How far away is the world from 1984?

[SmoothGlover]

How much of the fear surrounding a 'Big Brother' state is actually created by stuff like 1984 (dont get me wrong, its an awesome book).

I'm just thinking, had that book never been written then would we all be so paranoid about the level to which we are monitored. Which admittedly, in some cases is a bit extreme. But ultimately, there is a reason for it. (even it is misguided)

 

[WheresMyCow]

Since September 11, 2001


A avg person is filmed 15 times a day. I think the idea of 1984 is here today.

Could you please state your sources? Sorry to be irritating, but that seems like a lot and I'm not just going to take your word on it.

 

[Rosszul]

I'm reading 1984 right now and it is very exaggerated. In the book they are constantly monitored. At least we get privacy in our own homes............. at least I think so

 

[MikeTheElf]

1984 already? Time to stock up on real butter/chocolate to sell at a ridiculous mark up in about a year.

Don't forget: we're going through a shortage of razor blades, stockpile them or you can't shave. O yeah, and we need real coffee and gin, none of that "Victory" crap.

For those wondering about the "average person is filmed 15 times per day", it obviously depends on if you're living in a big city (ex: NYC) and what types of buildings you're in (stores have surveillance, in case you didn't realize).

 

[HerrBobo]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2571041/How-Big-Brother-watches-your-every-move.html

 

[BardSeed]

Big brother is watching! I don't want national ID cards(containing biometric data) and I don't agree with lie detector tests for people who claim benefits. I hate how easily people recite the same old excuse: "it's to prevent terrorism, I'm not a terrorist." That's exactly the way not to think about it; giving away your freedoms piece by piece will add up to a considerable amount of freedom lost.

 

[ianuam]

It will happen. Slowly but surely it'll happen. Most likely within a few decades, i doubt society will even protest that much as it's happening so gradually. Ebb and flow though, i'm sure we'll come out of it in the end.

 

[Radelaide]

Excuse my ignorance, but is "1984" anything like "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley?