Brave New World Critical Analysis

Time Can Only Tell

Aldous Huxley examined his world and watched as society fell victim to its own weaknesses and pushed itself closer to Hell. In Brave New World Aldous Huxley discussed numerous societal concerns. Although improved, conditioning from society, idolization of public figures, and the roles of women in society still remain controversies. Huxley observed that advertisements and social norms affected people's actions. Advertisements conditioned men to desire mustaches; therefore, they could be distinct from masculine acting women (Bushak). Additionally, women were also experiencing major social influences as “consumer culture began to shape the female body image through cosmetics, fashion, Hollywood, and advertisements” (Dissatisfaction).

There are only a paltry number of female CEOs leading major corporations. “Women currently hold 22 (4.4%) of CEO positions at those S&P 500 companies” (CEOs). While positive change has occurred, a glass ceiling still exists. Moreover, women are still treated as sex objects. “Other research has found that merely focusing on a woman's appearance (fully dressed) is enough for people (men and women) to dehumanize a woman” (Heflick). The study spotlights that women are still seen as sex objects. Even though today’s women have achieved additional rights and better jobs, they are still

Idolization causes many health problems. “Anxiety, depression, high stress levels, poor body image, isolation, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors: All of these have been linked to celebrity worship syndrome because the patient's energy is focused entirely on someone who may not even know who they are” (Lawrence). Glorification of celebrities is an unhealthy problem. Idolization of celebrities also affects people's’ actions. “Teens see these people partying, drinking alcohol or doing drugs, and they think they should too” (Celebrities). This idolization could cause substance abuse. Huxley saw idolization as a problem. Aldous Huxley discussed many dilemmas that he believed would affect society. Though controversy over the role of women in society has lessened; conditioning from society and idolization of celebrities continue to be severe issues. Society needs to resolve these problems, but only time will tell if they will