Throughout history our society has evolved and changed its behaviors. 1984 and Brave New World are novels that reflect that fears of what our society may become. Some events in history have pointed to the predicted made in 1984 while others have directed our attention to Brave New World. Since society is constantly changing, neither one of these novels can be the absolute reflection of society today. However, within the past few years the trends of society are once again leaning towards the depiction in Brave New World.
Even in time of economical struggles, our society remains to be one of consumerism and pleasure. While life may not be so pleasing for all such as the Alphas or Betas depicted in Huxley’s Brave New World, even the working classes, such as the Epsilons, are happy to have a job and means to provide. Contemporary society loves their stuff, everything materialistic, just like those in Brave New World. Clothes and automobiles being some of the most prevalent in today’s society. Lenina showed off her fashionable Malthusian belt and everyone sported the finest helicopters in Brave New World. These days even children care more about the clothes and toys they have than anything else.
Many teens and young people of today want to believe that they have a stance on the issues that we face, but sadly many do not. The minds of these young people are being strongly influenced by the perfection that the media portrays and many want o achieve this perfection and have become passive, just buying into every new thing that comes around the corner.
The society depicted in Brave New World is the better portrayal of contemporary society, although it has the ability to change any day. Postman’s assertion for society is correct for these times. The things we love have the capacity to ruin us. Our eyes have been blinded, and our minds shut because of what we see on the media everyday. What is portrayed is not the truth, it merely a cover so that everyone will stay happy.
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Lee Lee:
I'm not sure how your discussion of the media supports your argument that Brave New World is more relevant in today's society. If anything, I would think that the media would be the equivalent of the telescreens in 1984, supporting the opposite argument.
I'm also not sure I completely agree with your opinion of the media. Yes, it does portray falsities and you're right in that we should not base our opinions off of "facts" the media tells us, but maybe I'm missing what you're trying to say with your last sentence. How does the media keep us happy? Doesn't the media exaggerate tragedies so as to make them more likely to be watched/read? I don't think what the media aims to do is cover things up so that "everyone will stay happy."
Your statement that society has the ability to swing between 1984- and Brave New World-esque intrigues me. What changes do you think society could make "any day" that would make it resemble 1984?
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