Author: Ben Bonafede

The use of deceit as a technique of control is addressed in both Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s The Gulag Archipelago. One is taught, in Chapters 11-18 of Brave New World, how the usage of Soma, a medication that promotes euphoria, is used to persuade the residents of the world state into accepting their predefined roles in society. Similarly, in Chapter 3 of The Gulag Archipelago, Solzhenitsyn outlines totalitarianism’s use of the “permanent lie” to control citizens’ ideas and behaviors. While the control techniques differ, both texts discuss the perils of permitting people in authority to alter the facts for their ends.

The use of Soma is depicted in Brave New World as a technique of sustaining the world’s stability. Citizens are conditioned to accept their predefined social positions from birth, and any deviation from this training results in punishment or ostracism. Soma is used to calming those who might otherwise dispute their assigned positions or the state’s authority. “It’s one of the conditions of perfect health,” says the character Mustapha Mond. That’s why we made such a big deal about it” (Huxley, loc. 1966). By linking Soma usage with health, the state creates an environment in which any questioning of its use is viewed as an outlier. Similarly, Solzhenitsyn discusses the deployment of a “permanent lie” to keep control over citizens. The concept of a “permanent lie” refers to the belief that the state can change the facts to serve its objectives, even if it contradicts objective reality. Solzhenitsyn writes that the “permanent lie” “surrounds us with a dense and high-powered fog” (Solzhenitsyn, p. 40). Citizens find it difficult to determine the truth and hold those in authority accountable for their actions as a result of the fog.

While the control techniques differ, both works highlight the risk of permitting people in authority to alter the truth. The usage of Soma in Brave New World lets the state keep control over its inhabitants by fostering a culture in which questioning authority is viewed as a sign of disease. Similarly, the deployment of the “permanent lie” in The Gulag Archipelago creates a culture in which citizens are unable to recognize the truth and consequently unable to hold those in authority accountable. The proliferation of disinformation and the weakening of trust in traditional sources of information demonstrates the perils of the “permanent lie” today. The emergence of biased news sources has made it difficult for citizens to distinguish objective facts, and the proliferation of social media has made it simpler than ever for those in power to influence the truth. The risk of this manipulation is that it permits those in authority to avoid accountability while maintaining influence over the people.

Summing up, both Brave New World and The Gulag Archipelago show the consequences of allowing people in power to alter reality. The usage of Soma in Brave New World creates a culture in which challenging authority is considered a sign of illness, whereas the “permanent lie” in The Gulag Archipelago develops a civilization in which citizens are unable to detect the truth. The proliferation of disinformation and the weakening of trust in traditional sources of information demonstrates the perils of the “permanent lie” today. Citizens must be vigilant and hold people in authority accountable for their actions to ensure that the truth is not distorted for their benefit.

The scene in “Brave New World” in which the Director gives a tour to a group of students from the Hatchery and Conditioning Centre is one passage that can be analyzed using Solzhenitsyn’s ideas. The Director demonstrates the conditioning process that babies go through before becoming members of the World State. Electric shocks and sirens condition the babies to fear books and nature and prefer consumer goods and promiscuity, “We also predestine and condition. We decant our babies
as socialized human beings, as Alphas or Epsilons, as future sewage workers or future …” (Huxley 13). This passage can be analyzed using Solzhenitsyn’s concept of “survival at any cost.” Survival in the World State is a psychological necessity rather than a physical one. Citizens of the World State have been taught that their happiness and well-being depend on their ability to consume and conform. Individuals are taught to prioritize pleasure and consumption in order to avoid feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction during the conditioning process. For example, Lenina is the prime citizen of the World State: enjoys her work as a hatchery worker, but also enjoys spending her free time engaging in recreational activities, such as playing Electromagnetic golf and engaging in casual sex with multiple partners.

Solzhenitsyn also discusses the central ethic of modern totalitarianism, “only the material result counts.” The World State’s obsession with consumer goods and superficial markers of success exemplifies this idea. Books and nature are conditioned to be feared by babies as unnecessary distractions from pursuing pleasure and consumption. The Director proudly displays the conditioning process as proof of the World State’s ability to produce obedient and productive citizens who will contribute to the economy and consume goods and services.

Solzhenitsyn’s ideas can thus be used to analyze the conditioning process in “Brave New World.” Babies are socialized to value consumption and conformity over individuality and free will. They are taught to fear books and nature as threats to the World State’s stability and efficiency. Conditioning can be viewed as a form of psychological survival in which individuals are taught to prioritize pleasure and consumption in order to avoid feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction. Solzhenitsyn’s ideas help to contextualize the conditioning process in “Brave New World,” revealing how modern totalitarian societies prioritize material gain and survival over human dignity and individuality. A conditioning process is a tool used by the World State to create obedient and productive citizens who will contribute to the economy and consume goods and services at the expense of their own personal freedom and autonomy.

Greetings, fellow Generation Z’ers!

You have more access to information than any other generation because you were born into the digital age. Information is easily accessible at our fingertips because of technological breakthroughs like the internet, social media, and others. To make sure that the information we receive is correct and trustworthy, nevertheless, is a serious duty that comes along with this convenience.

For many of us, the major sources of information are frequently the mainstream media and reliable government institutions. It’s crucial to realize that these sources have their own biases and might not always be telling the whole story. It is crucial to be aware of this and look for additional sources to verify the accuracy of the data being offered. We now understand the value of accurate information and the risks of misinformation thanks to the COVID-19 epidemic. In order to safeguard ourselves and our communities against the dangers of misinformation, we must be cautious in searching out trustworthy sources of information. Also, we must be careful about the information we transmit because doing so can have negative repercussions.

Climate change is another topic that calls for reliable knowledge. The scientific data is conclusive: our world is possibly being irreparably damaged by human activities. We must act to lessen the effects of climate change and lower our carbon footprint. We need to research this topic thoroughly and educate ourselves on our options for changing the situation. Several other topics, like politics, social justice, and immunizations, also call for reliable information. To make sure that we are making informed decisions, we must take the time to conduct research and examine the data we get.

In conclusion, it is our duty as members of Generation Z to use critical thinking in order to assess the information we are given. We need to be cautious of the information that is openly shared in the media and by reputable government sources, and we need to look for trustworthy sources to verify the accuracy of the information being presented. In order to make sure we are making educated judgments, we must also be careful with the information we share with others and make the time to thoroughly examine and assess the information we receive.

Let’s take charge of our information and ensure that we are well-informed, responsible members of society!

Sincerely,

Benjamin J. Bonafede

Making the distinction between those who are misinformed and those who are uninformed is among the most important ones. Those who lack knowledge of scientific processes may also possess narrow-minded opinions, while those who are misinformed hold incorrect and flawed views regarding these processes. The article’s writers want to gauge how widespread individual ignorance and misunderstanding are.

The article’s key finding is that many Americans have trouble describing scientific experiments and differentiating between good and bad scientific investigations. In addition, the majority of Americans consider the public’s ignorance of science in the news to be a serious issue. Despite the public availability of scientific evidence, many Americans nevertheless embrace non-scientific views. Even if individuals are aware of the science, they might not choose the course of action that is consistent with it since their beliefs often seem to take precedence over the facts. As an illustration of the reluctance to change among some Americans, conspiracy theory believers refuse to change their opinions despite evidence to the contrary.

The method through which false information is created and disseminated is a third important consideration. Since many Americans lack a media literacy education, false information can spread quickly. Individuals need to get more educated and engage in debates about these subjects with one another to learn to prevent this. Large tech firms like Google and Facebook are working to create tools that can recognize fake news and flag it for readers, though. The fact that Americans prefer to read about their beliefs is one of the biggest challenges. This predilection makes it more challenging to impartially inform people about topics. Even if a news source isn’t blatantly biased, disinformation can nonetheless happen since diverse viewers may see the writing as supporting their opinions. Also, angry people have a tendency to believe erroneous information more and spread it to other people.

Engaging the audience by presenting many viewpoints is an intriguing answer to this issue. When someone challenges their beliefs, they become more receptive to other points of view. Group dynamics can facilitate the dissemination of false information, making it simple for false information to propagate as people get more accustomed to it. Large-scale rumors and beliefs can spread quickly among a group of people on social media, which facilitates the dissemination of false information.

The article emphasizes how misinformation and communication propagate throughout society as a whole. Misinformation is sometimes promoted for a greater gain, whether it be economic, social, or otherwise since news and other sources are not neutral but rather give what Americans desire. Collateral variables that show how misinformation is propagated among Americans include the media, scientists, and people who criticize science. Nearly all Americans do not trust or have issues with how the news is portrayed, and nearly half of Americans think that scientists exaggerate the importance of their studies. People are frequently misinformed when reading scientific news because of the vitriol in the comments. All of these aspects contribute to America’s lack of trust in the news and media, which results in the spread of misinformation.

I like to think that when I read about news, I try and read the most independent sources first, then I read 1 right-leaning outlet followed by a left-leaning outlet. For example, I would start by reading the news on a particular topic in the Wall Street Journal and The Associated Press. Then, I would head over to Fox News and CNN to understand what the two parties say about the situation. In my opinion, this is a great way to get a broad perspective on the news I am pursuing.

After identifying my top news outlet that I go to, I decided to use the Interactive Media Bias Chart to put my opinions into perspective. This was the result:

After spending 30 minutes analyzing what the interactive chart spit out, I was quite shocked. First off, I am content with my process of reading the news. I believe I get a fair assessment of right and left-leaning news, which forces me to make my own decisions and my own critical thoughts. However, this is not what shocked me. When I saw how many Fox News and CNN articles were considered “fake news,” I almost passed out. This means that much of the information that I, and my fellow Americans, take in could be irrelevant and misleading. Let’s get hypothetical (or maybe inevitable reality?) for a moment. In 20 years, news outlets will begin to release more and more of this “fake news,” pumping false narratives to anyone and everyone that will listen. As people begin to learn about this, they will acquire a sense of distrust of everything. If a country’s citizens can not trust even the slightest information, this will lead to chaos and turmoil. This potential issue is imperative to find a solution to or else the end of Democracy will be coming closer to its end quicker than we think.

The first article I read was about Dr. Peter McCullough and his ongoing lawsuit (https://www.medpagetoday.com/special-reports/exclusives/93936). Former Baylor Scott & White Health employee and cardiologist Peter McCullough has been sued by the health system for allegedly illegitimately affiliating himself with its facilities when promoting controversial views about COVID-19. According to the lawsuit, nearly six months after McCullough’s employment had ended, he continued using his former professional titles in media interviews to spread his opinions about the pandemic. The health system has accused the cardiologist of breaching his contract and causing irreparable reputational and business harm. McCullough has spread misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines and treatments and has come under fire for promoting the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19, which has been shown to be ineffective.

The next article I read was similar in standing to the last article (https://www.examiner-enterprise.com/story/news/2021/10/06/doctor-fired-baylor-spreading-covid-19-misinformation-finds-supportive-crowd-bartlesville/5995698001/). Dr. Peter McCullough, a Dallas cardiologist, who is largely discredited by the scientific community, spoke at an event in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and claimed that COVID-19 vaccines were unsafe and that early treatment options had been suppressed. Despite his claims, doctors attending the event said that his ideas had not been supported by any randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials. Throughout the evening, McCullough made multiple claims that are largely uncorroborated by the scientific community. Attendees at the event were urged to pressure their local representatives and the governor to prevent vaccine mandates. After reading this article, I truly gained a good grip on how Dr. McCollough was treated in his own industry.

Finally, to conclude my research, I wanted to check what AFP Fact Check thought about Dr. McCollough and his research. The article talks about the video of Dr. Peter McCollough claiming there is no reason for healthy people under the age of 50 or those who have recovered from COVID-19 to be vaccinated. Medical experts say younger people should be inoculated because they can still be affected by the virus, and the shots also benefit those who have already had the disease. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Health Canada, and the World Health Organization all recommend vaccination against COVID-19. The article debunks three false claims made by the cardiologist, including that healthy people younger than 50 do not need a COVID-19 vaccine, that people who have recovered from COVID-19 do not need the vaccine, and that there is no evidence of asymptomatic spread of COVID-19. As a more liberal news outlet, this response sounds about right.

Questions for Dr. Peter McCollough:

1. What is your opinion on the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines? Are there any concerns you have about the long-term effects of these vaccines?
2. In your opinion, what steps should governments and public health authorities take to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 while balancing the need to maintain economic stability and individual freedoms? How can we strike the right balance between public health and other societal priorities?
3. What is your perspective on the role of technology in healthcare, and how do you see it evolving in the future?
4. In regard to COVID-19’s impact on the United States, what is the most important area of medical research, and why?

When Dar, the main character in Alexandria, muses on the idea of development, he says: “To believe that our own assumptions, our own beliefs, are the only ones that are acceptable, is to live in a world without harmony” (pg. 147). This sentiment is similar to C.S. Lewis’ worries in “The Abolition of Man”, where he contends that a relativism-embracing society that rejects objective standards is destined for a nightmarish future. Dar’s warnings about “men without chests,” those without a moral compass- who are readily influenced by their own appetites- are reminiscent of Lewis’ cautions about the dangers of such people.

The Florida College System Presidents recently sent a letter outlining their commitment to promoting intellectual and academic freedom, viewpoint diversity, and the pursuit of truth in teaching and learning. The letter continues, “the FCS presidents will ensure that all initiatives, instruction, and activities do not promote any ideology that suppresses intellectual and academic freedom, freedom of expression, viewpoint diversity, and the pursuit of truth in teaching and learning” (FCSP 1). The letter rejects critical race theory and associated ideas because it believes they may be suppressive. The Florida College System’s position is consistent with C.S. Lewis’s warnings in “The Abolition of Man” on the perils of educational systems that prioritize ideology above indisputable facts. Lewis believed that the purpose of education should not be to promote a specific ideology or worldview but rather to enhance students’ capacity for reason and the recognition of objective realities. The presidents of the Florida College System also stress their dedication to fostering an atmosphere where academic pursuits can be pursued by teachers and students without hindrance and without discrimination. They want to foster an environment of trust and freedom where all viewpoints are embraced and critical thinking is encouraged.

How history and identity are taught in schools has recently been the subject of intense debate. The conflict between promoting critical thinking and objectivity and promoting a specific worldview may be seen in this debate. A larger disagreement about how to handle issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in the discussion surrounding critical race theory and notions that are related to it. One camp contends that these ideas are essential for comprehending and resolving systematic injustices, while the opposing camp views them as advocating a harmful and polarizing worldview. The Florida College System Presidents’ dedication to equality, justice, merit, polite discourse, and intellectual liberty demonstrates a desire to reach a consensus in this argument. They reject any institutional practice, rule, or academic mandate that forces acceptance of critical race theory or associated ideas. They do, however, acknowledge that critical race theory may be included in the curriculum of a postsecondary course if it is presented objectively as one of several theories. There is some hope for peace and harmony in Alexandria’s conclusion. Dar, who had been resisting the tyrannical government in Alexandria, comes to the conclusion that using violence and anger will only make things worse. He decides to show his former adversaries forgiveness and friendship, paving the way for continued peace. Similarly, in the school debate, it is only through empathy, understanding, and dialogue that we can hope to bridge the gap between different perspectives and find a way forward.

In our high-tech age, concerns about identity have become increasingly complex and controversial, often at odds with cultural traditions. Technology allows individuals to redefine their identities in ways that were once impossible, which has created new opportunities but also raised new questions about freedom. In “When Harry Became Sally”, Anderson argues that the freedom to define one’s own identity is essential, but it must be balanced against other values, such as the welfare of children and respect for cultural norms (pg. 13). However, his book was dropped by Amazon, raising the question of whether freedom of expression is being curtailed by powerful technology companies.

In “The Abolition of Man”, Lewis argues that identity is not a matter of personal choice but is rather rooted in objective, universal values that are essential for human flourishing (pg. 20). He warns against the danger of reducing human identity to a mere product of technology, which could lead to the loss of our essential humanity (pg. 117).

In “Alexandria”, Kingsnorth explores the ways in which technology has transformed our sense of identity and connection to the natural world. He writes, “We have forgotten what it means to be human… We are adrift, unmoored from the past, unrooted in the present, and without a way forward” (pg. 30). This passage underscores the idea that technology has disrupted our sense of identity and connection to the world, and that we must find new ways to navigate these changes.

Given the complexities of identity in our high-tech age, it is understandable that some states, notably Florida, are pursuing restrictions on sex education and transitioning in schools for young people. However, these restrictions are misguided and ultimately harmful. By denying young people the resources and support they need to navigate their identities, these restrictions impede their ability to exercise their freedom and pursue a fulfilling life. They also reinforce harmful stereotypes and prejudices, which can have serious consequences for mental health and social well-being.

In conclusion, identity in our high-tech age is a complex and multifaceted issue, one that requires us to balance individual freedom with respect for cultural traditions and the welfare of children. While technology has created new opportunities for self-expression and redefinition of identity, we must be careful not to lose sight of the essential values that underpin human flourishing. By engaging in thoughtful and respectful dialogue about these issues, we can work to create a society that is both free and just.

As an investigative journalist, I have spent the last week researching the topics of media censorship and government propaganda. My journey began with reading the dystopian novel “1984” by George Orwell, a book that has been widely studied and referenced for decades. The story depicts a totalitarian society in which the government controls all aspects of citizens’ lives, including their thoughts and beliefs. While the novel is a work of fiction, its themes and warnings have become increasingly relevant in today’s world.

In my research, I discovered several articles and studies that support the idea that media censorship and government propaganda are not just theoretical concepts but are happening in real life. One such study was conducted by the Pew Research Center, which found that 71% of Americans believe that the media intentionally report false or misleading information. This statistic highlights the growing concern among the public about the reliability of information presented by media sources. However, is this growing notation grounded in truth or is it just common folk questioning their own government?

Additionally, I came across an article in The Guardian that revealed how Facebook’s algorithm had been used to manipulate the emotions of its users during an experiment. The study involved altering the content that appeared in users’ news feeds to see if it could affect their moods. As many of you know, mental health problems have been ever-increasing in the United States. From depression to suicide, there have been many issues recently. After reading this article, one may infer that Facebook (and other social media companies) play a part in this mental health pandemic. Are they partially to blame for this problem? Do they have any ethics or morals that stop them from performing in these ways?

In light of these findings, it is clear that there is a growing need for the public to be cautious about the information they consume and where it comes from. It is essential to question the credibility of sources and be aware of the potential biases of those who create and curate content. This is especially true when it comes to information presented by government officials or state-run media outlets. The rise of fake news and misinformation has made it more important than ever for individuals to fact-check and verify the information before accepting it as true. As Orwell wrote in 1984, “The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.” We must be vigilant in protecting our ability to think critically and form our own opinions based on accurate information.