animal Farm, is known for writing books that explore dystopian societies. His book 1984 was written in 1948 and is a transformative work of literature satirizing dictators; during a period where dictatorships were all but common. In modern times, Orwell’s book is banned for its highly controversial and political themes. Despite its anti-government message, some aspects of this fictional world can be reflected in America today.
In the world of 1984, citizens live in a world where food that is flavorless and nutrient-poor is rationed, and speaking up about the government is an immediate trip to correctional facilities. Citizens don’t remember the past and how such a society came to be, nor how real food even tastes. With the rationing of food, people run to find comfort in the black market for things like freshly ground coffee and butter. Each regulation strips the average civilian of their integrity. In 1984 society, the Opposites are those who are conditioned to believe anything and everything. 1984 highlights how “groupthink is incredibly harmful,” says Ms. Shiroma, an AP U.S history teacher. Groupthink is characterized by following the crowd without individual thinking, often making choices that follow what the group believes. Political leaders lead by example, so “when being espoused by governments, they are ways to control how people criticize what’s happening in front of them.” Even outside of a political context, in times of chaos, people look for someone to be the hero and are willing to ignore the obvious flaws in what their hero is doing. In 1984 society, citizens are expected to plaster slogans like “War is peace, freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.” all over town and through everyday speech. In terms of speech, a dictionary labeled Newspeak is a form of censorship that people are required to follow. Citizens are unable to express their opinions on Big Brother’s leadership. When news and individual thought are restricted, it becomes much easier to manipulate and control a large group of people.
A more recent account of erasing history was presented by the Center for American Progress, discovering that “a series of orders changed names of public places, censored historical exhibits, and reduced access to public areas,” and by doing so the Trump administration aims to “undermine democratic processes and principles, a tactic long used by extremists and authoritarians.” By changing the names of historical sites, it effectively erases the history and story that was once held in place, which was a reminder of a culture that has always fought for liberty and justice for all. “Trump’s order erases the Native connection to instead memorialize former U.S. President William McKinley, who never even visited Alaska.” Denali, initially redistributed in respect to Native Americans, ceases to exist with the now controversial rename.
When we take a closer look at 1984’s message, Shiroma suggests it’s “about alternative histories being created in front of people and how they take in this information.” Ironically, not many people know about these executive orders, which override American culture. In essence, it’s the most important thing to get news from non-partisan sources to “differentiate what opinion is, what is fact, and to understand intentions behind information,” Shiroma adds. For a book that was published in 1949, it relays a hefty message that can be applied throughout America’s history and even elsewhere where freedom isn’t an opportunity.
