"Groupthink" 2010 style

Writing in the winter issue of God's Revivalist and Bible Advocate, Kenneth Farmer finds striking similarities between Orwell's "monstrous machine" and today's political talk radio/TV. The whole article is well worth reading, but these are some highlights.

In George Orwell's novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, the "Two-Minute Hate" was a daily period in which party members of the society of Oceania were forced to watch a film depicting the party's enemies and encouraged to express their hatred for them and their principles. This actually was a form of brainwashing leading to party members being whipped into a frenzy of hatred and loathing, culminating at times with members feeling compelled to physically assault the telescreen. Imagine that!


. . . most of us will admit to listening to some talk radio. And having enjoyed it. But for some of us, this has changed; and here is how it happened.

The first thing that starts to get on our nerves is the arrogant tone. Once noticed, it is somewhat analagous to the grinding noise accompanying the Two-Minute Hate film. Orwell likened the sound to "some monstrous machine running without oil." Even for other voices which seem less arrogant, there is the growing awareness of wasted time . . .


The extreme voices get the headlines, the 24-hour news cycle elevates things of momentary insignificance to issues of importance, and you HAVE to take a side. Or so we are led to believe.


Don't allow the political hucksters to determine your views. When you take your stands, do so in a manner that is becoming of a Christian. For if we are "sound in speech which is beyond reproach" those who may oppose "will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us" (Titus 2:8).

Amen to all of that! Read it, print it, and pass it on -- here.