1984 George Orwell Analysis

George Orwell’s 1984 created the term “Orwellian,” and this term continues to play a significant role in today’s society. “Orwellian” is a term often used to refer to a society or an aspect of society that exhibits some characteristic of 1984’s Oceania. When Orwell wrote this novel, he was predicting what the technology would be in the future. A recent New York Post article proves that technology has surpassed Orwell’s expectations. The article specifically explains mysterious actions taken by the FBI. Some FBI planes have the ability to capture video and cellphone activity. This situation is similar to George Orwell’s 1984, as they both invade people’s privacy by capturing video and listening to conversations. The technology of the 21st century is closely linked to the technology used by Big Brother in 1984.

The New York Post’s, “FBI behind mysterious surveillance aircraft over US

cities,” is an excellent parallel to George Orwell’s 1984. A huge privacy invasion in Orwell’s novel was the hidden camera, and the ability to listen to people’s conversations. Similarly, the article describes that FBI low-flying planes have the ability to do the same. The article notes that in a course of 30 days, the agency flew planes over 30 cities. Some planes can identify people through their cellphones, even if the device is not in use. Surprisingly, these planes do not require warrants to capture video and cellphone surveillance.
The technology in Orwell’s 1984 and FBI planes in the 21st century prove that new advancements can be a danger. In both situations, privacy is invaded. The most prevalent similarity would be the use of surveillance cameras. In 1984, the telescreen reinforced that, “Big Brother is Watching You” (Orwell 2). A telescreen is a modern day television with a surveillance camera attached, and anything you said or did around the telescreen could be recorded, “The telescreen received and transmitted simultaneously…any sound that Winston made, above the level of a very low whisper, would be picked up by it; moreover so long as he remained within the field of vision which the metal plaque commanded, he could be seen as well as heard” (Orwell 3). The telescreen could detect any sound, so it was always on the top of Winston’s mind. The use of cameras in both situations prove to be dangerous, as it was implemented against citizens’ will.
Other minor parallels are evident between 1984 and the New York Post’s article.

The ‘Thought Police’ reinforces the idea that the government could listen and read people’s messages, but in 1984, the government could read people’s minds. The ‘Thought-Police’ could press charges against someone, if they were found guilty of thinking something that was not approved by the government. This is similar to the FBI situation because they can have access into our phones. Our phones hold our thoughts in messages, notes, and emails. Another aspect in both scenarios is the microphone. The microphone is what ultimately put Winston and Julia in prison, “It was behind the picture” (Orwell 221). While Winston and Julia believed they were alone in the apartment, the microphone captured every moment during their affair. The use of the microphone in this situation definitely intrudes their privacy. Likewise, the FBI low-flying planes are able to capture sound. This is a concerning aspect, as they do not have warrants to do this. It is a danger to all, since they may not know they are being

recorded.
In conclusion, it is evident the technologies in 1984 have transformed into new technologies, that pose as even bigger dangers.
Works Cited
Press, Associated. "FBI behind Mysterious Surveillance Aircraft over US Cities." New York Post. N.p., 2 June 2015. Web. 10 Sept. 2015.