I’m starting to think that no one has actually read the book. I see comments all the time about authoritarian dictators who are basically Nazis who are causing problems by not following orders. It’s almost like when you were a kid and played “opposite day”. Everything that they say is the exact opposite of what the words mean.
For those who are unaware of the actual meaning.
authoritarianə-thôr″ĭ-târ′ē-ən, ə-thŏr″-, ô-
adjective
- Characterized by or favoring absolute obedience to authority, as against individual freedom.
- Tending to tell other people what to do in a peremptory or arrogant manner. synonym: dictatorial.
- characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty; — of governments or rulers
So, against individual freedom. Against people making their own choices. An oligarchy of Elites who think they know better than everyone else and should be listened to at all costs. Anyone who goes against them should be arrested, punished, cancelled. There is no room for discourse. No room for debate. No room for a conversation.
The problem with any of these things is that it gives people a choice. A choice to disagree with the Elite in power. A choice to take a different path. Authoritarians can’t give people choices. They can’t allow for facts to come out that go against the rule of law they have laid down. They gain their power by spreading fear. Fear of something outside only they can protect you from. Fear of them and what may happen to you if you disagree with them. Fear of being ostracized. They don’t fight their opposition with reality. They name call and discredit with more fear.
When questioned about their ideas they just spew lies about the inquisitor. Anyone who questions their doctrine is evil. They are racist, sexist, Nazis… When you question their followers with facts to back it up, they just reply in kind… you’re a racist, sexist, Nazi… nothing in your actions speaks to any of this. Nothing in the conversation had anything to do with this, but the authoritarian can’t keep power unless they keep the fear alive.
Words stop having meaning. Who cares if someone is called a racist if everyone is a racist? Who cares if someone is called a Nazi if everyone is a Nazi? If you want to know what someone really is, ask them they’re own personal opinions on things and why they feel that way and where they got their information. You probably won’t be surprised when those touting the authoritarian line says they got their information from the authoritarian regime but have no actual facts to back it up… other than, you’re a racist, sexist, Nazi for even thinking about questioning it.
For those who are following the line because you feel you have no choice, I feel sorry. For those who are following the dictate because you’ve never bothered to think for yourself, I feel pity. For those who are following the dictate because you want the power for yourself, I feel disgust. 1984 should be read by every person in the world. Not just memed about… but actually read. If more people picked up a book once in a while instead of being brain washed by talking heads this planet might just be ok.
Katrina Michelle Russell 