In 1984, George Orwell uses art to shape long-term cultural consciousness and create a warning for future generations. He uses dystopian storytelling to not merely critique the contemporary political climate, but to warn future generations and shape cultural understanding of oppression, truth, and surveillance.
Makoto Fujimura addresses this type of art in Culture Care, "artists can think generationally, providing for a stronger foundation for deeper reflections in culture". By thinking beyond their moment in history, artists can pave the way for future societies and help them listen to history's warnings.
Orwell goes beyond his current culture to caution future societies about totalitarianism, surveillance, and language manipulation. He added concepts to global culture, such as Newspeak and doublethink, to shape how future generations discuss power and authoritarianism. Orwell gave future generations a vocabulary for oppression that would be used by creators to keep exploring political climates.
Similar themes of surveillance, authoritarianism, propaganda, and loss of individuality appear throughout the media that followed 1984. Works such as Fahrenheit 451, The Handmaid's Tale, and V for Vendetta present societies under extreme control, visions that once seemed like dramatic hypotheticals. Yet, as we examine modern political climates and technological developments, these once impossible warnings begin to become very apparent and realistic. Audiences are reminded that Orwell's concerns extend far beyond fiction.
Having read 1984, I really loved that you brought a discussion on Orwell into this space. I often think about how Orwell's work seems increasingly relevant to our modern society and the government oversight issues we face. I think science fiction and dystopian narratives, as you mention, can often convey an interesting underlying message to the viewer that may seem far-fetched due to the fictional themes. However, Creatives like Orwell do a good job of manufacturing this uniquely unrealistic plot while incorporating all too realistic warnings to society.
ReplyDeleteI like the quote that you tied in from "Culture Care", I think it is very important for art to shape and contribute to the next generation. Orwell did a very good job of doing that. I also liked how you tied in other written works that warn future generations, like The Handmaid's Tale and Fahrenheit 451.
ReplyDeleteUntil reading this I never fully realized how ingrained Orwell's vocabulary is in present day language. These words have become so well used that they sound like any other, but it's good to remember that Orwell wrote these in a cautionary tale, and maybe it's not the best sign they are so relevant.
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