English 12
In chapters 3 and 5 of 1984, we see how language, in addition to so many other elements of society, is used as a form of thought control in Oceania. In chapter five, Syme says that 'the aim of Newspeak' is to make 'thoughtcrime literally impossible' by narrowing the range of thought.
Do WE use language in the same way today? Do we, as a society, try to control how people think by the word choices we condone? Maybe. maybe not. But let's have a thoughtful discussion tomorrow.
One way to enter into this topic is by reading THIS article published in The Atlantic magazine. (2015). Okay, the article is LOOONNG, but I am not asking you to read it all. 😁
Please read the beginning of The Coddling of the American Mind and stop at How Did We Get Here, and then head down to the bottom of the article and finish with What Can We Do Now.
The whole read should take 10-15 minutes. If you want to read more, feel free. Or if you want to watch the interview with the author, go ahead. These additional aspects are optional, though.
Upon reading, answer the following question:
1. Are the limiting of microaggressions and promotion of trigger warnings similar, in any way, to the way language is used in 1984? Explain with examples from both the reading and the novel. One paragraph max.
English 11
No homework tonight but the one page report on your topic related to Of Mice and Men is due Friday.
