Social Institutions and Manipulation Exposed in A Clockwork Orange, by Anthony Burgess

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As teenagers deviate from the constraining grasp of their parents, they begin to establish their own identity through decisions; however, their development of self-identification is frequently hindered by manipulation of societal institutions such as: justice system, religion, and media. Anthony Burgess, author of A Clockwork Orange, establishes the idea of freewill and how it is suppressed when Alex, the main protagonist, undergoes the manipulative Ludovico's technique, religious lectures, and social norms influenced by media- used to instill pain when Alex's desires violence/music and finding salvation, which is similar to the treatment of criminals in our society; ultimately utilized to mitigate crime, but also suppresses freewill through repercussions, fear, police officials, indelible ads, and the law. Therefore, American citizens are not privileged with the power of choice because the hindering paradox that exists in society: possessing the ability to consciously establish identity is entwined with manipulation, subliminally.

When citizens envision prison, they envision solitude, protection, and safety; but, beyond these protective walls, criminals and society are subjected to unlawful constraints implemented by the dictatorial Justice System- this is suppression of freewill. The Justice System is influenced and mostly dominated by moguls and corrupt politicians, the development of power between these two institutions is established through money and robust relationships. In return for money, government officials will collude and implement constraints placed on society and against heinous criminals, while they are held in captivity. Samuel McCracken, acclaimed writer and researcher asserts, "free choice is diminished...

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