1984

George Orwell's 1984 spotlights many issues about an individual's right to privacy and about how public opinion is manipulated. Now that you have read and discussed the novel, consider this question: Was Orwell right? Investigate one of the following topics. Then write a report summarizing what you learned, how it relates to the novel, and what impact you believe it might have on you.

Privacy Issues

Domestic Surveillance
How much does the U. S. government know about your business?

National Security Agency Warrantless Surveillance Controversty (Be sure to click on the "Discussion" tab, too.)
Congressional Research Service Memo: Presidential Authority to Conduct Warrantless Electronic Surveillance to Gather Foreign Intelligence Information
Pentagon Expanding Its Domestic Surveillance Activity
Feds Raid Orchid-Grower's Home

U. S. Patriot Act
The Patriot Act became law within days after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Even its supporters acknowledge that it suspends certain American civil liberties, including privacy rights.

Privacy Online
How private are your actions online? Find out.

Forgot what you searched for? Google didn't
Special thanks to Johann Franz for this!

Online Privacy: Using the Internet Safely

Privacy rights: who owns your text message?

Manipulation of Public Opinion

Advertising
How do they get us to buy all that stuff we don't need? Examine strategies and advertising of the past.

Doublespeak
Language that says one thing and means another is so prevalent that one group actually offers a tongue-in-cheek award for examples.

Presidential Campaigns
Examine how candidates have used media to manipulate public opinion and get themselves elected.

Indiana Standards addressed in this project: 12.2.4, 12.3.2, 12.4, 12.7.9, 12.7.10, 12.7.12, 12.7.15

This project was inspired by Brenda Mahaney's project, "If 1984 could happen in 2004." Thanks, Brenda!