The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a dystopia as “an imaginary place where people lead dehumanized and often fearful lives.” While one may consider dictionary definitions to hold the ultimate truth and meaning behind a word, that is not always true. A dystopia does not have to be an imaginary place. Today, people are continuously under the watchful eye of government. Human interaction has been reduced to pseudo-English phrases sent between people using cell phones. Citizens are fined for indulging in certain pleasures, like alcohol and tobacco. The events of today’s society are similar to those in George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984.
Governments around the world, specifically the government of the United States, have expanded their power to the extent that they can track every action of any citizen with a cell phone. In 1984, Orwell depicts a …show more content…
The American government places an extra federal tax on alcohol and tobacco, on top of state sales taxes. In turn, prices for these goods are driven up and people are restricted from buying them because they simply can’t afford them. Such a tax is a clear indication that the government is subtly increasing the bar of entry in order to curb the use of alcohol and tobacco in America, even when people are spending their legally and rightfully earned money on it. In 1984, the proles (proletariats) and Outer Party members (middle class) are restricted from drinking high quality gin and smoking high quality cigars. They are limited to “Victory Gin” and “Victory Cigars,” which are the only ones approved by the government. The limitations imposed on citizens in 1984 are similar to the economic limitations placed on American citizens in the modern day. In fact, they were nearly identical during the Prohibition era, now the government has found a more subtle way to go about
Governments around the world, specifically the government of the United States, have expanded their power to the extent that they can track every action of any citizen with a cell phone. In 1984, Orwell depicts a …show more content…
The American government places an extra federal tax on alcohol and tobacco, on top of state sales taxes. In turn, prices for these goods are driven up and people are restricted from buying them because they simply can’t afford them. Such a tax is a clear indication that the government is subtly increasing the bar of entry in order to curb the use of alcohol and tobacco in America, even when people are spending their legally and rightfully earned money on it. In 1984, the proles (proletariats) and Outer Party members (middle class) are restricted from drinking high quality gin and smoking high quality cigars. They are limited to “Victory Gin” and “Victory Cigars,” which are the only ones approved by the government. The limitations imposed on citizens in 1984 are similar to the economic limitations placed on American citizens in the modern day. In fact, they were nearly identical during the Prohibition era, now the government has found a more subtle way to go about