It is common knowledge that the concept of “Doublespeak” (1) was first introduced into English by George Orwell (1903-1950) in his dystopian novel, “1984.” (2) Winston, the principal character, awakens to his predetermined life and attempts to alter its pathway. Ultimately, he fails and is forced, once again, into mental servitude — the thrust of the grim tale being that we can never truly escape “Big Brother.” (3) But, of course, the thinking man would of necessity ask, “Is that true in the liberal, democratic and capitalistic countries of the world? It is a good question with no straightforward answer.
I recently had the opportunity to discuss this concept with a group of young people. As we know, they have been totally raised in the Digital Age. (4) They are all well-fed, have good-looking teeth and carry the latest gadgetry (i.e., an up-to-date cell phone) I find them, nonetheless, neither stupid nor entitled, in contrast to modern belief. (5) They are simply overwhelmed and without the tools to adequately divert the river of data they receive on a daily basis into a large and calm lake before they drink of its knowledge. Life is just too fast for the human mind to take time to reflect. In the post-World War Two era, it was relatively simple to identify (from a Western perspective) the good guys from the bad. The honorable people mostly resided in Western Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. The malevolent lived on the rest of the planet. The former espoused economic success and individualism — the latter, the dark east, embraced communism, communal living, and, the stated aim of harmony.
What has come to occur, unfortunately, is that the distinction is no longer as easy to discern as in previous times. I asked the class to give me one contemporary Doublespeak phase or word, and its real meaning. “Right off the bat,” we got the Ministry of Defense, translated in reality into the Ministry of War. But then it got interesting, the concept of justice – nonsensical: only truly available if you have connections or wealth. The aim of university, higher education or advanced study – pointless: a dodge from the vicissitudes of life, coupled with innumerable tests. The idea of a job — slavery: this only leads to pain and a life poorly spent. The thought of love – fantasy: only possible on Korean soap operas. And, so it went. I wasn’t so much shocked as I was saddened. If you whip an already beaten dog, there is very little expressed pain or suffering. Social media has, most certainly, dulled the sensitivities of the Millennials or post-Millennials. This does not mean that they are beyond redemption, however. As students, teachers, parents, and educators, we are like the boy with “his finger in the dam.” If we can collectively remove it, all the excitement and joy of life will gush in. The great love poetry of ages past, for example, will have a contemporary ring not the hollow echoing from some dead text book. I liken this time to a new Renaissance and I am, most assuredly, not alone in my thinking. Dr Klaus Schwab (b. 1938) founder of the World Economic Forum leaves us with a thought: I believe that, if managed well, the Fourth Industrial Revolution can bring a new cultural renaissance, which will make us feel part of something much larger than ourselves: a true global civilization. I believe the changes that will sweep through society can provide a more inclusive, sustainable and harmonious society.
A closing thought: We all intrinsically want to do better, be kinder and live a superior life. This all begins with a first step, doesn’t it? The other day, I had my Kafkaesque experience. I went to watch a movie and upon returning to my means of transportation, “found it wanting,” as the poets say. My motocha was missing: it had been stolen. But no, it had been simply removed by the government. My confusion was that the space vacated by the seizure of hundreds of scooters had been quickly replaced by hundreds more — in effect a type of legal scam. I was incensed: I found the address and proceeded to the “impound lot.” The taxi ride was long enough to cool my sense of outrage. I paid the fine and then asked the very nice woman behind the counter (with those all-knowing eyes), “Why was there no sign forbidding parking in this area?” She looked at me rather perplexed, “Oh, but everybody knows!” I didn’t stop to ask what they knew; George was getting much too close for my taste.
To sum up: This week, we spoke about the concept of personal liberty. The overall conclusion was that it lies within and we simply must help the young uncover it.
A philosophical question: Why do things happen at exactly the wrong time? Why when you have to be somewhere for an extremely important meeting has your means of transportation been removed: is it a test from the cosmos? Will you break, and begin to wail and scream?
Just for fun – Lena Horne
This week as you frenetically hurry down a busy street, please reflect on how you can achieve your own piece of freedom.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Quote: In life, I must reach out and grasp my own concept of personal liberty. It will never be given to me: I must seize it for myself.
Footnotes:
1) doublespeak