Headlong Into a Cliche

1984...

Many of us have been made to read it as a part of our academic careers.

I read it to see what the big deal was a few years ago and it was most enlightening.

Anytime one side of the political spectrum does not agree with the other, they cite this seminal work by George Orwell-too bad they often misuse it.

1984 is a harrowing story of absolute government control, so much so that even the very thoughts that people have are monitored by the oppressive government. Thankfully we have not gotten that far, but we are in danger.

Big Brother is the figurehead of the INGSOC government (mind you INGSOC stands for ENGLISH SOCIALISM). There isn't really a person who is Big Brother, he is the government, the government is him. The image embodies the idea that there is an omnipresent figure always watching you...and is ready to crush the living hell out of you should you step out of line. One of the more poignant parts of the book was that the INGSOC government encouraged children to monitor their parents...well all people were encouraged to monitor each other-don't we see a little bit of that now?

Another interesting section was that before each working day, workers would assemble for the "Two Minutes Hate" where they would chant and berate the image of the enemy of the state and praise the ever watching Big Brother. Interesting, now aren't opponents of Obama declared as racists? Extremists? Terrorists? See the parallel?

I do not advocate no government, Anarchy leads to feudalism, feudalism inevitably leads to democracy or communism, so no government is rather pointless. For all the Anarchists out there I pose this question: "If there is no structure in society, who protects the weak from the oppressor? What happens when the weak seek out the strong? What happens when the weak become tired of being serfs unto the strong?"

I do advocate education-keep yourselves appraised of governmental happenings. I do urge you to question politicians, after all you are their boss. I do urge you to question everything-after all nothing in this world is free. Since music can phrase things much better than my humble self, I leave you with this quote from the band Motorhead-yes they are heavy metal, but what they say here is very true and very informative:

"I twist the truth, I rule the world my crown is called deceit. I am the emperor of lies, you grovel at my feet. I rob you and I slaughter you, your downfall is my gain, and still you play the sycophant and revel in your pain. And all my promises are lies, all my love is hate, I am the politician and I decide your fate."

All my promises are lies, all my love is hate-I cannot think of a better description for Chairman Barack Obama.