As we navigate a world of “alternative facts” and corporate-state surveillance, George Orwell’s life, times, and pain, transformed into enduring art, like 1984, show us how to be defiant today. Resistance begins in the mind.
This week, we’re joined by British critic Dorian Lynskey, author of The Ministry of Truth: The Biography of George Orwell’s 1984, to trace the biography of a nightmare. The Orwellian slogan “2+2=5” was taken from Soviet propaganda. Orwell reviewed Assignment in Utopia by Eugene Lyons, an American reporter who confesses in the chapter “The Press Corps Conceals a Famine,” to joining with other influential foreign correspondents in Moscow to label Gareth Jones a liar in their articles in exchange for access to the Soviet regime. Lyons and Orwell are both characters in Andrea’s film Mr. Jones.
The trauma of 1984 started during the Spanish Civil War, alongside his wife, Eileen Blair, the unsung hero who saved his life and helped him find his voice as an artist, to break through the lies. In Catalonia, Eileen and Eric Blair watched Stalin-backed communists turn a socialist revolution into a paranoid police state. It was here, nearly killed by the “Soviet myth,” that they realized nowhere is immune: lies and conformity keep people complacent as the sadists consolidate power.
Orwell’s message is clear for us today: in an era of state-sponsored lies, holding onto your humanity is the ultimate act of defiance.
Join us to celebrate the power of art and defiance at the book launch of Mrs. Orwell, Andrea’s inspiring new graphic novel, illustrated by the genius Brahm Revel.
-
When: April 13
-
Where: PowerHouse Books Arena, DUMBO, Brooklyn Details here: https://powerhousearena.com/events/book-launch-mrs-orwell-by-andrea-chalupa-in-conversation-with-nomiki-konst/
Patreon Supporters: You and your guests get in free and receive a complimentary book! Just message us through Patreon to claim yours.
Not a member yet? Join our community at Patreon.com/Gaslit. We couldn’t make this show without you–see you there!
Show Notes:
Our opening song was “Ride at Dawn” by Deena Marie. Check out her GoFundMe here to help her produce her next album: https://gofund.me/623a9c9b1
IG: @deenamariedmt Spotify: Listen hereApple Music: Listen hereTikTok: @deenamariedmt YouTube: Watch here
The Ministry of Truth: The Biography of George Orwell’s 1984 https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/580453/the-ministry-of-truth-by-dorian-lynskey/
33 Revolutions per Minute: A History of Protest Songs, from Billie Holiday to Green Day https://www.harpercollins.com/products/33-revolutions-per-minute-dorian-lynskey?variant=32210443141154
EVENTS AT GASLIT NATION:
-
New! There’s now a California Signal Group for Gaslit Nation listeners to find each other and connect in that state. Join us on Patreon.com/Gaslit
-
The Gaslit Nation Outreach Committee discusses how to talk to the MAGA cult: Join us on Patreon.com/Gaslit
-
Minnesota Signal group for Gaslit Nation listeners in the state to find each other. Join us on Patreon.
-
Vermont Signal group for Gaslit Nation listeners in the state to find each other. Join us on Patreon.com/Gaslit
-
Arizona-based listeners launched a Signal group for others in the state to connect. Join us on Patreon.com/Gaslit
-
Indiana-based listeners launched a Signal group for others in the state to join. Join us on Patreon.com/Gaslit
-
Florida-based listeners are going strong meeting in person. Be sure to join their Signal group. Join us on Patreon.com/Gaslit
-
Gaslit Nation Salons take place Mondays 4pm ET over Zoom and are recorded and shared on Patreon.com/Gaslit for our community
This content originally appeared on Gaslit Nation and was authored by Andrea Chalupa.