High School Students Reading ‘1984’ See A Mirror, Not Science Fiction
They’re drawing the line from “doublethink” to “alternative facts.”
A dystopian world in which war is peace, freedom is slavery, and ignorance is strength doesn’t seem all that far-fetched to some students now studying George Orwell’s 1984.
Teachers who have assigned the classroom staple this year report that teenagers’ reactions to the text are different than in years past. All of sudden, they say, students are recognizing their own country in Orwell’s work of fiction.
“There’s less shock compared to years past,” said Michigan teacher Mike Becker. “A lot of students came up to me in the last few weeks and said stuff along the lines of ‘We’re living in 1984.’”
The novel 1984 ― which was published in 1949 ― describes a society in a state of never-ending war, where a repressive government led by “Big Brother” constantly surveils its citizens. The main character works for the Ministry of Truth, which actually oversees propaganda.
A lot of students came up to me in the last few weeks and said stuff along the lines of ‘We’re living in 1984.’Mike Becker
Sales of 1984 skyrocketed in recent weeks after presidential adviser Kellyanne Conway described lies from White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer as “alternative facts.” Adult readers may have drawn a connection between Conway’s remarks and Big Brother’s manipulation of facts. Students appear to see that connection as well.
Becker has been teaching 1984 to his high school students for over six years. While High School Students Reading ‘1984’ See A Mirror, Not Science Fiction | The Huffington Post:
KXNG CROOKED – “Alternative Facts” | 2DOPEBOYZ - https://2dopeboyz.com/?p=398426 on @2DopeBoyz
