The Dystopian World
Introduction
when we are little kids, our moms and dads taught us what was right and wrong, but what happens if they do not know the difference between right and wrong? That is what ends up happening with a dystopian society. The government makes the people living in it think they live in a perfect world. Fear is used to keep the people in check and keep the people from wanting to know the truth. V and Edward Murrow are some people who speak against dystopian societies with their speeches. Their speeches have one main purpose, similarities,differences, and warnings.
Evaluate what V's purpose/premise is in his speech
V is stating that the people of London are not free. He says, " and the truth is, there is something terribly wrong with this country, isn't there? Cruelty and injustice, intolerance and oppression." This is one of many parts in his speech telling the citizens the unbelievable truth. The use of the question makes the people think about the subject. It makes them think about the cruelty and injustice of loved ones who were taken by a black bag. It makes them think about the intolerance and oppression of not being able to produce news that is telling the truth. V finishes off with inviting everyone to come to the gates of parliament on the next November the fifth. On that day, V hopes that everyone will unite under the name of freedom. After Parliament is blown up, it will signify a new prosperous future for the people of London.
Evaluate Edward Murrow's purpose in his radio broadcast
Edward Murrow wants to bring attention to the fact that the television and radio are not being used in the right way. Edward Murrow said that we would find escapism and insulation if we watched the news at that time in history. The words escapism and insulation tell us that in the news the true news was not reported. The main reason is because there was no real reason to play the news. At the time, the people were wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent. " This instrument can teach, it can illuminate and can even inspire, " said Murrow towards the end of his speech. He is highlighting the potential good television could do. It gives a reason why news reporters should care with pathos. The reporters would love to see their son or daughter to be moved to wanting to do great things in life.
Similarities between V's and Murrow's speech
The main similarities between the two speeches are the word choice and the danger. V and Murrow both knew they could be in a lot of trouble or even killed for what they said. V mentioned it with " I suspect even now, orders are being shouted into telephones, and men with guns will soon be on their way." Murrow simply said, " If what I have to say is responsible, then I alone am responsible for the saying of it." They both risked their lives for the truth, because they believe that the truth would prevail. Through out the speech, the vocabulary helped V and Murrow get their point across. The word choice can be seen in V's speech with " While the truncheon may be used in lieu of conversation." In short, it says while the stick may be used instead of conversation. The vocabulary brings greater meaning to what he is saying and people would take him a lot more seriously. Murrow also had great word choice, " Unless we get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that television in the main is being used to distract, delude, amuse and insulate us." When Murrow says, "fat surpluses," it gives the speech a bit of humor. The word delude is also a great word for the occasion, because the media wants lead the people away from what is really happening
Differences between V's and Murrow's speech
The main differences are the audience and whom they think is corrupt . V was talking to all the citizens of London as seen in the quote, " Good evening London." It shows that he is talking to all of London, because he knew it would be broadcasted all through out London. " What is happening to radio and television," shows Murrow is targeting the radio and television broadcasters. After all, They are the people who produce the news and feed it to the people. V is announcing that the government is corrupt in his speech. Then he states that was the reason he blow up the Old Bailey. Murrow says the media is corrupt. He says that the media is not doing what they are truly suppose to be doing. The media is setting a bad example for the future generations according to Murrow.
What are the writers of V for Vendetta and Murrow warning us about? How pertinent is their warning today?
I think they are warning us about the potential dangers of something going unnoticed. The government in V's story was never questioned by the people so they kept the power. John Locke says the government must be based on the consent of the governed, but there was no consent of the people. The point of media is to bring important news to the people, but it is hard to do that when news broadcasters are broadcasting false information. I think the warning is still apply able today. North Korea is a good example, because if we keep letting them do their own thing, who knows what type of bomb they might make next.
Conclusion
V and Edward Murrow saw the dystopian world and didn't want to have any part of it. V set himself up to free London from oppression. Edward Murrow didn't want the youth to see and hear all the distorted news. The word choice and danger was very similar for both V and Murrow. They had different stances for audience and whom was corrupt. The warning of not keeping something in check is still a real danger to us.