Indeed, the novel 1984 by George Orwell has been very amusing to me. Because I learnt something different that most people won't. It is about INGSOC (English Socialism), and what I learnt is these three slogans in the book:
WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH
Yes, I know. You think that this is utterly nonsense! Me too think of that when I first saw these slogans. But as I finished Part II of the novel, (forget about Part III since it has no importance) my perception changed. Indeed, Orwell was not just talking about the evils of the Soviet Union, or in better words totalitarian regime, but what was actually happening around us today.
So, let us look what is actually behind each of the slogans.
Chapter One - WAR IS PEACE
According to the book, people back in time had been at war to solve some political conflicts such as oppressions, abuse of power, lack of leadership by the leader and so on. But then, in 1984 (in the novel) the three superstates, Oceania (North America + South America + British Empire), Eurasia (Russia and all other European Contries), and Eastasia (China + Japan + Southeast Asia), have nothing to fight about. It is already their tradition to have war. What they claimed is war is necessary to control overproduction of goods as it stated,
"As the problem of overproduction, which has been latent in our society since the development of machine technique, it is solved by the device of continous warfare, which is also useful in keying up public morale to the necessary pitch." (pg 207)
Therefore war is necessary to control the society, to keep the society intact.
Well, those events actually not happened in the real 1984, but think again. Did it NEVER happened? The answer is - No! It is happening everyday around the world. Of course there is no rocket bombs or nuclear missles or jet planes flying above our heads, but the 'war' is occured in such way that we called "cold war".
We do not need to mention about the present authoritarian governments, even in democratic countries like USA, 'war' is always happening. Tons and tons of political debates about humans rights and freedom to even craps about Bush or Obama's family, to the opposition protest of increasingly income tax, is a WAR. When there is elections going, you'll find a wide range of people debating, quarelling, fighting for the sake of PEACE - Good Government! Isn't this a WAR??
Same thing that goes around our own democratic country - Malaysia! Until today, our country is never at peace! Yet it is said to be in 'PEACE'! RACISM - that has been our trend since the British Colony, and it will always be there forever. Every year, as you explored Malaysia, especially Kuala Lumpur, you can see every single race riots happening there. ALL of the races are involved, not only the malays or chinese or indians, but ALL! Of course these riots are "peace-er" than five-one-three, but still it is there! Everyday we hear Anwar Ibrahim and Lim Guang Eng and their allies giving his passionate speech and curses the BN/UMNO for all the unfortunate things happening in our country. On the other hand (or should I say, ear?), we also hear Mahatir and Pak Lah and Ong and Sammy Vellu and their allies all fired their "rockets" to the Pakatan Rakyat (People's Alliance) in the same way. And this never ends. So, is that a WAR?? But still, we're in PEACE!
Pick a country for me, I dare to say, that doesn't have such 'wars'? Perhaps I may change my mind.
For someone who is under Ah Ben this year, you may be aware that there is even a WAR in BB7. And of course, if none of the parties ever surrender, this WAR will never come to a full stop! Perhaps, Ah Ben say it's a good thing - he declares it as PEACE.
Therefore, there is nothing nonsense when Orwell says "WAR IS PEACE". It is the truth that is undeniable, that is always in our heads.
Chapter Two - FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
It's all what we wanted in life - FREEDOM! But do you know that when you're actually free? Perhaps you do. In the book, it never had a chapter for "FREEDOM IS SLAVERY", but I'm sure that I know the purpose of it being one of the slogans. Of course, let's talk about our favourite topic - SEX!
According to the book, Winston says to Julia "Listen. The more men you've had, the more I love you. Do you understand that?" (page 125) and "I hate purity, I hate goodness. I don't want any virtue to exist anywhere. I want everyone to be corrupt to the bones" (page 125)
Do you realise what he's just saying? He wants all of us to be corrupted!! And of course, when you got freedom, you're free to corrupt youself. Indeed it comes true, in USA, if you're a girl aged sixteen and still a virgin, you'll be called useless or noob. Everyone should have sex before sixteen or at sixteen to be considered great. Or in other words, corrupt your bones before sixteen!! And of course many people will argue that it's freedom (as it has been the major "bombs" in the war of BB7). Well, of course it's freedom, freedom to be bounded by SEX - sex slaves we can call it. For many people today are so obbessed with sex that they have a variety of sexual partners, ranging from blacks to whites, and from opposite sexes to the same sexes! And of course, they die faster. AIDS lah! what else? -.-
Indeed they're promoting AIDS or giving HIV a home to stay and breed. For a while, they're the masters, and then, they're HIV's slave! Because of the misuse of freedom, they enslaved themselves to AIDS! Isn't it slavery?
Back to the human freedom to speak. Do you know that most of the passionate speakers in TVs and radios are not free thinkers? They were all bounded by the philosophy or religion of others. When they speak, they speak on behalf of the founder of that philosophy/religion. They let themselves believe in one philosophy and against all the other - freedom to believe. So, isn't it merely a slavery? In the sense that they enslaved themselves to their particular philosophy and fight to the end using their masters thinking? I admit I'm somewhat enslaved too.
Of course they are free thinkers hat are not enslaved, but generally, most of us are enslaved. So, it is indeed make sense when Orwell says, "FREEDOM IS SLAVERY".
Chapter Three - IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH
Again, the freedom to know or speak. As you know, one of our nilais that we learn in Pendidikan Moral SPM is "Kebebasan Bersuara" (Freedom of Speech). But do you know that in our country, there is such act which is called the Internal Security Act (ISA)? It is the act that where a government has the right to arrest you without trial where they think is necesary for the internal security of the nation. Theoretically, it appears to be good, but not practically (or in reality).
It has become the tool for the abuse of power by the government! And indeed it parallels what is happening in the novel where someone can be detained without trial if he was suspected of doing thoughtcrime. It is much very alike with ISA where anyone doing something that the Party thinks can threaten their seats are to be arrested and to be "served".
You must be aware of why Raja Petra Kamaruddin was arrested under ISA don't you? Just because he writes something that the government doesn't agree with, he is detained, very much similar like how Winston is arrested when he did something that the Party doesn't agree with. In democracy, it is said that people are free to made protests as long as it doesn't physically harm the public. But look at what has happened to the people in BERSIH rally and JERIT cyclist? Again, this tool - ISA.
All these above things happened to the people who are not ignorant. Instead, when we're being ignorant of the facts even though it's a false fact. We can live longer. We won't get arrested by that tool - ISA. Instead, we'll live happily, get married, had children, being old, and die. And our life will be much better, we gained STRENGTH!
Recently, in Taylor's College, and all over Malaysia, there has been an anti-war of Gaza campaign and they collect some donations for Gaza victims. Well, I do donate some in hope to contribute something to the poor Palestinians, but sometimes I do think that could the money be sent to Hamas instead? Well, I don't wish to know the answer because the more you think about it, the more uncomfortable you are. Just be IGNORANT. Because IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH!
For those who reads the Bible, you might also be aware that the way Jesus is crucified is much likely the same way that He was arrested under ISA.
Therefore, there's nothing wrong when it is said "IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH", because it is always true, yesterday, today and forever..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
So that's all my explanation of my intepretation of the slogans.
So why not we say those slogans of realism out now:
WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH
You better say it now!
WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH
Say it LOUD!
WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH
You still resist it don't you? You better say it out because :
by your webcam. LOL!
P/S : The author of this post has no intention to brainwash anyone into his thought. This is just merely his interpretation for ENG4U CPT Project. Please don't tell Ah Ben about this. I don't wanna to get BOMBARDED by him again!! T.T
System.end.crap();
System.end.crap();
Went to my room, H-117. After half year, nothing much change, except my roommate taking over my place. LOL. See those bottles? That's the evidence.
Managed to snap this route where it is a very long route from college to hostel. We do have a shortcut though =). But this is the route to the exit gate. What a good exercise just to go in and out.
It almost 7 pm when I wait in a not-so-long-queue, after dapao it, it's time to go! T.T. Take bus to Wangsa Maju LRT station and this is the KL City Center view from there. (Sorry for the poor picture quality, Because have to ZOOM!!)
Reached KASAR at about 8pm, lepas mandi & makan the best nasi lemak in KL, my friends call me for DotA although I'm tired. Haha.
