In a refreshing change of pace, we are now tasked with reading an essay based on the use of language in the novel 1984.
Certainly a step away from the usual programming lecture, we now dust off that old tin foil hat and ask ourselves: how did the totalitarian government of 1984 use the media to their favor and what can we learn from that, to be wary in the real world?
Berkes delivers an interesting take on the matter. Initially, you would think he is only making a recap of the (ugh I hate these upcoming words) >modus operandi< of a government whose goal is to eradicate the past, control the minds of the population and change their way of thinking. In reality, Berkes, either willingly or not, points out key tactics that have been used by politicians in this day and age.
At the core of 1984 is a powerful political message, strongly inspired both by the time period when it was written as well as Orwell's own thoughts. It has been debated whether or not 1984 is anti-socialist, given the similarities between the authorities in the book and in 20th century USSR. On the other hand, it is well known that Orwell himself was a democratic socialist. Beyond finding 1984's spot on the political spectrum, an important message is delivered. Do not trust the media. In the same vein as the Newspeak compacted language to deliver vague, bland messages of possibly critical events, the media has been caught employing frighteningly similar tactics.
We are now entering an era where targeted messages via social media can more effectively tamper with the minds of easily-influenced citizens. We would once mock our own information falling into the hands of others, 'who cares if the government sees what I'm doing? They're only going to see me liking pictures of cats on facebook.' Now, there are algorithms that, with that same information, can create a digital profile of yourself, full of predictions on what you like, what you dislike, all perfectly curated to manipulate you in the most discrete manner. In 1984, telescreens delivered the same message, the same propagada, over and over again, eventually permeating the minds of the everyday people. Now, a couple of strategically placed Facebook ads can make you think whatever those with power want you to believe.
I could go on, talking about the recent news regarding political ads on Facebook and all that, but I'll pass. I have homework to do. Stay woke, sheeple.
Certainly a step away from the usual programming lecture, we now dust off that old tin foil hat and ask ourselves: how did the totalitarian government of 1984 use the media to their favor and what can we learn from that, to be wary in the real world?
Berkes delivers an interesting take on the matter. Initially, you would think he is only making a recap of the (ugh I hate these upcoming words) >modus operandi< of a government whose goal is to eradicate the past, control the minds of the population and change their way of thinking. In reality, Berkes, either willingly or not, points out key tactics that have been used by politicians in this day and age.
At the core of 1984 is a powerful political message, strongly inspired both by the time period when it was written as well as Orwell's own thoughts. It has been debated whether or not 1984 is anti-socialist, given the similarities between the authorities in the book and in 20th century USSR. On the other hand, it is well known that Orwell himself was a democratic socialist. Beyond finding 1984's spot on the political spectrum, an important message is delivered. Do not trust the media. In the same vein as the Newspeak compacted language to deliver vague, bland messages of possibly critical events, the media has been caught employing frighteningly similar tactics.
We are now entering an era where targeted messages via social media can more effectively tamper with the minds of easily-influenced citizens. We would once mock our own information falling into the hands of others, 'who cares if the government sees what I'm doing? They're only going to see me liking pictures of cats on facebook.' Now, there are algorithms that, with that same information, can create a digital profile of yourself, full of predictions on what you like, what you dislike, all perfectly curated to manipulate you in the most discrete manner. In 1984, telescreens delivered the same message, the same propagada, over and over again, eventually permeating the minds of the everyday people. Now, a couple of strategically placed Facebook ads can make you think whatever those with power want you to believe.
I could go on, talking about the recent news regarding political ads on Facebook and all that, but I'll pass. I have homework to do. Stay woke, sheeple.
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