The Power Of Power In 1984 By George Orwell
Throughout history, there has been one question that every citizen has considered: Who has predominant power in our society today? Many argue “the short answer, from 1776 to the present, is: Those who have the money -- or more specifically, who own income-producing land and businesses -- have the power” (Domhoff).
If this is true, the real question here is: how exactly do these wealthy individuals use their social standings to support capitalism and hold their statuses in society both in the past and in modern times today.
The government does indeed impose its influence over our society in a positive way, as seen through it attempting to preserve citizens rights through the use of systems of governing to keep powers in check. The contrary …show more content…
Through the use of telescreens that broadcast government propaganda, news, and approved entertainment, both the Party and Big Brother are able to oppress the citizens of Oceania to follow under his leadership and his ideas. As seen in 1984, “You had to live--did live, from habit that became instinct--in the assumption that every sound you made was overheard, and, except in darkness, every movement scrutinized” (7). This proves to show how Big Brother’s ability to invade the private life of Oceanians, which not only portray the Party’s systematic oppression of the population, but also further builds onto the fear that the Party imposes upon its citizens.
The similarity between the Party and society today is simple: It can be observed that Winston’s society was the best representative of a totalitarianism. A totalitarian government aims to control every aspect of life, including how people spend every minute of their time, who they associate with, and how they act in society, and to an extent, even control what people think and what they …show more content…
Although the government doesn’t oppress the people to this extent, in modern times, the government still exercises its power through the three branches of government, the legislative, executive, and judicial. Each branch has its own powers and responsibilities in order to ensure that the government is effective and citizens’ rights are preserved.
Regardless of the fact that others may argue that considering the government’s perspective, it may seem that their actions may come off as tyrannical. Nonetheless, it is safe to say that in a way, the higher authorities are trying their best to support the natural rights of citizens in the world. Specifically, in America, there are welfare programs designed to reduce poverty rates in America, such as, “Food stamps. Unemployment benefits. Social Security, Earned income tax credits” (Kasperkevic). These benefits serve as a way that allows the American citizen to achieve success and live out the American
If this is true, the real question here is: how exactly do these wealthy individuals use their social standings to support capitalism and hold their statuses in society both in the past and in modern times today.
The government does indeed impose its influence over our society in a positive way, as seen through it attempting to preserve citizens rights through the use of systems of governing to keep powers in check. The contrary …show more content…
Through the use of telescreens that broadcast government propaganda, news, and approved entertainment, both the Party and Big Brother are able to oppress the citizens of Oceania to follow under his leadership and his ideas. As seen in 1984, “You had to live--did live, from habit that became instinct--in the assumption that every sound you made was overheard, and, except in darkness, every movement scrutinized” (7). This proves to show how Big Brother’s ability to invade the private life of Oceanians, which not only portray the Party’s systematic oppression of the population, but also further builds onto the fear that the Party imposes upon its citizens.
The similarity between the Party and society today is simple: It can be observed that Winston’s society was the best representative of a totalitarianism. A totalitarian government aims to control every aspect of life, including how people spend every minute of their time, who they associate with, and how they act in society, and to an extent, even control what people think and what they …show more content…
Although the government doesn’t oppress the people to this extent, in modern times, the government still exercises its power through the three branches of government, the legislative, executive, and judicial. Each branch has its own powers and responsibilities in order to ensure that the government is effective and citizens’ rights are preserved.
Regardless of the fact that others may argue that considering the government’s perspective, it may seem that their actions may come off as tyrannical. Nonetheless, it is safe to say that in a way, the higher authorities are trying their best to support the natural rights of citizens in the world. Specifically, in America, there are welfare programs designed to reduce poverty rates in America, such as, “Food stamps. Unemployment benefits. Social Security, Earned income tax credits” (Kasperkevic). These benefits serve as a way that allows the American citizen to achieve success and live out the American