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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. 


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