Distractions are all around us. Beep. A text message. Bing. An Instagram notification. Although we may not be living in a totalitarian government, in many ways, Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World has become our world. Although Geroge Orwell’s 1984 is often the dystopian society we have all feared, it is Huxley’s vision that illustrates much of our current reality. Although Huxley wrote Brave New World in the 1930s, it is hauntingly relevant in today’s world of smartphones and constant distractions. Huxley’s vision of the future is profound because it is so familiar to our own present.
In 1985, Neil Postman argued in his book “Amusing our Selves to Death” that Brave New World portrayed a more accurate vision of the current state of our society than in Orwell’s book 1984. Like Huxley’s work, Postman’s argument is one that has become even more relevant in today’s context. Postman stated that “people would come to love their oppression, to adore the technology that undo their capacity to think.” (Postman vii) At that point in time, Postman was referring to television. However, thirty years later, Postman’s argument is chillingly familiar due to the …show more content…
While John is ultimately the main character of the story due to his refusal to conform, in reality he is a small minority. Although Bernard thinks, his desire to belong prevents him from wanting to revolt against the system. As much as I would like to be John, I am Bernard. Many people, who question the effects of smartphones and its control on us, are Bernards. We object to the harmful effects of social media and smartphones but we still participate. Bernard’s inner conflict is shown through his conversation with Lenina when he states: “I want to know what passion is,” “I want to feel something strongly. (pg. 94) Although he is unhappy, he is unwilling to break the rules and become an
In 1985, Neil Postman argued in his book “Amusing our Selves to Death” that Brave New World portrayed a more accurate vision of the current state of our society than in Orwell’s book 1984. Like Huxley’s work, Postman’s argument is one that has become even more relevant in today’s context. Postman stated that “people would come to love their oppression, to adore the technology that undo their capacity to think.” (Postman vii) At that point in time, Postman was referring to television. However, thirty years later, Postman’s argument is chillingly familiar due to the …show more content…
While John is ultimately the main character of the story due to his refusal to conform, in reality he is a small minority. Although Bernard thinks, his desire to belong prevents him from wanting to revolt against the system. As much as I would like to be John, I am Bernard. Many people, who question the effects of smartphones and its control on us, are Bernards. We object to the harmful effects of social media and smartphones but we still participate. Bernard’s inner conflict is shown through his conversation with Lenina when he states: “I want to know what passion is,” “I want to feel something strongly. (pg. 94) Although he is unhappy, he is unwilling to break the rules and become an