Saturday, May 30, 2009

Revolutionaries?

I've been thinking about Kristen's question from last night of whether we would be revolutionaries or suffer in silence and Heather's example of the French resistance in WWII. I think the difference might be that as a revolutionary in 1984 you were totally alone and that takes more bravery, it would be easier to be brave as part of an organisation where you could actually meet your counterparts.

Also, I was wondering, do you think Emmanuel Goldstein was real or a creation of the Party? I thought if they always ensure there is no real revolution by creating their own fake revolution, possibly Goldstein was a construct.

Thanks to Kristen for a lovely night!

4 comments:

detecktive said...

Sounds like everyone had a wonderful night - I'm sorry I missed it!

I'm not sure we can ever know whether we would be a revolutionary or not until we are put on the spot - I'd like to think I would be but deep down have a feeling I'd more likely be one of the ones just following along with what I was told. Hopefully I'll never have to find out.

I agree with nicole's thought that it would be easier if there is a 'resistance' which you could join as opposed to being 'an island'. The idea of one person standing against an entire govt would just seem too overwhelming...where to start? What can I do that will really hurt it? Can I have an impact?

The funny thing is, it always starts with one...

Hettie Betty said...

Exactly what I was thinking as I read the comment- it starts with one.
I was watching Billy Bragg last time I went to the big day out and he was describing the first time he saw the Clash who introduced him to an interest in politics- long story short, he got the whole crowd going by telling us that we as individuals can make a difference and that we should speak out. That was one man, inspired by one band, empowering each member of the crowd. Sounds a little corny I know, but that experience stuck with me and was what I thought of when confronted by this question.
Ironic, it's the punk rocker in me that gives me faith in humanity.

Hettie Betty said...

PS Thanks Kristen, I had a blast at your place!

PJ said...

Thank you Kristen for hosting a very enjoyable evening!