1984

[Amnesiac]

Do you think the kind of society that George Orwell created in 1984 — a superpower that fools its own citizens into believing there is a perpetual war with the other superpowers (creating an excuse for the less-than-adequate living conditions) and that their government is "perfect" by fabricating the past to make every statement by those in power seem true and good — is possible in the real world? Do you think this kind of government already exists in the modern world, in nations such as North Korea, where their citizens are completely isolated from the real world?

Do you think it's possible to create a language (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newspeak) that eliminates the possibility of opposing such a government?

Will privacy ever be compromised to the point where your government knows what you're thinking (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoughtcrime) and will remove you from society (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Love) for having the wrong thoughts?

On an unrelated note: "General Discussions" is the Inner Party. P101 is the Proles. The other forums are the Outer Party.

[The Dark Lord]

No, I don't think that the whole world would ever move into a dictatorship, that we see in North Korea. I do think that one day people will be able to see what's going through your mind. The only way that countries turn to dictatorships is desperation and in the capitalist society in which we live, we will never be so desparate that we think a dictatorship is the best option, particularly seeing as we have experienced democracy

[Continuum]

Will privacy ever be compromised to the point where your government knows what you're thinking (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoughtcrime) and will remove you from society (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Love) for having the wrong thoughts?


Yes. It's already happening in north korea. Everywhere, there are spies, recorders and cameras that'll see, hear and report everything you say and do. I heard from a documentary once (I forgot the Channel, but I think it's from NatGeo) that even changing clothes out of public view will still be seen on cameras. Tourists (Yes, tourists. (http://www.korea-dpr.com/travel.htm)) were advised to cover their bodies even if they're changing in a private suite for that matter.

Of course, everyone who they think'll compromise the safety of the great North will be arrested and tortured extensively.

PS. I haz the KFA membership card. :P

[Perseus]

Do I think it'll happen on a global scale like Oceania, Eurasia, and etc.? No. Is it happening in North Korea, yes. I mean, I can't really think of anything else to say. :P

[huginnmuninn]

it would almost be impossible to do it on a global scale but yes as stated before it will apparently work in north korea

[Continuum]

Do I think it'll happen on a global scale like Oceania, Eurasia, and etc.? No. Is it happening in North Korea, yes. I mean, I can't really think of anything else to say. :P

We still don't have aztec-style nihilist belief here in Asia, so I conclude that we're still free. :P

[Sage]

I'd say we're becoming a lot more like Brave New World (http://www.recombinantrecords.net/images/2009-05-Amusing-Ourselves-to-Death.png) than 1984.

[Perseus]

I'd say we're becoming a lot more like Brave New World (http://www.recombinantrecords.net/images/2009-05-Amusing-Ourselves-to-Death.png) than 1984.

I don't think so. Brave New World is a brainwashed society whom has sex in their free time and hates Native Americans. Wait a second...

[Amnesiac]

What if it's a mix of both? While the citizens become more brainwashed and dull, the government becomes more and more powerful.

[Sith Lord 13]

I'd say we're becoming a lot more like Brave New World (http://www.recombinantrecords.net/images/2009-05-Amusing-Ourselves-to-Death.png) than 1984.

Gotta agree. People aren't so much being forces as they are bred to not want anything different, and there are still small enclaves of intelligence.

[huginnmuninn]

What if it's a mix of both? While the citizens become more brainwashed and dull, the government becomes more and more powerful.

does seem to be that way

[Continuum]

What if it's a mix of both? While the citizens become more brainwashed and dull, the government becomes more and more powerful.

America came in to my mind all so suddenly as I read this, and I don't know why. :P

[Continuum]

Oh nelly, another double post.

[Amnesiac]

America came in to my mind all so suddenly as I read this, and I don't know why. :P

Well, it should. As Americans become increasingly delusional (politically), the people they elect (conservatives) continue to infringe on their civil liberties and constitutional rights in the name of religion and "anti-terrorism".

[Continuum]

I don't really know, since I don't live in the USA. But, in my opinion, the US should really pursue a more liberal and tolerant government. I hear a lot of reports here regarding defamation from the US government (Like I think the ground zero mosque). And afterwards regard it as something that seems right. I feel shocked, as if I'm a true foreigner. You people have a really nice country :P

[Perseus]

Well, it should. As Americans become increasingly delusional (politically), the people they elect (conservatives) continue to infringe on their civil liberties and constitutional rights in the name of religion and "anti-terrorism".

Well, in Brave New World there is no religion. :P Except for what "the Savages" practice, which is like a mix of Native American beliefs and Christianity.

[Amnesiac]

I don't really know, since I don't live in the USA. But, in my opinion, the US should really pursue a more liberal and tolerant government. I hear a lot of reports here regarding defamation from the US government (Like I think the ground zero mosque). And afterwards regard it as something that seems right. I feel shocked, as if I'm a true foreigner. You people have a really nice country :P

The US should be more liberal, but it never gives Libertarianism a chance. I would say a majority of Americans are socially liberal and fiscally conservative, and the Libertarian Party is pretty much that. However, we keep voting for the socially and economically liberal Democrats, or the socially and economically conservative Republicans.

Well, in Brave New World there is no religion. :P Except for what "the Savages" practice, which is like a mix of Native American beliefs and Christianity.

Well, I haven't read the book, so I wouldn't know :P There's no religion in 1984 either.

However, it seems like the religious right keeps grabbing power in government.

[Perseus]

Well, I haven't read the book, so I wouldn't know :P There's no religion in 1984 either.

However, it seems like the religious right keeps grabbing power in government.

I suggest reading it then. :P Written in the late twenties. And, Aldous Huxely(author of Brave New World) taught George Orwell in some kind of class, I think. Or it might be the other way around. :P I forgot.