Reflective Journal #5

(1984 by George Orwell)

Big Brother is watching you.

The Party in Nineteen Eighty-Four is run by an enigmatic character known only as Big Brother.
The idea has been widely adopted since it was first published in 1949, and the expression "Big
Brother is watching you" has come to stand for widespread government monitoring. Big Brother
finds the individuals in the book to be just as enigmatic and mysterious as modern society's
broad conception of "Big Brother." The idea has had a long-lasting impact on George Orwell's
writing. Orwell's portrayal of a totalitarian regime in Nineteen Eighty-Four continues to serve as
a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked government power. The themes of surveillance
and control explored in the novel remain relevant in today's world of increasing technological
advancements.

The novel "1984" follows Winston Smith, a bureaucrat living in Oceania, where he works at the
Ministry of Truth to rewrite past newspaper reports to conform to the present reality. Despite no
laws, the "Thought Police" enforces constant surveillance. Smith is uncertain about the year
1984, as he is not sure if it is 1984. Oceania has always been at war with Eurasia, but Smith
remembers a war with East Asia a few years ago. The society depicted in "1984" is one where
social control is exercised through disinformation and surveillance. As a student, the techniques
and technologies described in the novel are still present in today's world. For example, social
media platforms track our online activities and preferences, while governments monitor citizens
through various surveillance programs. The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers
of totalitarianism and the importance of protecting individual freedoms in society.

The novel is similar to the primetime reality game show "Pinoy Big Brother," in which
contestants must overcome obstacles in a home that is constantly filmed. Grand awards go to the
housemate with the highest votes from viewers. Big Brother is also a behavior modification and
control exercise. Through unveiling the personal lives of its members, the program promotes
introspection and questions conventional wisdom. The book offers a reflection on the constraints
placed on individual freedom of choice in a regulated setting. It challenges readers to consider
the ethical implications of surveillance and control in society, prompting them to question the
balance between security and personal liberty. Overall, the novel serves as a cautionary tale
about the potential consequences of sacrificing individual freedoms for the sake of social order.

This novel emphasizes the significance of freedom and free speech in a free society. It asserts
that without these rights, individuals cannot express their thoughts, ideas, and participate in
meaningful dialogue. This fosters innovation and progress, while also serving as a check on
government power, ensuring accountability and preventing abuses of power. By highlighting the
dangers of a society that prioritizes security over personal freedom, the novel encourages readers
to critically examine the trade-offs between safety and individual rights. It ultimately underscores
the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between security measures and preserving civil
liberties in order to uphold a truly democratic society.

Submitted by: Eurikha Bless P. Gorospe

Grade & Section: 10 - LOVE

Submitted to: Mr. Vincent Lagrimas