George Orwell's 1984: Relevance Then and Now
1984 is not merely a dystopian novel; it's a cautionary tale whose relevance has only intensified over the years. In 1949, George Orwell depicted a world where a totalitarian regime exercises absolute control over every aspect of life: from actions and thoughts to language and memory. Big Brother watches all, and the Party's propaganda rewrites history to suit its narrative.
Relevance 10 Years Ago and Today
A decade ago, in 2014, 1984 was often read as a classic work illustrating the extreme manifestations of dictatorship, though not everyone recognized its real-world applications. However, with the onset of the Revolution of Dignity and Russia's aggression against Ukraine, it became evident that Orwell's book mirrors the mechanisms of propaganda, manipulation, and control employed by oppressive regimes.
Today, 1984 feels even more unsettlingly real. In the digital era, total surveillance is not a fantasy but a technically feasible scenario. States can track individuals' movements, control information flows, and use artificial intelligence for propaganda purposes. We witness this in authoritarian countries where reality is altered at the behest of those in power, and dissenting opinions are harshly punished.
Comparison with the Situation in Ukraine
Ukraine is currently battling precisely the kind of oppression Orwell described. Russian propaganda attempts to obliterate historical truths, manipulate facts, and create an "alternative reality." Language is wielded as a tool of control: much like in 1984, terms are twisted to suit the regime's agenda (e.g., "liberation" instead of "occupation"), and facts are supplanted by "newspeak."
However, unlike Orwell's totalitarian society, Ukrainians demonstrate that freedom of speech and truth are more potent than any dictatorship. We have the capacity to resist falsehoods, speak the truth, and fight for our future. While 1984 offered little hope for change, Ukrainians prove that even the most formidable Big Brother cannot erase the identity of a nation striving for freedom.
To purchase 1984 in Ukrainian within Spain, Portugal, or Andorra, you can find it here.