Manipulation In 1984

1984 by George Orwell is about a young man named Winston and his efforts to rebel against and overthrow a totalitarian government. Though Winston’s attempts are ineffective, his journey provides insight on Orwell’s fears about the society in which he was living. Specifically, Orwell was concerned about government-controlled media and its ability to end individualism; his apprehension arose from the various powerful dictators present during his lifetime such as Joseph Stalin. Despite the fact that 1984 was published in the 1940s, government-controlled media remains a prevalent issue in today's society.
In the book, Orwell claims that media ran by a totalitarian government could limit individual thinking by feeding people one source of

information. In Oceania, the Records Department’s job is to “supply the citizens of Oceania with newspapers, films, textbooks, telescreen programs, plays, novels—with every conceivable kind of information, instruction, or entertainment” (Orwell 39).

Through this department, Big Brother dictates what information and material is obtained by their citizens. Since there is no alternative source for information, the ability to think freely and express different beliefs has been prohibited; Oceanians are forced to think in a specific manner that pleases Big Brother. Similarly, the Party further uses media manipulation during Oceania’s Hate Week. In Book II, 1984 reads, “Processions, meetings, military parades, lectures, waxwork displays, film shows, telescreen programs all had to be organized” (Orwell 122). Through various forms of media, the Party portrays their enemy in a negative way and the citizens of Oceania feel instinctive animosity towards them. The story of the “enemy” is not shown, therefore, Oceanians lack outside information and are incapable of forming thoughts and opinions that would be in opposition to Big Brother. The Party constructs a

single unit of people who all have a strong disliking for any country who is against Oceania at any time. By the end of the novel, the main character Winston has falls to the reign of the Party while he watches the telescreens display the victory of Oceania over Africa. The book then reads, “He had won the victory over himself. He loved Big Brother” (Orwell 245). As a result of media exploitation, Big Brother is able to strip Winston of his individuality. What set him apart from other citizens was his rebelliousness and anti-Party beliefs, yet at the conclusion of the novel, these characteristics cease to exist.
Orwell’s worry emerged because of the use of propaganda by Joseph Stalin during the 1930s and the 1940s.

Stalin, who became the leader of the Soviet Union in the mid 1920s, portrayed himself as the ideal leader. His image dominated the country and he became the center of literature, paintings, and music. He referred to himself as “Uncle Joe” to give himself a friendlier appeal (Houchin). Russian citizens were not provided with material that depicted Stalin in a negative aspect. Thus, the people were forbidden from speaking and thinking critically of Stalin. Furthermore, under Stalin’s control, the people of Russia had to read, see, and listen to what the state allowed. Those who attempted to acquire unapproved material were severely punished (Truman). Consequently, there was an absence of free thought and expression in Russia. The inaccessibility of alternate sources of information hindered the citizens’ ability to illustrate differing beliefs or opinions of

Stalin.
Presently, many governments continue to control the media and its portrayal of leaders and their countries. Notably, the Russian media portrays events depending upon the point of view of Russian president Vladimir Putin. Putin ”has unlimited access to the media and they explain everything that’s going on according to his official statement” (Gordts). Putin determines how he wants Russia to be viewed in events surrounding the country. This affects the opinion of the general public. The Russian people see what Putin wants them to see on the news, so they do not begin to sprout anti-government ideas. Likewise, the Polish treasury minister has the right to hire and fire broadcasting chiefs (“Polish Media Laws”). They are no longer hired through contests organised by the National Broadcasting Council (“Polish President signs”). Most likely, the Polish treasury minister will choose people who are in favor of the actions of the government. In return, many Poland citizens will view their government in a positive manner and will cease to think critically of it. Also, the Malaysian government has issued warnings against websites who spoke out against the prime minister (“Malaysia’s social media”). Malaysian citizens are not able to view or openly express information that is anti-government without government interference.
Ultimately, Orwell is stating that when the government controls all aspects of the media, it impedes individual expression. Citizens are forced to think a way that is reassuring to the government. Orwell had a right to be fearful and paranoid because government-controlled media has been a universal problem since Stalin and currently with countries like Russia, Poland, and Malaysia.