the good side of the government

[lintu_love]

there is probably a good side to this government. what kind of good comes out of this totalitarian society? im probably missing something here.

[King of Frogs]

If you can read 1984 and still find good in the regime of Big Brother, then you are a greater optimist than I. As far as I can tell there is no good in the government of Oceania, except in that it manages to keep itself in power very effectively. Orwell created Ingsoc as the ulitimate totalitarian, evil, undefeatable regime - one in which no good or humanity can survive.

[Zippy]

At least the trains run on time!

[DrCherry]

I suppose totalitarian states could save money and resources since they don't have to hold elections or listen to the populace. If they just murder suspected criminals they don't really need courts or prisons.

Though in Zamyatin's novel We, they held a voting day where everyone voted for the leader. Of course there's nobody else on the ballot.

Most totalitarian states still have kangaroo courts even though they have no authority. I'm sure this is an attempt to convince their people that they're actually fair.

[lintu_love]

those are all very good points. thanks guys! aha i was having some trouble coming up with ANY positive things about this. if you have any more stuff to add i would appreciate it! :)

[Adudaewen]

As I saw it, there was an icredible control over the people in that society. Fear kept them in line. All one had to do was mention room 101 and people would melt into a pool of jelly. For those that gave over to it, it was all encompasing. They felt a patriotism and a love for "Big Brother" that was very powerful. All in all, an effective way to keep people in line. Fear is a very powerful tool that all people respond to, no matter how resilient.

[bazarov]

China made some prosperity in last years, but actually nothing good comes from totalitarian society.

[The Atheist]

China made some prosperity in last years, but actually nothing good comes from totalitarian society.

I'd beg to differ with that analysis - it merely depends where you're looking from and what your definition of "good" is.

To O'Brien, the Party is not only good, it's bigger than god; the complete answer to life, the universe and everything, being an immortal organisation. As a part of the Inner Party, he has the life of a lord and perceived immortality via the Party/State.

To the proles, the Party is good because it keeps them alive and protects them from invaders (after a fashion).

To Winston and Julia, the Party is the most evil entity imaginable.

An objective opinion would have to concede that the infinite retention of power is in itself an admirable goal, even though the mechanics may be a little stomach-churning.