The Orwellian Paradigm

Click here to access article by Faisal Moghul from AntiWar.

Almost thirty years ago, cultural critic Neil Postman argued in Amusing Ourselves to Death that television’s gradual replacement of the printing press has created a dumbed-down culture driven by mindless entertainment. In this context, Postman claimed that Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World correctly foresaw our dystopian future, as opposed to George Orwell’s 1984.

Contrary to Postman’s critique, however, the principles of Newspeak and doublethink dominate modern political discourse. Their widespread use is a testament to Orwell’s profound insight into how language can be manipulated to restrict human thought.

As I see it, both were right: the ruling One Percent serve us in the 99 Percent a dumbed-down culture, and they brainwash us with ideas that promote mindless consumption and obedience to authority.