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Loss Of Individualism In 1984

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Brooke Boren Mrs. Mizanin English 11 15 March 2024 1984 and the Death of Self “Resistance to the organized mass can be affected only by the man who is as well organized in his individuality as the mass itself.”-Carl Jung. George Orwell’s 1984 is exactly this–the story of Winston Smith rebelling against the organized mass that is The Party. However, this quote does not apply to Orwell’s dystopian work. The loss of individualism and the destruction of self are Orwell’s most relevant warnings today. Society sees these issues through topics like hair discrimination, forced uniformity, and the overall advocating for the idea of sameness. George Orwell’s 1984 painting paints a disturbingly clear picture of what society could become if Orwell’s warning …show more content…

Black hairstyles, particularly, have been under scrutiny. “...employers have demanded black people cut or change their hair or fired them for not doing so”(Wright). Black hairstyles are very unique and expressive. It is this uniqueness that they are being punished for. This is a major theme of 1984. People are prosecuted, tortured, and killed for being different. People are punished for their individuality. But, it is not simply about hair or clothing. “...could see hair discrimination as something more than just something about a hairstyle”(Wright). It truly is not about hair or clothing. It is about whether or not people have the ability to express themselves. Julia lacks the ability to express herself because the government took it from her. Not having the ability only makes Julia want it more, so much so that she expresses herself in private as a way to spite the Party. It is natural for the people to want to have that individualism. “You have a problem with how their hair is naturally growing out of their head”(Wright). The Party is fighting against natural human instincts, similar to how employers are fighting the way their employees’ hair naturally …show more content…

"A Plea Against Uniformity, a Cry for Self-Expression: Will School Uniforms Really Stop Bullying?" University Wire, 09/09/2014. ProQuest; SIRS Issues Researcher, https://explore.proquest.com/sirsissuesresearcher/document/2265372272?accountid=41449. "COLUMN HIGHLIGHTS OUR LOSS OF INDIVIDUALITY, CREATIVITY: [THIRD EDITION]." Boston Globe, Oct. 29, 2000, pp. 113-117. 2. What is the difference between a'smart' and a'smart'? ProQuest, https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/column-highlights-our-loss-individuality/docview/405364173/se-2. Orwell, George. A. A. 1984. The 'Standard' of the 'Standard'. Signet Classics, 1949. Wright, Aallyah. A. A. More States Consider Bills to Prohibit Discrimination Against Black Hair." TCA Regional News, Mar. 31, 2022. ProQuest,

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