How is 1984 like present day?

[xandersnape]

I don't want to know how it isn't.. I'm very aware that the novel isn't a prediction as such, I want to know in what ways it IS like present day. Like, for example what they teach us in school which is controlled by the government. If they don't give you proof... how do you know it happened or occurs? Also, I think Religious belief is a version of Doublethink, having barely any proofs for believing something, yet some people live their lives for religion. I don't want to have an argument on religion, that's just my opinion. So, does anyone have some other ways?

[The Atheist]

I don't want to know how it isn't.. I'm very aware that the novel isn't a prediction as such, I want to know in what ways it IS like present day. Like, for example what they teach us in school which is controlled by the government. If they don't give you proof... how do you know it happened or occurs? Also, I think Religious belief is a version of Doublethink, having barely any proofs for believing something, yet some people live their lives for religion. I don't want to have an argument on religion, that's just my opinion. So, does anyone have some other ways?

There are some things which are present today that bear strong resemblance to 1984, and I think we can look at them without getting "political".

Surveillance systems and CCTV, tracking of financial transactions, GPS in cellphones - lots of current technology has a "Thought Police" feel to it, although I don't believe it is or will be used in the way it was in 1984.

I don't think the school curriculum counts, as that's more about standardisation than brainwashing.

I'll certainly agree with you on religion & doublethink - it's an analogy I use often. There's nothing new in it, however, religion has relied on doublethink for several thousand years.