1984 | Ch. 13 - How to Disappear Your Best Friend (and Everyone Else)

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan read Chapter 13 of George Orwell’s 1984. 

Winston watches friends vanish, propaganda ignite, and a world of fear tighten its grip. Jennifer and Dan unpack Hate Week's full-blown hysteria, from staged outrage to creepy wax statues.

And somehow, a swarm of cockroaches and a wax figure of Donald Trump make their way into the conversation.

Because 2025 feels a lot closer to 1984 than anyone would like to admit.

Things To Listen For:

• Why Winston's friend Syme disappears without a trace—and why no one dares mention it.
• Hate Week's wild buildup: parades, fake photos, propaganda songs... and sudden "enemy" switches.
• Jennifer’s theory on how governments manufacture fear (and Dan's cockroach trauma).

Featured Clip:
News segment from WPLG Local 10 TV: Wax figure of Donald Trump at San Antonio Museum vandalized. All rights and copyrights are the property of their respective owners and are used here for entertainment and educational purposes under fair use guidelines. No copyright infringement is intended.

Banworthy to Bingeworthy:

Need some smart, progressive news to balance out all the fascist rats in your life?
 Check out Good News for Lefties—a daily hit of wins, resilience, and hope.
Beowulf Rochlen delivers the stories that prove the fight isn’t over. Find it wherever you get your podcasts.

Also check out Making Space with Hoda Kotb for inspiring conversations about growth, healing, and compassion.

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Disclaimer:

Banned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for the purpose of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment, in accordance with fair use guidelines. The material used from the book 1984 by George Orwell is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues.

The original work remains fully owned by its copyright holders, and we strongly encourage listeners to purchase a copy here to experience the book in its entirety.

This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to George Orwell, his estate, or the publishers of 1984.  Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. Our goal is to foster literary appreciation, critical discussion, and educational engagement within the fair use framework—because we all know what happens when people start letting governments or corporations decide what can and can’t be read.

Topics Covered:

1984, George Orwell, Syme disappearance, Hate Week, propaganda, censorship, fake news, emotional manipulation, wax figures, censorship resistance, banned books.