Published back in 1949, George Orwell’s novel, 1984, is still relevant in today’s time and age across many countries around the world.
The plot is set in a dystopian England ruled by a totalitarian government called the ‘Party, which believes that controlling the past controls the future. The protagonist, Winston Smith, works at the ‘Ministry of Truth’, where he unhappily alters history as directed by the ‘Party’s’ benefit. During his miserable journey, he meets Julia and falls in love with her, and together they begin a journey of love and rebellion.
1984, overall, is an epitome of mass censorship and surveillance, exploring the consequential themes of betrayal, manipulation, and suppression. It wretchedly portrays the dangers of totalitarianism which, by its nature, destroys individuality — all that is prevalent in the present world, including Pakistan.
‘Big Brother’ is watching you; “even the eyes of the coin pursued you”
Totalitarian dystopia shows the horror vision of the society led by the ‘Big Brother’ — the ultimate power controlling the state whereas the ‘Party’ watches everyone through the telescreens.
Similarly, in Pakistan today, pertaining to the current election scenario, among the major concerns is the control through surveillance as well as violation of privacy.
The mainstream media can also be considered an extension of the controlling hand — Pakistan’s “Big Brother” that plays a major role in influencing the public’s beliefs through their vested interests.
Biased narratives and one-sided reporting are ways to suppress constructive debate and influence people’s ability to think and decide for themselves who to vote for as they see fit.
Likewise, the public is further restricted with persistent blockades of numerous websites and applications due to censorship.
Freedom is Slavery:
Expressions like ‘War is Peace,’ ‘Freedom is Slavery,’ and ‘Ignorance is Strength’ exemplify the concept of doublethink introduced in the book by Orwell.
Given that this book was far ahead of its time, I think it’s extremely ironic.
As a Pakistani, I believe these expressions are precisely applicable to the current political scenario. The authoritarian press theory clearly states that authoritarian regimes control and dominate their populations by controlling and formatting the message. They believe that by controlling the message, they can also ensure political legitimacy.
During the current campaign, controlled political freedom, arrests and abductions of opposition, and sudden judicial decisions are being recorded.
Elections Integrity:
At this point, the election’s integrity is a major concern. It relates to claims of election abuse, oppression of voters, likely speech boundaries, and manipulation of outcomes. The public is expected to “fear and obey” — obedience as a means of developing fear — in order to avoid having to deal with the consequences.
As Orwell writes, and I conclude,
“Thoughtcrime does not entail death: thoughtcrime IS death.
…
Thoughtcrime does not entail death: thoughtcrime IS death.“
