Nineteen Eighty-Four (or 1984) is an English novel by George Orwell, published in 1949.
The Dictionary refers to the Orwellian Theory as follows:
- The adjective Orwellian refers to these behaviors of State and Party, especially when the Party is the State:
- The political manipulation of language, by obfuscation, e.g. WAR IS PEACE. Using language to reduce and eliminate ideas and their meanings that are deemed dangerous to its authority.
- Invasion of personal privacy, either directly physically or indirectly by surveillance.
- State control of its citizens’ daily life, as in a “Big Brother” society.
- Official encouragement of policies contributing to the socio-economic disintegration of the family.
- The substitution of traditional religion with the adoration of the State and its Leaders and their Party.
- The encouragement of “doublethink,” whereby the population must learn to embrace inconsistent concepts without dissent, e.g. giving up liberty for freedom.
- The revision of history in the favour of the State’s interpretation of it.
- A dystopian future.
Some gems found in the book of 1984
“Big Brother is watching you” refers to invasive surveillance.
Thoughtcrime does not entail death. Thoughtcrime IS death.
“War is Peace; Freedom is Slavery; Ignorance is Strength.”
Please get a copy and read it.
What we are under going in this country may not be that extreme, but, we can pick out certain anomalies that exist now. Englishman George Orwell penned this novel Nineteen Eight-Four (1984) and was published in 1949.
Why I am bringing this out now? Malaya obtained its independence in 1957. I am thinking about the national leaders at the time of independence, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tan Cheng Lock and V.T.Sambanthan. As the National Front they wanted the people to be united for the future of a glorious country. What has happened over the last 50 years. Will these people turn in their graves if they realise now, how conditions have deteriorated during half a century. Would Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tan Cheng Lock and Sambanthan agree to the Independence or prefer the continuation of the British rule? Unfortunately they did not have the crystal ball to predict the future.
I have heard that Hindraf is very parochial and should be Indraf to cater for all Indians. True may be, but somebody has to bell the cat and Hindraf took the lead. An appeal to the British is ludicrous, they say, and the question of self-interest raises its ugly head.
Demolition of places of worship is not a light thing. The Indians say don’t stay in a place where there is no place of worship. This matter of destruction personifies all religions unless of course it is a mosque. How many old mosques are legal? I cannot say. So friends it can and will happen irrespective of your religious beliefs. Hindraf has started the ball rolling and the rest of us can breathe a sigh of relief the little Napoleons will think twice before intimating any place of worship.
Think again.
