1984 | Ch. 2.1 - Down with Big Brother (Oops, Did I Write That?)

Welcome back to Banned Camp, the podcast where we read banned books, expose authoritarian nonsense, and occasionally wonder if we should be whispering all of this into burner phones instead of broadcasting it.

Today, Winston Smith stares longingly into the void of O’Brien’s eyes, convincing himself he’s found a secret ally. Classic Winston—nothing says revolution like aggressive eye contact. Meanwhile, he commits the single dumbest crime in an all-seeing surveillance state—he writes Down With Big Brother over and over again, because nothing says subtle like leaving a paper trail for your own execution.

But that’s not all! This chapter also introduces us to the world’s most terrifying children—a pair of government-trained snitches who turn public executions into must-see events and consider ratting out their parents a fun weekend activity. Jennifer and Dan, naturally, have an existential crisis over how much of this book is just…reality now.

Things To Listen For:

✅ Winston realizes the most dangerous thing in a dictatorship is a pen.
✅ The Party’s solution to home repairs: “Fix it yourself, comrade.”
✅ Orwell’s chillingly casual description of public hangings as family-friendly fun.
✅ Jennifer vs. a Facebook troll who understands housing policy as well as Winston understands privacy.
✅ News Speaker, Truth Seeker Beowulf Rochlen reports on the Trump White House renaming the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America.” Because if you can’t change reality, just rebrand it.

Banworthy to Bingeworthy (Podcast Recommendations):

Need a break from a government-controlled dystopia that’s maybe not so fictional anymore? Check out Good News for Lefties, your daily reminder that progress is still happening, and The Blueprint with Jen Psaki, where an actual competent press secretary explains what Democrats should be doing next. Both are available wherever you get your podcasts—assuming we still have a free internet next week.

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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.  1984 by George Orwell is shared under these principles. We strongly encourage listeners to purchase the book in full: Buy Here from Penguin Random House.

This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to George Orwell’s estate or publisher. Our goal is to foster literary appreciation, critical discussion, and educational engagement—because we all know what happens when people let governments decide what can and can’t be read.

Topics Covered:

1984, George Orwell, Thoughtcrime, Big Brother, The Brotherhood, O’Brien, Winston Smith, authoritarianism, surveillance state, government propaganda, public executions, state-controlled children, political indoctrination, totalitarianism, censorship, resistance movements, diary as rebellion

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