Media Control and 1984 in North Korea

 Even though the end of book two has sinister overtones, I couldn't help but laugh at the speaker who had to change his speech after updated information about Oceania and Eastasia. Because of Winston's position in the Records Department, we get a unique look into state-sponsored media control. 

While the very idea of mind control is somewhat comical, it's feasible. As I've progressed through the book, I started to draw more and more similarities to hermit countries like North Korea that have essentially brainwashed their constituents into hating the west and idolizing their leader as a god. It's eery to see journalists' accounts of their visits. Everything from misspoken words to not applauding long enough could lead to imprisonment. While the people of North Korea are most likely in a constant state of oppression, I don't think they completely realize it. In my previous post, I discussed the requirements for rebellion and why there hasn't really been one yet in 1984. After hearing stories of the culture shock faced by North Korean escapees, I realized that there are way too many similarities between the two. Kinda spooky.

Comments

  1. Brooks HuFebruary 25, 2021 at 7:59 AM

    There are definitely some people that do realize it (the escapees), but it is definitely like 1984 where the majority don't, and people that do are scared of speaking up.

    ReplyDelete
  2. L. MoffittFebruary 25, 2021 at 8:03 AM

    This is a very apt comparison, and perhaps one of the reasons this book continues to be popular today. There are still 1984-like worlds out there, and North Korea is definitely one of them, as you describe.

    ReplyDelete

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