Loss Of Individualism In 1984 By George Orwell

George Orwell’s dystopian themed novel, 1984, tells of a world far worse than the one we inhabit. The book tells of Winston Smith as he wrestles oppression from the Big Brother trying to survive in Oceania. Oceania is depicted as a place in which human actions are greatly scrutinized. In rebellion, Winston dares to express his thoughts in a diary. Despite the year gaps, 1984’s social issues such as government surveillance are evident in today’s society. The parallels are undeniable. We live in a world in a world where it’s comical to say you are alone and where privacy cannot be purchased with a set of drapes. Government surveillance has resulted in loss of privacy, loss of individualism, and conformity, evident throughout 1984 and today’s …show more content…
This is sense is evident through Wilson’s discovery of O’Brien’s true identity. He begins to fear O’Brien can penetrate his thoughts, causing Winston to loss a sense of himself. From the beginning, O’Brien attempts to convince Winston about Big Brother’s concept of reality stating Big Brother controls “matter because it controls the mind” (Orwell, 3.3.21). O’Brien tries to push his views of a mind-dependent reality on Winston. However, it is Winston’s yearning to for self-expression that leads him to buy a diary committing “thought crime” (1.2.42-43). Loss of individualism in today’s society is evident through some American’s heavy dependence on technology. Major companies such as Apple have created devices incorporating “a computer into every interaction” (Halpern). These technological devices have led to loss of self-reliance by “taking your pulse” or programming the “number of calories burned” and sharing this data with friends (Halpern). As companies continuously develop and implement these devices eventually they’ll be able to “rationalize their operations” by replacing human s with robots (Halpern). Sensors will be implemented that can correct human error resulting in the loss of individualism in society. Orwell may not have written about the possible takeover of humans by robots but he’s commentary on government control contributing to loss …show more content…
Increased surveillance in 1984 led to loss of individualism of Oceania’s people as the government enforces its totalitarian authority onto the people. Consequently, people have become unwilling to challenge the government and therefore conform to the government’s society. This is not only evident in 1984, but also in American’s modern society. The government takes advantage of the enhanced technology to guarantee their idea of national security at the expense of people’s