“Panem et Circenses”
A phrase many Hunger Games fans are familiar with. This Latin phrase literally translates to “Bread and Circuses.” It was an Ancient Roman technique used to quell rebellions. The idea was that if the people were kept fed and entertained, they would not rebel. So, the Romans built coliseums for entertainment, and provided food for all. It reduced rebellions and kept the people happy. This technique was also used by the government in the novel “1984” by George Orwell. However, the unique aspect of this novel is that it also demonstrates what the people would be like if the circuses part of the equation is removed.
For those of you unfamiliar with this novel, “1984” is a classic dystopian novel, with a grim outlook on the future. The society consists of three main social classes, the Inner Party, the Outer Party, and the Proles. The Proles are the workforce and make up eighty-five percent of the population, while the Inner and Outer Parties make up the government. The Inner Party is the most elite facet of the government, while the Outer Party does their dirty work. In this society, the Proles are given special types of entertainment that the Outer Party does not. For example, the Proles are able to access lottery tickets, pornographic magazines, and so called meaningless songs and novels. The Outer Party is not given these things, and is forced to obey through constant surveillance. They are supposed to be loyal due to patriotism. However, many must feign obedience because one wrong step could lead to a torturous death.
If it was not for the entertainment industry, we would be like the Outer Party. We would be held together only by our patriotism and our sheer fright of the government’s power. Those are fairly thin threads to be clinging onto. Can you imagine world like that?
So, if you have to boil this whole post down to one sentence it would be this:
Without the entertainment industry the world would be a scary place, held together by the thin strings of patriotism and fear.
Until later, stay cool and keep dreaming.
ThePhilosophicalFangirl (Phil-fa)
thephilosophicalfangirl 