Post by spacedog83 on Oct 4, 2006 11:20:13 GMT -5
First I would like to say this is a great thread. I love to read!
I was thinking that we could start a Books for Discussion thread.
Come in and share a book you're reading, or have read. Share your thoughts about the book, and and leave it for an open discussion for others who also have read the same book.
I'll start with George Orwell's 1984.
"War is Peace"
This is a book I always like to discuss because well it could happen and in ways it has.
How the government can totally control us if we are not careful.
That is what 1984 is about. Socialism and a totalitarian world where the government controls everything even thought and emotion.
"War is peace" through the whole story it is believed that Oceania is at war. There are telescreens so that people may be watched by the spies of Big Brother, and to inform them of the war. If you show signs of emotion or difference you are rebelling against Big Brother. This is to create equality, and peace. If we are exactly the same in everything we do then we are equal.
The government using war to put fear into the people, so that they may gain total control. This is done through fear, if we are afraid we trust in our government to make it safe. How far is this from the truth? Not far at all if you ask me. Winston, the main character's job is Records Department of the Ministry of Truth, basically to rewrite or reword history as it happens. This also is not far from the truth. History depends on which side you're on,and your views. For example Christopher Columbus is not seen as a hero through everyones eyes. I've read things on Christopher Columbus that our history books never would have taught us.
So as in real life we are always rewriting history. It always brings me back to the question of a great History teacher of mine "How safe do we want to be?"
Being more safe usually means giving up some rights. We saw this with 9-11, but how safe do we want to be if it meant giving up all our rights.
This book really makes you think huh?
Let me know your thoughts.
I was thinking that we could start a Books for Discussion thread.
Come in and share a book you're reading, or have read. Share your thoughts about the book, and and leave it for an open discussion for others who also have read the same book.
I'll start with George Orwell's 1984.
"War is Peace"
This is a book I always like to discuss because well it could happen and in ways it has.
How the government can totally control us if we are not careful.
That is what 1984 is about. Socialism and a totalitarian world where the government controls everything even thought and emotion.
"War is peace" through the whole story it is believed that Oceania is at war. There are telescreens so that people may be watched by the spies of Big Brother, and to inform them of the war. If you show signs of emotion or difference you are rebelling against Big Brother. This is to create equality, and peace. If we are exactly the same in everything we do then we are equal.
The government using war to put fear into the people, so that they may gain total control. This is done through fear, if we are afraid we trust in our government to make it safe. How far is this from the truth? Not far at all if you ask me. Winston, the main character's job is Records Department of the Ministry of Truth, basically to rewrite or reword history as it happens. This also is not far from the truth. History depends on which side you're on,and your views. For example Christopher Columbus is not seen as a hero through everyones eyes. I've read things on Christopher Columbus that our history books never would have taught us.
So as in real life we are always rewriting history. It always brings me back to the question of a great History teacher of mine "How safe do we want to be?"
Being more safe usually means giving up some rights. We saw this with 9-11, but how safe do we want to be if it meant giving up all our rights.
This book really makes you think huh?
Let me know your thoughts.
