The Importance Of Privacy In Today's Society

1492 Words3 Pages

Privacy is a human right that must always be maintained. However, with continuously advancing technology, surveillance is only becoming easier. In current society, many are unaware of the power the government has over accessing information. Many also do not think that this is an important issue in today’s world. The well-known novel, 1984, by George Orwell reflects heavily on this issue. It illustrates a world where there is a complete totalitarian government. Similarly, The Truman Show starring Jim Carrey, is about the character Truman Burbank who unknowingly has a television show revolve around his entire life. These two stories demonstrate the extremes surveillance can lead to if not addressed properly. With the revolutionary increase of technology in today’s society, it is undeniable that government surveillance has a ubiquitous presence. These two stories contain haunting messages where they warn of the outcomes that are associated with the abuse of power. There are a …show more content…

“The choice for mankind lies between freedom and happiness and for the great bulk of mankind, happiness is better.” (Orwell, 56). While this can be true to an extent, ignorance only causes others to act irrationally. Once others decide to be ignorant, power is given to those that are not. The people of Oceania live by the saying: "War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength" (Orwell, 6). The government has instilled total control with their thoughts and actions which allows them to have effortless rule. In the end of the novel, Winston has been completely changed as a person, losing the qualities which is what makes him human. Truman also first came off as ignorant but not by choice. It is shown that he is easily manipulated by the environment around him where the director’s decisions are executed. An important dialogue touches upon the nature of his

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