George Orwell -- "Politics and the English Language"

There's one must-read by George Orwell -- which we aren't reading in this class, so I'm leaving that up to you.  That, of course, is 1984.  Along with another numerically titled work -- 2001: A Space Odyssey, this book gave me an undying respect for, and fear of, advanced technology (and covert surveillance).

1984 was about the future -- and it still is, although in many ways it is 1984.  Remember, that smart phone you love so well, that you can't do without -- yes, let's admit it, to which we have become addicted -- knows where you are at every moment, and remembers everything you've texted (and will, long after you're dead).

Remember this commercial?  Of course you don't, you weren't even close to being born yet.  It's ironic, because here Apple is promising to free us from Big Brother, and now Apple is Big Brother.  (Or could that Apple insignia be the sign of the Beast?  Just sayin'.)

But as I say, we're not reading 1984.  We will be reading Orwell's essay on "Politics and the English Language".  Please leave your comments below.  I would suggest that you don't get hung up on some small details of language that Orwell presents.  He admits that he breaks many of them himself and that one should rather than "say anything outright barbarous".  Focus more on how language affects thought and communication.

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