Political Ideologies vs Political Organizations

In Winston and Julia’s meeting with O’Brien and Martin, O’Brien discusses how the Brotherhood is able to continue functioning in such a regimented and surveilled society. He says that the Brotherhood does not exist like other political organizations- it is more like an ideology than a rebel organization. After this moment, I pondered the significance of this statement, and how it parallels in real life.

In the Summer of 2020, there were “Black Lives Matter” uprisings all over the country. This movement worked both as an ideology, and a functional organizational one. This means that while a “Black Lives Matter” organization does exist, with members across the country, this does not mean that all of the protests were from this organization. Some functioned on the ideology and belief system of “Black Lives Matter”, but worked separately to achieve the same goals. I believe that this is a really productive way of setting up a political movement. However, I do not think it would be obtainable under the extreme surveillance of 1984.




So in this way, it makes a lot of sense why the world of 1984 would rather have an ideology than a physical organization with members. However, I think this makes their goals harder to achieve. Without planned resistance and protests, the “Brotherhood” easily could slip through the cracks and disappear. 


I also pondered about the sincerity of the “Brotherhood” throughout this reading. Why is it that the great novel, “the book”, seemingly entirely focused on explaining the society they are in, rather than inform people on how to rebel? On the other hand, I do think education is one of the most important parts of a revolution. 


Do you think the Brotherhood’s methods of rebelling are productive or could be improved? If it could be improved, how? (Considering the totalitarian nightmare they are living in.)


Is it enough to just have the ideas? Or should there be movement/ active protests where people go out and do the work (protests, education rallies, etc)?

Comments

  1. L. MoffittFebruary 23, 2021 at 7:46 AM

    I had to think a lot about these questions. It is a little odd (and almost deflating) that Winston and Julia finally take this big step -- and they're handed a really pedantic book to read. I do think a balance of ideas and action would be more effective.

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  2. Olivia TaylorFebruary 23, 2021 at 8:01 AM

    I definitely think that their ideas are worth something, but not enough. It is sad that the world of 1984 almost forces them to choose between life and happiness, and I think the majority of people not being willing to die for their cause is part of the reason it's so difficult to organize a rebellion.

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