Privacy/Thought Police

[LookAtMyHorse]

Overall I personally did not enjoy reading 1984, but there were a few parts I did really enjoy. I think it was a little advanced for 10th graders to be reading. I would’ve gotten more out of it if I had a better understanding of world history.
What really stood out to me was the concept of Thought Police.
I don’t’ completely understand how the Thought Police can get inside of your head and know what you’re thinking, and understand what‘s behind the dreams you are having. It’s as if the Thought Police know you better than you know yourself. I also find it terrifying that there are telescreens everywhere, and someone constantly watching you and everything you do. Humans need privacy.’
The lack of privacy Orwell predicted is coming into play in our current society. There are surveillance cameras everywhere, which are supposed to make us feel safer, but are they really doing anything at all? Is true privacy easy to find nowadays? We’re being watched in social media, stores, our phones, malls, banks, what we say, etc… When did it become okay to compromise our civil liberties? :beatdeadhorse5:

[JazzHands]

The Thought Police cant actually do any of those things. They don't have to either. All they have to do is instill fear. Thought Police keep everyone a functioning member of society. They make sure no one strays from the routine and there are no thoughts other than those supporting the system. Basically, The Thought Police can't read minds but they can control them with fear. If people fear thoughts of rebellion then they'll be afraid to rebel.

[Nowwithbacon]

The thought police do not actually read minds. They spread rumors that they do, so that when someone does something illegal they think twice about it for fear that the thought police could catch them. As for the people that actually get arrested by them, it is usually because they have a facial expression that gives them away or the government wants them out of the way. Orwell warned about privacy becoming harder and harder to find because of all of the surveillance that the government and individual people would set up. Currently we keep surveillance out of places like parks and bathrooms but I, personally, don't expect that to last very long.

[Scarlet]

The Thought Police do not actually read minds at all. They are another source of fear for Big Brother to rule by. The Thought Police are there to keep everyone in line, everyone the same. To make sure that no one gets the thought to turn against Big Brother. Also to help eliminate self expression.