Similarities Between 1984 And 21st Century America

Tyler Lew

Mr. Roche

European Literature

26 March 2023

Oceania vs. 21st-Century America

As the turn of the millennium has unfolded, many people agree that America is not the country it used to be. Torn by politics, racism, and lies many turn to the pages of dystopian novels to attempt to predict the future. A popular novel, although written long ago, is constantly quoted for its alarming relevance to today’s society. Written in 1949 by George Orwell, 1984 tells of a horrid dystopian society dominated by a totalitarian government named Big Brother, holding complete control over every aspect of its subjects' lives. Through the perspective of Winston, a man struggling to appear orthodox to others while maintaining his rebellious and individualistic

Although America in the 21st century is developing similar dystopian qualities to the fictional society within George Orwell’s novel 1984, the dystopian qualities of constant surveillance, news modification, and dehumanized state demonstrate how dystopian qualities can exist within the United States without becoming problematic.

The United States of America passed the Patriot Act because of the government’s obligation to itself and others to become a safer place from both internal and external threats, showing striking similarities to George Orwell’s 1984 where citizens are perceived to be under constant surveillance. After being apprehended and locked inside the Ministry of Love for conspiring against the Party, it was made aware to Winston that “for seven years … there was no physical act, no word spoken aloud, that [The Thought Police] had not noticed, no train of thought that they had not been able to infer” (Orwell 276). The secrecy and power of the Thought Police to monitor Winston’s activities is frightening and demonstrates the fear inhabitants of Oceania live under. Big Brother spying on its citizens demonstrates how large governments utilize constant surveillance to ensure their

Undisputedly phones have quickly become indispensable objects which dominate our daily lives, leading to both addiction and dehumanized lives. However, many Americans during pressing times of the covid pandemic truly believe phones have had a positive impact on their life, as “59% of respondents agreed that their phone has been their lifeline during the pandemic, and a similar number say that it has kept them from feeling isolated and lonely” (Klaviyo). Compared to Victory Gin, phones can be a positive driving factor by connecting individuals, whereas alcohol only takes the pain away temporarily and ultimately brings the intoxicated back to their original state, if not worse. Although phones do have a constant presence in our lives does not mean that their presence is entirely harmful. Phones possess nearly endless abilities, the impact a phone has is entirely dependent on the actions of its user, not on the device. Many Americans today show justified hatred towards the government for its numerous misdemeaning and overstepping actions. However, the ability to freely speak out against the government without repercussions should be taken note of and cherished for the freedom it gives its citizens a voice. Although American