Manipulation In 1984

1984 by George Orwell is about a young man named Winston and his efforts to rebel against and overthrow a totalitarian government. Though Winston’s attempts are ineffective, his journey provides insight on Orwell’s fears about the society in which he was living. Specifically, Orwell was concerned about government-controlled media and its ability to end individualism; his apprehension arose from the various powerful dictators present during his lifetime such as Joseph Stalin. Despite the fact that 1984 was published in the 1940s, government-controlled media remains a prevalent issue in today's society. In the book, Orwell claims that media ran by a totalitarian government could limit individual thinking by feeding people one source of

Through this department, Big Brother dictates what information and material is obtained by their citizens. Since there is no alternative source for information, the ability to think freely and express different beliefs has been prohibited; Oceanians are forced to think in a specific manner that pleases Big Brother. Similarly, the Party further uses media manipulation during Oceania’s Hate Week. In Book II, 1984 reads, “Processions, meetings, military parades, lectures, waxwork displays, film shows, telescreen programs all had to be organized” (Orwell 122). Through various forms of media, the Party portrays their enemy in a negative way and the citizens of Oceania feel instinctive animosity towards them. The story of the “enemy” is not shown, therefore, Oceanians lack outside information and are incapable of forming thoughts and opinions that would be in opposition to Big Brother. The Party constructs a

Stalin, who became the leader of the Soviet Union in the mid 1920s, portrayed himself as the ideal leader. His image dominated the country and he became the center of literature, paintings, and music. He referred to himself as “Uncle Joe” to give himself a friendlier appeal (Houchin). Russian citizens were not provided with material that depicted Stalin in a negative aspect. Thus, the people were forbidden from speaking and thinking critically of Stalin. Furthermore, under Stalin’s control, the people of Russia had to read, see, and listen to what the state allowed. Those who attempted to acquire unapproved material were severely punished (Truman). Consequently, there was an absence of free thought and expression in Russia. The inaccessibility of alternate sources of information hindered the citizens’ ability to illustrate differing beliefs or opinions of