George Orwell 1984
George Orwell - 1984In 1948 Eric Blair, better known as George Orwell, wrote a book with chilling insights into the future, 1984. This book did
quite a number on the literate world. People who have read this book have had mixed reactions, from fear to hatred of our
governmental system. However, 1984 came and went, and no signs of the tales told in the book were realized by the mass-
population. There is no Ingsoc, there are no helicopters looking into windows. Most people have written this book off as a
good science fiction work. However, this book should NOT be written off, for it has been realized, and is far worse and more
subtle than Orwell could ever have imagined.
Modern technology is great, however in the wrong hands it can be a dangerous weapon of mass destruction, and worse yet,
mass control. In 1984 Orwell showed a world in which the people are under the control of the government through surveillance.
Thought Police watch the people through telescreens, microphones and helicopters. Many people do not believe this will come
true because they do not see it happening. However, if you look at the current state of technology you will easily see that it is
being used, and that it is easier than ever. Many private companies are using these systems to watch both their property and
their employees. Surveillance devices have become so small that it is now possible to make a camera and a microphone fit into
a very small hole in the wall. Some companies are selling cameras disguised as smoke detectors. Police admittedly use small
microphones as 'wires' to get confessions in undercover operations. It is entirely conceivable that the government could be
watching us now. Perhaps, though only on a small scale.
The "Internet" is the newest buzz word running around, and with it comes new controversies over online surveillance. The
people watching probably would not go directly into your account, that would be as illegal as entering your private room without
a warrant. However, they could easily watch the packets of information running through their systems and rebuild the your
private E-mail, or newsgroup transactions. This must be put to a stop. The telephone company is not allowed to listen in on your
conversations just because the information travels through their systems. The United States Postal Service is not allowed to
open your mail and read the contents because they deliver it. So what is the difference when you are using an Internet Service
Provider, be it a direct monthly pay system or a school? This sort of destruction of privacy MUST be put to an end and quickly
before we are all watched by Big Brother.
In order to change the future and the present you do not need to own a time machine. You simply have to control the past. In
1984 the government, or "The Party," controlled the past. They were able to destroy all proof...
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