For many, totalitarianism is a mere idea; an extinct myth associated with horror movies or a history class syllabus. It is not widely understood just how real the threat of totalitarian rule is in our world. Furthermore, what does a true totalitarian society really mean? While the word has the capability to set a certain fear coursing through one’s body, the true definition is often taboo and muddled in stories and rumors, if not dismissed altogether. In the book 1984 by George Orwell, the fictional world of Oceania provides a perfect example of what it would be like to live under totalitarian rule. In order not to repeat history’s mistakes and to avoid such a thing as a totalitarian ruled nation, it is important that we, as the people of the
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In fact, to an extent, there may be even more than one; but the most prominent? North Korea. In the country of North Korea, citizens are brainwashed. Led by the most recent in a long line of family leaders (or rather, supreme leaders), Kim Jong-un. His portraits, along with the portraits of his late father and grandfather (also former supreme leaders), are everywhere: in city squares, over benches, in schools, in businesses, grocery stores, and even personal bedrooms. This country’s citizens worship these leaders, although many of the citizens themselves live in brainwashed famine and misery. This is a world parallel to the one in George Orwell’s 1984, where citizens in the fictional world of Oceania are ruled under the totalitarian, all knowing government called “the Party”. The strictly-ruled world of Oceania may be a fictional one inside the story of a book, but the terrifying subject matter is a reality for so many people in our world …show more content…
Is this a feasible way to run a country? Can a totalitarian society last?” The answer is yes and no. In a totalitarian society, as demonstrated in 1984, all citizens of the country are under nearly full control of the government. They are brainwashed, with no opinion or ability of free thought. However, sometimes ignorance is bliss; meaning that brainwashed citizens, living in fear and ignorance of their suffocating society, will never rise up. On the opposite spectrum, however; one could also say that a society based on misery, ignorance, and fear can never live. The malnourished, unhappy people living in under totalitarian rule are effectively withering away. Regardless, I suppose this question is one that is largely based on subjective
In fact, to an extent, there may be even more than one; but the most prominent? North Korea. In the country of North Korea, citizens are brainwashed. Led by the most recent in a long line of family leaders (or rather, supreme leaders), Kim Jong-un. His portraits, along with the portraits of his late father and grandfather (also former supreme leaders), are everywhere: in city squares, over benches, in schools, in businesses, grocery stores, and even personal bedrooms. This country’s citizens worship these leaders, although many of the citizens themselves live in brainwashed famine and misery. This is a world parallel to the one in George Orwell’s 1984, where citizens in the fictional world of Oceania are ruled under the totalitarian, all knowing government called “the Party”. The strictly-ruled world of Oceania may be a fictional one inside the story of a book, but the terrifying subject matter is a reality for so many people in our world …show more content…
Is this a feasible way to run a country? Can a totalitarian society last?” The answer is yes and no. In a totalitarian society, as demonstrated in 1984, all citizens of the country are under nearly full control of the government. They are brainwashed, with no opinion or ability of free thought. However, sometimes ignorance is bliss; meaning that brainwashed citizens, living in fear and ignorance of their suffocating society, will never rise up. On the opposite spectrum, however; one could also say that a society based on misery, ignorance, and fear can never live. The malnourished, unhappy people living in under totalitarian rule are effectively withering away. Regardless, I suppose this question is one that is largely based on subjective