Term Paper on Big Brother's Two Minutes Hate

George Orwell’s story takes place in a futuristic society where the minds, emotions and bodies of citizens are under the tyrannical control of Big Brother. One of the techniques of mind management used by this totalitarian state is to fabricate a loathsome threat to the national well being - and then have Big Brother step forward to protect the people from it.

Every day, workers are required to gather in groups to participate in a Two-minute Hate. The face of a hideous enemy, known only as Goldstein, is projected onto a huge screen. People curse and rail and throw things at the leering image of Goldstein. Then, at a moment when the rage and fear have reached a climax, Big Brother appears on the screen, speaking words of encouragement and reassurance. The subject is tobacco: For purposes of this discussion, substitute "Joe Camel" for Goldstein and "big Bubba" for Big Brother. Before continuing, let’s get the usual obligatory disclaimers out of the way. Tobacco products are harmful. Those who smoke tobacco should stop. Those who do not smoke should never start.

We need to do something to prevent our children from smoking. Having agreed on these points and principles, it's time to talk plainly and think realistically about the implication of our government's approach to solving the problem of smoking. What we see is a scheme by government autocrats to take over a private industry, plunder its wealth, raise taxes-and look like heroes in the process. For the scam to work, tobacco executives must be demonized. It is a format for the advancement of tyranny. Will it be on those responsible for secondhand exhaust fumes from oversized autos and trucks? We have given politicians and bureaucrats a mandate to pass laws and institute programs premised upon our helplessness, our dependency and our incompetence. Eric Fromm wrote a book called Escape from Freedom, in which he takes exception to the conventional view that mankind always, struggles to be free.

He believes that freedom carries with it the considerable risks and substantial burdens of self-responsibility. Many people, perhaps most, are desperately searching-not for independence but for some person, institution or government willing to take care of them, their burdens, make their decisions and give them answer to life’s questions.

How lucky we are that Big Bubba stands ready to answer our prayers, assume our burdens and take responsibility not only for ourselves but for out children and our parents.  How long will it be before our gratitude is such that at the very sight of the beneficent Big Bubba, we will be unable to resist extending our arms and crying out, “My Savior!”


 

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