According to Neil Postman, Aldous Huxley's Brave New World is more relevant today than George Orwell's 1984 and I agree, especially on the topics of technology, class system, and sex. Although both worlds seem unrealistic, their underlying social issues are apparent now more than ever.
"As he saw it, people will come to love their oppression, to adore the technologies that undo their capacities to think" (Postman). It is true that nowadays technology is fully embraced by our society, even though a few still fear its capabilities. The citizens in 1984 used technology to its fullest but did so with little interest. However, those in Huxley's London used it for more than the purpose of completing work and monitoring. They enjoyed technology, even as it changed the way they used their brains. Nowadays we are so accustomed to using computers and cellphones that we almost forget how to think. Those in 1984 used technology only when needed and the rest of the time preferred to focus on current issues affecting their society. Like the citizens of Brave New World, we use technology more for pleasure than business.
"... of a pre-ordained caste system ranging from a highly intelligent managerial class to a subgroup of dim-witted serfs programmed to love their menial work..." (Atwood). Although it may seem taboo, we have a distinct, Brave New World-like class system. Those who are bred to succeed usually end up with high-paying, respectable jobs and the rest fall underneath. Although we do give the "lower classes" chances to rise above their current status, the truth is that there will always be a system which includes Alphas and Epsilons. Orwell's novel focuses on two types of people: the proles and the workers (I can't remember the actual name used to describe them). Workers provide for their government and are given equal opportunities. Proles, on the other hand, live outside of this system and pretty much fend for their own kind. Our society, although divided, does not use such bold distinctions as these.
"Lenina doesn't see why she shouldn't have sex with anyone she likes whenever the occasion offers, as to do so is merely polite behaviour and not to do is selfish" (Atwood). 1984 did not focus on sex as much as Brave New World, however it was mentioned that Winston and Julia formed a serious and secretive relationship, both very aware of the trouble they would be in if the government found out. On the other end of the spectrum is Huxley's London, accepting the idea of open sexual relationships. Our society falls somewhere in between, more so towards the latter. While we do not enforce promiscuity, the government is far from invading the lives of the public to monitor their every move.
Both Orwell and Huxley created strange worlds that at first glance would be considered impossible. However, the social issues facing Winston and Bernard are the same ones we face today.
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3 comments:
I find myself drawn to your post because it is so neatly organized. I know how hard it can be to organize your thoughts sometimes, and I think you've done a lovely job breaking down the reasons why you agree with Postman in a clear and concise manner, with a quote at the beginning of each body paragraph.
In response to your statement that we are similar to 1984's society because "we are so accustomed to using computers and cellphones that we almost forget how to think," I couldn't agree more. Much as I love my calculator, I am acutely aware of the fact that I cannot do mental math, and for that I can probably blame the overuse of the calculator. Sometimes with inventions designed to make life easier actually end up harming us.
Thanks so much for commenting! I try really hard to keep my papers organized. It seems that if you're reading something that's all over the place you tend to lose interest.
I think you have some really good ideas especially about the class structure in Huxley's book and our society. However I also think that Orwell's version with the workers and the proles could also apply. You mention that proles are just left to fend for themselves which can also be seen in America especially in the inner cities. And even though the workers are not treated well they are still a step above the proles. Good job!
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