preview

The Importance Of Human Rights And Freedom In 1984

Decent Essays

Every human being is entitled to their civil liberties. However, society’s fundamental rights and freedoms need careful protection to ensure their continuation. Reg Whitaker, author of The Devil and Stephen Harper, is one of the many citizens concerned about Canada’s new defence policy, Bill C-51. This article vocalizes social unease in Canada due to individual liberties being overlooked in favour of national security. George Orwell furthers this notion through his novel 1984, where a corrupt and apathetic government impedes on human rights and violates their basic human dignity. However, the distinction between these two societies and the determinant of whether the State is able to abuse their power lies within the response of the people. In today’s society there is outrage at the deprival of liberties, whereas in Oceania there is utter acceptance. When citizens remain subservient to an oppressive government, it leaves individuals with invaded privacy, no freedom of expression, and without protection from the law, thus diminishing one’s human dignity. Respect for an individual is established through granting privacy. By removing the ability to have personal autonomy, one’s dignity is lost and government control expands. Although citizens in both texts are stripped of their right to discretion, it is their respective response that determines the outcome of society. Bill C-51 authorizes complete control over the personal information of any citizen, even those who are not

Get Access