A question about the two minutes of hate at the beginning of the book.

[Nico87]

Well, at the beginning of the two minutes of hate, Goldstein's face appears on the telescreen and he starts denouncing (?) Big Brother and stuff. Why is it so that the two minutes of hate even exists? Wouldn't it be quite a risk that some people would eventually turn over and join Goldstein and his "shadowy army"?
I know that the two minutes of hate is held daily so the people can express their hatred for Goldstein and the other party enemies, and hatred for democracy, but it still doesn't add up. Why broadcast two minutes of propaganda of the enemy to the workers/party members?

[evangelbaby]

The two minutes hate is a a form of reverse-psychology which manipulates the proletariat that they are in control of their emotions. From my personal perspective I think, along with what I said, it's a kind of piss-take...If you know what I mean.

[Nico87]

Yeah, that makes sense!

Thanks!

[Mortis Anarchy]

Orwell thought that in order to control people you had to make sure that any negative emotions were taken out of people. The Two Minute Hate accomplished two things that would help the communist party to succeed and keep power. First, it took out that human negative emotion that causes people to revolt and be more diverse or uncontrollable...it keeps them under there the party's thumb. The second thing that it did was help keep the people angry and against the person that they wanted them to hate...aka Goldstein. If everyone had a common enemy then you are all on the same side. Its brainwashing. They could have easily, or actually the party does change the target constantly...eastasia and the other guys, the name slips my mind. Socities now are still doing that...but I won't talk about that.

Its all about manipulation and control. Plus people in general have this thing called the Mob Mentality, which is if you are thrown into a riot or whatever, you will change and get caught up with the crowd no matter how much you think you would never do that. Thats what happened to Winston. Orwell was amazing at understanding people and human nature.

[Nico87]

Thanks for an interesting answer, Mortis. I totally agree with it now that I see it in perspective. Thanks!