George Orwell’s dystopian novel, “1984” has proven time after time to be a valuable-satirical novel that pushes readers to really think about how the government runs and how it affects them. For many reasons this novel should not be banned from high school curriculum and classrooms. Although it has been challenged and banned because of its immorality, obscenity, and anti-communist views, “1984’s” educational value overshadows all these issues. It should not be banned, because it shows us the grave consequences that come with some political philosophies, such as the government being over-controlling to the point that they eliminate our privacy. Orwell’s novel also provides valuable lessons that can serve as a warning for people to not allow
…show more content…
In “1984”, George Orwell illustrates how strong and controlling a government can be if you let them control every aspect of your life, including your thoughts and voice. If you’ve been keeping up with the news you’d know that Thailand has been having huge protests and has been using George Orwell’s novel as a sign of protest. Currently a military coup has taken over the government and has left Thailand’s democratic government weak. Oliver Smith has even stated that, “Demonstrators have been arrested for reading the novel, according to reports, while screenings of the film adaptation have been cancelled by organizers claiming they were intimidated by police” (Smith, 1). Since Orwell’s novel is anti-totalitarian, the people of Thailand have found great connections to the book and their current situation. They are also dealing with a group of people who are trying to control their actions, even the literature they read. These kinds of events clearly show that Orwell’s novel has been seen as a threat by officials because they know the power of the literature. The power to make people knowledgeable and clear-minded enough to not let themselves be pushed down. Novels like these should not be banned because they can empower people and give them a voice. Yes, the novel is completely anti-communist, but this is one of the main reasons it shouldn’t be banned. If we …show more content…
Always, at every moment, there will be the thrill of victory, the sensation of trampling on an enemy who is helpless. If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face—forever" (Orwell).
Although yes it is clear that the future imagined in the book is very dark and depressing it allows young readers to be more grateful about the freedom they have now. It informs them that even if this book is a work of fiction it has some truth. For example, some countries do live in countries that control every aspect of their life. This gives them a lesson about where limits should be set for the government. If they control even our feelings, then there is something clearly
In “1984”, George Orwell illustrates how strong and controlling a government can be if you let them control every aspect of your life, including your thoughts and voice. If you’ve been keeping up with the news you’d know that Thailand has been having huge protests and has been using George Orwell’s novel as a sign of protest. Currently a military coup has taken over the government and has left Thailand’s democratic government weak. Oliver Smith has even stated that, “Demonstrators have been arrested for reading the novel, according to reports, while screenings of the film adaptation have been cancelled by organizers claiming they were intimidated by police” (Smith, 1). Since Orwell’s novel is anti-totalitarian, the people of Thailand have found great connections to the book and their current situation. They are also dealing with a group of people who are trying to control their actions, even the literature they read. These kinds of events clearly show that Orwell’s novel has been seen as a threat by officials because they know the power of the literature. The power to make people knowledgeable and clear-minded enough to not let themselves be pushed down. Novels like these should not be banned because they can empower people and give them a voice. Yes, the novel is completely anti-communist, but this is one of the main reasons it shouldn’t be banned. If we …show more content…
Always, at every moment, there will be the thrill of victory, the sensation of trampling on an enemy who is helpless. If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face—forever" (Orwell).
Although yes it is clear that the future imagined in the book is very dark and depressing it allows young readers to be more grateful about the freedom they have now. It informs them that even if this book is a work of fiction it has some truth. For example, some countries do live in countries that control every aspect of their life. This gives them a lesson about where limits should be set for the government. If they control even our feelings, then there is something clearly