BIG BROTHERISM Meaning and
Definition
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Big Brotherism refers to a social or political ideology that advocates for extensive surveillance, monitoring, and control by the government or other powerful entities over citizens' activities and private lives. The term draws inspiration from George Orwell's dystopian novel 1984, where the authoritarian regime led by "Big Brother" is known for its constant surveillance on the population through telescreens and manipulation of information.
This concept is characterized by an intrusive level of state authority that seeks to maintain dominance and exert control over individuals' freedoms and personal choices. It involves a systematic infringement on civil liberties, privacy, and individual autonomy, often justified under the claim of ensuring national security or promoting social stability. Big Brotherism typically employs tactics such as mass surveillance, propaganda, censorship, and the suppression of dissenting views.
In a Big Brotherism society, the government or ruling elite possess a significant degree of power and knowledge, exerting control through various means such as monitoring communication channels, collecting personal data, and utilizing technology for widespread surveillance. The objective is not only to detect and prevent potential threats to their authority but also to shape and manipulate public opinion in favor of their agenda.
The term "Big Brotherism" is often used to critique and warn against the encroachment of governmental power, as it highlights the potential dangers and implications of an overreaching surveillance state. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding individual privacy, freedom of expression, and the preservation of democratic values in society.
Etymology of BIG BROTHERISM
The word "Big Brotherism" is derived from the novel "Nineteen Eighty-Four" written by George Orwell, published in 1949. In the novel, the term "Big Brother" refers to a totalitarian ruler or leader who exercises relentless surveillance and control over its citizens. The word has since been used to describe any form of extreme government surveillance, intrusion, or authoritarian control in the real world.
