is ignorance bliss?
Conflict
The conflict that arises from propaganda is inherent in both 1984 and North Korea over the past few decades. In 1984, war is depicted as something that is perpetual and is necessary for keeping an efficient totalitarian government. Propaganda exists in the form of “Two Minutes Hate” (Orwell 5), and everything else portrayed on telescreens. The conflict between the three land masses of Eurasia, Eastasia, and Oceania are never truly justified; however, through the use of propaganda, conflict is given a justification.
This conflict can be reflected in the relations between North Korea and other countries around the world. Yes, North Koreans have a very negative view of Americans, but the internal conflict is not one-sided. Ever since Bush labeled North Korea as one of the “axis of evils” in 2002, American hatred has also grown (Vorontsov para 2).
"North Korea has a regime army with missiles of mass destruction... while starving its citizens" (Bush 2002).
This conflict can be reflected in the relations between North Korea and other countries around the world. Yes, North Koreans have a very negative view of Americans, but the internal conflict is not one-sided. Ever since Bush labeled North Korea as one of the “axis of evils” in 2002, American hatred has also grown (Vorontsov para 2).
"North Korea has a regime army with missiles of mass destruction... while starving its citizens" (Bush 2002).
"That is the world that we are preparing, Winston. A world of victory after victory, triumph after triumph: an endless pressing, pressing, pressing upon the nerve of power”(Orwell 253).
North Korean Government: “this has proven once again that the North must defend its sovereignty by itself. It has become clear that there can be no demilitarization of the Korean peninsula before the world has denuclearized" (Lee).
In 1984, the announcement of war happens so often that Winston can predict when something “bad” is going to be announced. In the 2013 Korean crisis, North Korea justified the nuclear attack threats to the US to their citizens through the use of propaganda like the images shown below, spawning an Anti-US Agenda (Gallup). Just as in 1984 where the propaganda is targeted towards children, as shown by Mrs.
This similarity to propaganda used to justify conflict is relevant and very important-war occurs in so many forms and is a powerful tool for the government to keep society in check. Citizens are scared of war and death, and will therefore surrender to the government. Some will consciously do it, and some will subconsciously do it, once they are exposed enough to propaganda. To keep the “war spirit” alive in 1984, various slogans were used. Slogans in 1984 eerily reflect North Korean ideology on war and their leaders.
“WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH” (Orwell 3).
"Big Brother is watching you" (Orwell 2).
"Long Live General Kim Jong-un, the Shining Sun!" (BBC).
“WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH” (Orwell 3).
"Big Brother is watching you" (Orwell 2).
"Long Live General Kim Jong-un, the Shining Sun!" (BBC).