Banned Books Week Presents "1984" by George Orwell!

September 27, 2011

Orwell's (now considered) classic dystopia 1984 explores a future of totalitarian regime control. Even thought is monitored, for thoughtcrime is a punishable offense. In this new society, the rich have all the advantages, and the poor must suffer through a monotonous existence punctuated by the disappearance and "reprogramming" of their friends, family, and co-workers. A culture of snitching is encouraged, as to rat out someone else may keep you safe for another day. Big Brother is always watching.

Originally published in 1948, it has been banned and challenged repeatedly on social and political grounds, as well as sexual content. It ranks as high as #5 most challenged book of all time. It was banned and burned in the U.S.S.R. under Stalin's rule for its' negative attitude toward communism, and reading it could've resulted in your arrest. It has also been banned and challenged in many U.S. schools. During the Cold War, a teacher in Wrenshall, Minnesota was fired for refusing to remove 1984 from his reading list. In 1981, it was challenged in Jackson County, Florida (for being pro-communism!).

Check out this great video of a teacher in Athens, Georgia participating in Banned Books Week's Read Out!

Abbey L.
South Independence Branch