The Similarity Of Our Society With The Giver

Jan 12, 2024 giver Sociology Business

Title: Parallels Between Our Society and “The Giver”

Introduction:

Lois Lowry’s dystopian novel, “The Giver,” offers a stark portrayal of a highly controlled and seemingly ideal society that, upon closer examination, shares striking similarities with aspects of our own world. This essay will explore the parallels between our society and the fictional society depicted in “The Giver,” shedding light on how the novel serves as a cautionary tale for our own reality.

I. Surveillance and Loss of Privacy:

Mass Surveillance: In both our society and “The Giver,” there is an ever-present element of surveillance. Technology has made it easier for governments, institutions, and even private companies to monitor our actions, often in the name of security or convenience.

Erosion of Privacy: The erosion of privacy is a shared concern. The novel’s residents are constantly monitored, while in our society, concerns about data privacy, social media surveillance, and the collection of personal information are increasingly prevalent.

II. Controlled Information:

Controlled Narratives: In “The Giver,” the government controls the information residents receive. In our society, concerns about media bias, misinformation, and the spread of “fake news” challenge our access to accurate and diverse information.

Censorship: The novel’s society practices censorship, while in our world, debates surrounding freedom of speech and censorship arise in the context of internet platforms and social media.

III. Suppression of Emotion:

Emotional Suppression: “The Giver” portrays a society that suppresses emotions and requires its citizens to conform to a narrow emotional spectrum. In our society, there are instances of emotional suppression, conformity to societal norms, and the stifling of authentic expression.

IV. Loss of Critical Thinking:

Lack of Critical Thinking: The novel’s residents lack the critical thinking skills needed to question their society. In our world, concerns about the decline of critical thinking, media literacy, and a tendency to accept information at face value are growing.

V. Conformity and Uniformity:

Conformity: Both societies emphasize conformity to a standardized way of life. The novel’s residents wear the same clothing and lead identical lives. In our society, there are concerns about conformist behavior driven by societal pressures, social media trends, and consumerism.

VI. Medication and Control:

Controlled Medication: In “The Giver,” residents take medication to control their emotions and desires. In our society, the over-prescription of medication and concerns about the pharmaceutical industry’s influence are areas of concern.

VII. Loss of Collective Memory:

Historical Amnesia: In “The Giver,” the community lacks a collective memory of its history. Similarly, our society sometimes exhibits historical amnesia, with people forgetting or overlooking important lessons from the past.

Conclusion:

“The Giver” serves as a thought-provoking reflection of our own society, highlighting the risks and challenges we face in the modern world. The novel’s cautionary tale reminds us to remain vigilant in safeguarding our privacy, protecting our access to diverse and accurate information, nurturing critical thinking, and preserving our individuality and emotional depth. By recognizing the parallels between “The Giver” and our society, we can better navigate the complexities of our world and work to ensure a future that upholds the values of individuality, diversity, and freedom.