1984 Media Analysis

“The past is never dead. It’s not even the past”. These words spoken by William Faulkner, a famous American writer, perfectly describes how the past influences the future. In the novel 1984, written by George Orwell, the main focus is how a totalitarian regime implements power over its people by the use of many tactics including media. Orwell’s beliefs about totalitarianism are parallel to the thoughts of the main character of the novel, Winston. Orwell accentuates how easily a government could take control over people and that there is a chance that it could happen in real life. In the 21st century, many aspects of life are suppressed by the media whether people are aware of it or not. People are increasingly influenced by media as technology advances. Most common ways that
people are exposed to media are through television, newspapers, and smartphones. The public opinion is often followed by many individuals as a way to fit into society’s norms. Although media may appear irrelevant in the 21st century America due to our right to have freedom in our beliefs, Orwell’s 1984 reveals that the influence of media is still relevant in the 21st century, as seen in social media and the common opinion of the public.
“The American founding fathers felt that” the idea of freedom “was of utmost importance when they were deciding” how America will be set apart from other countries. (Spease) In comparison to the freedom crushing government shown in 1984, America is built around the idea of freedom and independence. We live in a country where we have the ability to have our own thoughts and beliefs.
Although we are given the right to freedom, we are unable to avoid the grasp of media. Media is almost everywhere, even if you are unaware of it. In a way, telescreens in the novel are like the media of today’s society. The concept of freedom is different for everyone depending on their perspective of it. When our minds are altered by something outlying such as media, a part of our freedom to think freely is taken away. People are becoming increasingly exposed to media as “the media and its influence on the societies, has grown exponentially with the advance of technology” (Mughal) Whether it is on TV,
newspapers, or at the tips of your fingers on your smartphone, you are constantly being shaped by media. Situations include online shopping. As online stores such as Amazon or Ebay grow increasingly popular, it’s consumers are being swayed by the reviews and description of products. A “popular” product will be purchased more because of the amount of people that has either bought it or reviewed it. Another situation includes social media. A great portion of people use Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook as a way to socialize with others and check up on daily news. Candidates has taken advantage of these social media networks as a way to win votes in addition to constantly being on newspapers, radios, and television. The government in 1984 used its “power as a way to [tear] human minds to pieces and [put] them together in new shapes of [its] own choosing” (Orwell, pg.26) Orwell uses the government in the novel as a representation of a totalitarian regime. Methods are used to dehumanize the common people. Telescreens monitor everyone from any wrongdoing which deprives people of freedom to think, write, or speak their thoughts even in the confines of their own home. Newspeak is the official language of Oceania which has limited vocabulary to decreases the ability for someone to speak about their opinions. All these methods are used in a way for the government to become more powerful and controlling over its people. Already skeptical of the government, Winston questions,“For, after all, how do we know that two and two make four? Or that the force of gravity works? Or that the past is unchangeable? If both the past and the external world exist only in the mind, and if the mind itself is controllable – what then?” (Orwell, pg. 80) The repetition of asking questions reveals how Winston is questioning the truths given by the government. He is questioning whether he is truly living in reality or if the government created an illusion of his existence. Basic truths such as the answer to “two and two” are seemingly becoming a part to something larger the government is covering. Modern day America is similar to George Orwell’s totalitarian regime in the novel 1984 because of the way mass media influences the general public.This is significant because the overall message of the book was for people to become more aware of what’s to come in the future. Although a solution is not mentioned in the book, it is apparent for us to know whether the government is trying to protect its people or going beyond its limits.