Examples Of Enculturation In 1984 By George Orwell

“The best books… are those that tell you what you know already” (Orwell). In the book 1984, by George Orwell, the main character Winston Smith, works in Oceania’s Ministry of Truth in the Records Department. Winston’s job consists of rectifying articles, newspapers, books, and such in favor of the Party so that all historical records tell the story the Party wants to be told. This book is reflective of its time, during World War II when people feared they too might end up living in a fascist society, where they lack any actual control of their lives and are forced to swallow any narrative their governing body decides is true. Americans thought that after the Allied Powers won they could worry less about this kind of control in their democratic world. However, that is not too different from the reality of American history from the beginning to now. The U.S. government has been revealed to have controlled the narrative many different times through various means to further its own goals.

Enculturation is an essential part of human development because it allows individuals to understand and participate in their cultural group. People internalize these cultural characteristics and use them to guide their behavior and decision-making. Enculturation is a reciprocal process, meaning that individuals both shape and are shaped by their culture, as individuals participate in cultural practices and socialize with others, they help to create and reinforce cultural norms and values. However, enculturation can have negative effects as it can lead to cultural bias and stereotyping. When individuals internalize cultural norms and values, they may develop beliefs and attitudes towards people different from them that are based on incomplete or inaccurate information, and lead to a distrust of those who are