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committed. As suggested by Georgieva, all these approaches have laws governing their usage. It
should be upon our societies to make strict laws that protect the privacy of citizens and ensure
every provision is used as directed (105).
Conversely, the Big Brother idea in societies remains resisted by citizens because of its
oppressive nature. It is usually adopted by tyrants who have developed disregard for citizens. In
some regimes, ruling parties and personalities use surveillance provisions to undermine and
victimize their political opponents. A typical scenario of this kind is depicted in George Orwell’s
play, 1984 where the ruling class is identified to have become oppressive and deceptive to the
citizens. A tie between the government and a party is also established as well as the
unwillingness to depart from incumbency, hence the rampant invasion of privacy and oppression.
In addressing the issue, the character Winston says, “Big Brother is false to you. He has usurped
power. He is a ruthless, bloody tyrant. He talks of a new happy life while he starves your bodies
and denies your souls (Owens, George, Wilton and William 22).” A similar scenario of abuse of
the power to access private data occurred in America when Martin Luther King Jr. was
blackmailed by the FBI to commit suicide when they presented to him extremely personal data
from surveillance and wiretaps that they threatened to reveal to the public (Johnson). This was
extremely oppressive and illegal. To this extent, the society must not allow the Big Brother effect
to spread anywhere as its effects are detrimental to the society.
In conclusion, some limited surveillance by the government is acceptable; especially if it
is meant for security. However, the society must create laws which should be amended from time
to time to ensure they do not oppress the citizenry. On the other hand, I do not believe in Big
Brother Government. Imagine calling your wife or husband while someone is listening! Imagine
being an opposition leader and discussing your strategy on phone while the ruling party listens!
