So I’ve been reading 1984, and so far I’m loving it! Gosh, dystopias are my favorite!!:’D it definitely makes you think, and I love that too. I have been thinking so much about the context of the time in which this book was written. Published in 1949, right after WWII, with the beginning of the Cold War and the rise of many totalitarian communist nations. I keep thinking the most of China while reading this book, probably because their brand of communism is one that fascinates me, and has since childhood. The hate of the “evil” capitalists, the lies told by propaganda, the endless images of Big Brother, etc. Even the whole goal of a sexless party reminds me of communist China with their whole one child policy. These characteristics are things which were obvious hallmarks of the communist regimes of the USSR, North Korea, China, etc., but for some reason I always think of China when I read 1984! I want to read Wild Swans after this, a memoir of three generations of women who lived during the century that communism rose in China. I find things like the great leap forward and the cultural revolution so interesting! Gosh, whatever I read is so intrinsically wrapped up in my love for history!:’D

Also, I find the Party’s disdain for sex totally fascinating. It makes perfect sense from a political standpoint. If people marry for love and attraction, it will ultimately destroy their loyalty to the government. The ideal is that all are to be monks and nuns of the state, forsaking all to serve the government, hence the Anti-Sex leagues. Same with things like religion. That must go, because worshiping a spiritual being will compete with complete adoration and loyalty to the state, and that cannot be allowed. Look at all the regimes which destroyed churches, temples, etc in order to make sure people’s loyalty was to the government. No freedom of religion or anything else, only subjugation to the government. Ugh, it just disgusts me to think of governments like this, but at the same time it is very interesting to me. Probably because of the way people let themselves be controlled by the government. Very interesting to ponder!