Patriotic reflection on Orwellian themes, culture, politics, and our future
In the “Year of COVID” group discussions may be impossible; we can still reflect on ideas like those on the THEMES page.
About the Day
Patriotic Reflection
Themes and Why These Dates
Patriotic Reflection
By patriotic reflection we mean thoughtful objective engagement with ideas that can inform actions that can make our country a better nation. These actions can be in the political, social, or economic spheres of life.
What You Can Do
Themes and Why These Dates
Patriotic Reflection
On or about April 17 and October 17th this reflection can be as simple as thinking about one of Orwell's book that you may have read in high school, reading it again, reading it for the first time, or watching a movie version.
When it is safe again to do so, reflection could include holding an informal discussing or watching a movie adap
On or about April 17 and October 17th this reflection can be as simple as thinking about one of Orwell's book that you may have read in high school, reading it again, reading it for the first time, or watching a movie version.
When it is safe again to do so, reflection could include holding an informal discussing or watching a movie adaptation with family and friends, or even organizing a discussion or movie viewing at a local library, club, school, church, synagogue, mosque, or club.
Themes and Why These Dates
Themes and Why These Dates
Themes and Why These Dates
Among the themes in these books worthy of reflection are the following: The cult of personality, a vocabulary designed to annihilate thought, factlessness, pollicization of every-day life, destruction of privacy, and manipulation by politicians and others in power.
April 17 and October 17th have been selected as Orwellian Reflection Days
Among the themes in these books worthy of reflection are the following: The cult of personality, a vocabulary designed to annihilate thought, factlessness, pollicization of every-day life, destruction of privacy, and manipulation by politicians and others in power.
April 17 and October 17th have been selected as Orwellian Reflection Days for three reasons:
-April 17 is four months earlier than the anniversary date of the publication of Animal Farm on August 17, 1945.
- October 17 is shortly before November elections in the United States.
- Schools, which frequently have the book as required reading, are in session in April and October.
WAYS TO OBSERVE ORWELLING REFLECTION DAY
Simplest Way to Observe Orwellian Reflection Day
The simplest way to observe Orwellian Reflection Day is--if you have read or seen a movie version of 1984 or Animal Farm--reflect on what you have read or seen I light of today's society and politics. The Themes to Discuss page may be helpful.
Read a Book
Next, you might read one of these books for the first time or reread it before October 17, the Orwellian Reflection Day. Most libraries have copies of 1984 and Animal Farm, and they are available through most bookstores and online booksellers.
Watch A Movie Version
You might watch a movie version of 1984 or Animal Farm to help jump start your reflection. Note: Some DVD versions of movies are available on-line or possibly at your local library.
Family Activities
You might gather family together for a to watch or discuss one or both books or to watch and discuss a movie version.
Reading Orwell in School
Classes which have one of these books as assigned reading might invite other people in the school and/or parents to participate in discussions when it is safe to do so--after COVID-19 Limitations (or via computer), Alternatively, students who are reading the book in school might initiate a discussion with their parents.
Dramatic Reading of "The Principles of Newspeak
When it is safe to do so--after COVID-19 Limitations (or via computer): You and some friends might hold a dramatic reading of the 14 page "The Principles of Newspeak," found in the Appendix to the novel 1984. This is one of the most relevant parts of the book to our society today.
Activities with Others
When it is safe to do so--after COVID-19 Limitations (or via computer): You might gather friends together for a to watch or discuss 1984 and/or Animal Farm or to watch and discuss a movie version.
Public Activities
When it is safe to do so--after COVID-19 Limitations (or via computer): You might work with a local library, club, church, synagogue, or mosque to hold a discussion. Some libraries have copyright permission that would allow them to show a movie version of Orwell's works. It is advisable to contact these organizations well in advance to allow time to schedule the event.
Publicize on Radio and TV
When it is safe to do so--after COVID-19 Limitations (or via phone or computer): You might check with a local radio or TV station and see if they would like to discuss Orwellian Reflection Day activities that have been scheduled at a library or other institution/organization. Some stations are always looking for interesting stories.
Outside the US
People outside the US might like to organize Orwell Reflection Days closer to their own elections.
Can't Do Anything on Oct 17?
The idea of choosing October 17 as Orwellian Reflection Day is that many people in the US might participate on the same day. If you can participate on October 17, please choose another day on which you can engage in some of the above activities.
ADDITIONAL PAGES
There is a navigation bar to other pages at the top of this page which will take you to Themes for Discussion, Books and Movies and more
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