Why the Banned Book 1984 by George Orwell Seems Prophetic Now

In George Orwell's book '1984', we are transported to a totalitarian state that is uncannily like the very world we are living in. It's a politico-social novel that tells a lot about how power can be a dangerous thing when placed in the hands of a remorseless totalitarian government that punishes with impunity and rewards only those that cooperate.

It's so borderline non-fiction that many libraries have banned it a short time after it has been published. They say it's fear-mongering, but as many of us in the 21st century now know, it was somewhat prophetic.

To understand the book and its relevance in more recent years, we consider the idea of a ruling oligarchy who controls our thought process and even what we are allowed to think about. Those who think as they are taught to do so are rewarded, while some who are prone to dissent are the enemy. Everyone must cooperate or face consequences.

Cooperation would also mean acting as a snitch. Each citizen scouts for the greater power for any sign that the societal problem of dissent or rebellion is spreading and who could be the proponents for such spread. In turn, the greater power rewards loyalty and diligence in reporting the people or entities they're conducting surveillance on.

A singular facade is given to that one who holds the power, which is whee the 'big brother' concept comes in. Someone is always watching, all the time, anywhere. Soon enough, everyone feels that the problem is real and the proposed solution is the end-all. Then, the brainwashing goes deeper.

The efforts to curb any dissenting ideas becomes militant. Punitive actions are made to those who seem to be wavering from the general concensus that a rebellion problem exists, and it has to be dealt with. The rules change, and previous mandates are abolished.

Those who follow the new rules are regarded as noble, and those who go against the established system are ostracized or excommunicated. The ruling system has become a cult that serves the purpose of one entity. The line is drawn, and we are either with them or against them.

Scared yet? Probably not. These ideas on total power have become commonplace in the 21st century, but they might have been pretty scary when the book was published. Now, we all know of propaganda through social media, illicit surveillance via satellite, dirty politics, or misrepresentations of history. The powerplays of the past decades have become the trend now.

Would I ban this book in my library? No. I found that it incites lively discussions, especially among students. I think it's a keeper.

Your City Needs Its Writers: 3 Steps to Improve the Writing Culture in Your City

There is a La Union Books and Arts Exhibit right now at the SM City La Union, and this got me thinking. Every city has its share of storytellers. Some write novels. Some write long social media captions that probably should have been novels. I personally think a city with no active writers feels a bit empty, like a place that only knows traffic and billboards but has no imagination. A writing culture is not optional. It is the difference between a town that thinks and a town that merely exists. If you want to encourage a writing culture where you live, start by following these 3 steps: Step 1: Make writers visible. Invite local authors to your library, schools, community centers, and yes even your neighborhood book clubs. In fact, book clubs are one of the easiest groups to involve, because they already read, already discuss stories, and usually already have snacks. A sponsored book club event featuring a hometown author can do more for visibility than a month of posters. And honestly,...

How I Use My Starbucks Planner to Keep Myself Accountable

Let’s be honest: most of us buy those Starbucks planners because they’re pretty, not because we’re planning to become meticulous schedulers. At least, that was my initial intention—until I realized it could be the accountability tool I desperately needed. Now, my Starbucks planner is less about appointments and more about keeping track of my daily battles with self-discipline. Here’s how I use it to monitor three key areas of my life: resisting the urge to smoke, watching my calorie intake, and moving my body. 1. The Smoking Tracker This is the toughest section to fill out because it demands raw honesty. At the end of each day, I mark whether I resisted the urge to smoke—or if I gave in. There’s no judgment here (okay, maybe a little self-judgment), just a simple note: "Resisted" or "Gave In." I also jot down what triggered my cravings. Was it stress? Boredom? A sudden existential crisis while folding laundry? Writing it down helps me notice patterns, and when I...

Better Library Shelfing by Colocation: Grouping Similar Items

As librarians, we've all faced the challenge of making the most of our shelf space. It's like a puzzle, figuring out where each book belongs so that people can find what they need without a treasure map. This is where colocation – or putting similar things together – comes into play. It's a simple idea, but it can make a huge difference in how we manage our shelves and help our library users find their way around. Let's talk about how this approach can make our libraries more user-friendly and efficient. Why Colocation Matters Imagine you're looking for a cookbook. You go to the section where cookbooks are supposed to be, but instead of finding them all in one spot, they're scattered all over. Some are with the gardening books, others are near the science fiction. Frustrating, right? That's the problem colocation solves. By keeping similar items together – all the cookbooks in one place, all the science fiction in another – we make life easier for everyone....

Mastering the Art of Legible Handwriting: A Guide for Students and Adults

In the digital age, the art of handwriting often takes a backseat. However, the importance of writing legibly cannot be overstated, especially for students and adults in various professional fields. Whether it's jotting down notes, signing documents, or sending a handwritten letter, clear and legible handwriting ensures effective communication. This guide focuses on handwriting improvement, emphasizing cursive writing and various handwriting exercises that can help you write more legibly. Understanding the Importance of Handwriting Improvement Handwriting is not just about aesthetics; it's a fundamental tool for learning, especially for students. Research shows that writing information by hand enhances memory retention and comprehension. For adults, legible handwriting in the workplace is a sign of professionalism and attention to detail. Therefore, investing time in handwriting improvement is essential for personal and professional development. Embracing Cursive Writing for ...

Let us Teach Kids How to Become Lifelong Learners

Lifelong learning is a journey that shapes who we are and who we become. It’s not just about formal education; it’s about embracing curiosity, the desire to grow, and the drive to understand the world better. For children, this journey begins with reading. Teaching kids to read isn’t just about helping them understand words on a page—it’s about unlocking a lifetime of possibilities. The Foundation of Learning Reading is the key to all learning. When a child learns to read, they don’t just grasp language—they unlock the ability to explore any subject, from science to history to art. It’s a tool that helps them understand complex ideas, fuels their imagination, and gives them the confidence to tackle challenges. Reading is the doorway to knowledge, and by teaching kids to read, we give them the tools to explore the world with curiosity and independence. Reading Builds Confidence As kids become better readers, they gain confidence...

What is Special About a Coming-of-age Novel?

A coming-of-age novel has distinct traits that set it apart from other genres, primarily through its focus on personal growth and self-discovery. Here’s what makes it unique: 1. Focus on Character Development - Core Theme: The central theme of a coming-of-age novel is personal transformation. The protagonist, usually a young person, matures through experiences, gaining insight into themselves and the world. - Compared to Other Genres: While many genres focus on external conflicts (e.g., fantasy battles or mystery puzzles), the coming-of-age novel centers on internal conflicts—struggles with identity, morality, and self-understanding. 2. Transition from Youth to Adulthood - Rite of Passage:...

Understanding the Consequences of Forgoing Handwriting in Children's Education

The keyboard has nearly replaced the pen in how we communicate and learn. Don't you agree? This shift to digital has many perks, like speed and ease of use, but it's worth pausing to consider what we might lose as handwriting takes a backseat, especially for kids in their learning years. The move away from teaching kids to write by hand could have deeper effects than we might think, touching on everything from brain development to how well they learn and even their emotional well-being. First off, writing by hand isn't just about forming letters on a page; it's a complex brain exercise. When kids practice handwriting, they're not just learning to write; they're firing up parts of their brain that deal with thinking, memory, and language in a way that tapping on a keyboard just doesn't match. Studies have shown that writing something down by hand helps kids remember it better and understand it more deeply than if they type it out. This might be because the ac...

Weekly Facebook Reel Content Suggestions (#001): Themed Daily Reels

I've noticed individuals posting reels that feature repetitive activities, so I thought it would be helpful to offer some fresh ideas for those who are looking for inspiration. This is just the beginning, as I plan to share a series of suggestions specifically aimed at enhancing your Facebook reel content. Keep an eye out for more to come. Themes for Facebook Reels With Execution Tips Monday #MotivationMonday Share a personal story or tip that motivates your audience to start the week strong. Talk about how setting small goals can lead to big achievements. Show a clip of you completing a small task and celebrating it. | Tuesday #TravelTuesday Showcase a local spot or hidden gem. Doesn't have to be far, could even be a cool café or park. Visit a local mural and talk about the artist or the message behind it. | Wednesday #WellnessWednesday Share a wellness tip or routine that helps you stay balanced. Demonstrate a 5-minute meditation or b...

Short Story: Savior Stalker

Categories: ROMANCE, FRIENDSHIP, TEENS & YOUNG ADULT "You take care of yourself," said Nursy, my surrogate mother in the orphanage who never saw me as the eighteen-year-old girl I was now. For Nursy, I would always be the thirteen-year-old burn victim she took under her wing five years ago. She pressed a bulky brown envelope into my hand and folded my fingers over it. "This is your salary for all the years you worked as my assistant," Nursy's weeping openly now.

Check Out My New Creative Fabrica Store Banner

I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my brand-new banner on Creative Fabrica! If you’ve never heard of Creative Fabrica, it’s time to introduce you to this teeming and thriving community of artists, educators, entrepreneurs, and crafters. Whether you’re a creator looking for inspiration or someone who loves to support independent artists, Creative Fabrica is the place to be. What is Creative Fabrica? Creative Fabrica is an online marketplace where creators like me can share and sell digital designs, fonts, crafts, and more. But it's not just a store—it's a hub for collaboration, learning, and growing your creative skills. Imagine a place where you can find everything from SVG cut files to crochet patterns to teaching tools. The best part? The community is always buzzing with activity, full of creators sharing their work and buyers looking for unique designs to bring their projects to life. Why I Love Creative Fabrica One of the reasons I love being part of Creative Fabrica is...

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