The Vanishing of 1984: Propaganda, Media, and Why It Matters Today

Introduction

When I was in school, 1984 by George Orwell wasn’t just a book—it was an education. In my school district, we spent weeks reading it out loud in class, dissecting its themes of propaganda, surveillance, and societal control. It wasn’t just a story; it was a lens through which we were taught to view the world critically. We learned to question authority, recognize manipulation, and understand how truth can be bent to serve power.

But today, things seem different. Is 1984 being taught less frequently, and if so, why? Could this explain why society today seems so easily manipulated by propaganda and media?

Here I will explore the disappearance of 1984 from some classrooms, the parallels between its dystopian world and our reality, and what we risk losing if these lessons aren’t passed down.

Why 1984 Might Have Disappeared from Some Classrooms

It’s important to note that 1984 is potentially still taught in many schools. Though, I couldn't find any. Curriculum choices vary significantly by district, and some educators continue to champion Orwell’s work as essential reading. 

However, in my personal experience, its presence seems to have waned. This raises questions about why some schools might be moving away from teaching 1984.

1. Discomfort with Its Themes

Orwell’s critique of totalitarianism, propaganda, and surveillance can be deeply unsettling. In today’s polarized climate, where debates over censorship, privacy, and misinformation dominate, schools may shy away from 1984 due to its controversial themes.

Educators may worry about how these themes will be received by parents or administrators, especially in regions where curriculum choices are heavily scrutinized. Ironically, avoiding such discomfort may inadvertently validate Orwell’s warnings about suppressing dissenting ideas.

2. Curriculum Shifts

It’s also worth noting that 1984 wasn’t always standard curriculum. Its popularity in classrooms grew significantly during the Cold War, when its warnings about totalitarianism aligned with broader cultural anxieties.

Curricula are cyclical and often reflect societal priorities. In recent years, there has been a push to diversify literature by incorporating more contemporary voices and authors from underrepresented backgrounds. While this is a valuable goal, it sometimes comes at the expense of older classics like 1984.

3. Alternative Texts

Some schools may teach similar themes through other works. For example, Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, or Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale explore overlapping ideas about control, censorship, and societal manipulation. However, none of these texts fully replace 1984’s unique insights into propaganda and the distortion of truth.

4. Changing Perceptions of Relevance

In the digital age, where students are bombarded with media, educators may assume that young people intuitively understand propaganda and surveillance. Some may feel that 1984’s warnings about government overreach are less relevant in a world dominated by corporate surveillance and social media.

But without guidance, students may lack the critical tools to navigate these issues. 1984 provides a framework for understanding how power operates, even in forms Orwell couldn’t have predicted.

Correlations Between 1984 and Modern Society

Orwell’s 1984 was never just a cautionary tale—it was a guide for understanding power. Its themes resonate strongly in our modern world, reflecting many of the challenges we face today.

1. Propaganda and Media Manipulation

"The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command."

In Orwell’s world, propaganda was omnipresent, designed to shape perception and control thought. Today, propaganda operates on a much larger scale, amplified by social media algorithms and 24/7 news cycles.

Consider the rise of misinformation, “fake news,” and politically biased media. Propaganda often plays on emotions, creating divisive echo chambers where facts are secondary to feelings. Without the critical tools to recognize manipulation, people can become complicit in spreading it.

2. Surveillance in the Digital Age

"Big Brother is watching you."

Orwell’s surveillance state was overt and oppressive, but modern surveillance is subtler and often voluntary. From smartphones to smart homes, our data is constantly collected—not just by governments but by corporations.

This distinction is significant. While Orwell warned about state control, today’s surveillance operates primarily through private companies. Social media platforms track our habits to sell targeted ads, while governments often use these technologies for monitoring. The result is a complex web of surveillance that many don’t fully understand.

3. The Erosion of Truth

"Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past."

Orwell warned about the dangers of historical revisionism. Today, we see similar tactics in selective reporting, social media “memory holes,” and the spread of alternative facts.

The rapid spread of misinformation erodes public trust, leaving people unsure of what to believe. Without a clear understanding of history or truth, society becomes easier to manipulate.

4. The Cult of Personality

"Power is in tearing human minds to pieces and putting them together again in new shapes of your own choosing."

Orwell’s Big Brother demanded loyalty through fear and propaganda. Today, we see similar dynamics in the cult of personality surrounding public figures, influencers, and even brands. Social media magnifies this phenomenon, allowing charismatic individuals to shape public perception with unprecedented reach.

The Consequences of Ignoring 1984

If 1984 is no longer widely taught, what does that mean for society? For many of us in Generation X, it was a formative text that taught us to question authority and resist manipulation. Without these lessons, younger generations may lack the tools to navigate a world dominated by propaganda, surveillance, and media manipulation.

It’s not just about Orwell’s warnings; it’s about teaching critical thinking. If schools aren’t providing this education, where will it come from?

Notable Quotes and Their Modern Relevance

1. "War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength."

These contradictions mirror the doublespeak in modern political rhetoric.

2. "Until they become conscious, they will never rebel."

Awareness is the first step toward resisting manipulation.

3. "The best books... are those that tell you what you know already."

This reflects 1984’s ability to articulate truths we’ve always sensed but couldn’t fully express.

Final Thoughts

1984 isn’t just a book; it’s a warning. Its lessons about propaganda, surveillance, and the distortion of truth are more relevant than ever. If we’re no longer teaching these lessons in schools, we risk losing something vital—our ability to think critically and resist manipulation.

Orwell wrote, "Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four." In a world where truth is increasingly malleable, that freedom has never been more important.