once again here we are
Now back from yet another MD trip.
I finished Brave New World on the trip and I feel very compelled to blog about it. Let this be a warning to you, that I will contain spoilers. Ok, so Huxley is writing about the dysfunctions of society on an individual level, in general. He wants everyone to know how blind and accepting we are of our reality around us. Huxley prompts us to look inward to see the true source of our superfluous, materialistic culture rather than blame the media or government. The idea he tries to get across: we accept what we are given rather than fight for a better ideal. Of course, I left out parts in my quick rehash of the novel, but those are the main parts of the theme etc.
I began reading this book hearing it was a good read and quite worth my time. Although I won’t argue the latter, I wasn’t very impressed with the book itself. The book argues that individualism is lost in such a massively connected society. True. But the way in which the book describes that scenario is flawed. The organization of society (Alphas, Betas, Gammas, Deltas, and Epsilons) is the big flaw. The book says that all castes are created and manipulated throughout childhood and adolescence with ’sleep-learning’ methods that regulate their moral behavoir and judgment. The lower castes are manipulated to enjoy their inferior positions and lifestyles, while the upper castes are unconsciously learning to look down on their lessers. Now here is the flaw. If the lower castes, that are given no choice in their lifestyle or in the fact that they are even in a lower caste, know nothing of a better life, how can they be seen as choosing the flawed society in lieu of something better? That is all they know! Indeed, they would know of no other better feelings of freedom and pleasure than those that are given to them systematically. Thus, how could they desire any more? Huxley does mention that the Alphas receive some level of choice in their life, although the book suggests that it is so maintained that they truly have little to decide besides what type of sport to entertain themselves with. So my point is that Huxley is calling society superficial on a false pretense.
Obviously, I am not the most fluent person in my explanations, but I think that pretty well summarized my feelings about the book and why I didn’t totally enjoy it. Again, I was glad I read the book; I saw it as no waste of time, but I just wasn’t enthralled.
So now I am on to Animal Farm.
The weekend went well. Good food etc etc.
I am back now and tired. But wanting some Starbucks. Really bad.
Having an iPod is totally amazing. exo2 here I come.
Virginia Beach here I come 