Activity 4: Censorship and Modern Media (V for Vendetta)

-      - In what ways does the government in the film use censorship, thought control, propaganda, and media manipulation to control its citizens?

In the film, 'V for Vendetta,' the government uses censorship, thought control, propaganda and media manipulation to control its citizens in many different ways.

First of all, all of the television programs are run by the government and everything is taped so that no one could air anything live. The government reports manufactured and untrue news through BTN, a TV station. For example, when V destroys the 'Old Bailey', the news says that the 'Old Bailey' has been demolished. In addition, when V hijacks the governmental broadcast and sends his video message to all the people in the state, the news calls V a terrorist and reports that V has been killed by police even though V is still alive. In addition, video cameras are everywhere and the government posts ‘Thought. Unity. Unity. Thought. Faith.' words on the streets.

Second, the government bans blacklist and censors the goods, art, and food. For example, butter is only available to high-up government personnel. Moreover, religious books like the Koran are no longer allowed as well as several pictures and art pieces. Flowers are extinct like the Scarlett Carson.

In conclusion, the government uses censorship, thought control, propaganda and media manipulation to control its citizens both physically and mentally.  The government uses TV programs, word posts, and banning of the items. Therefore, the government has the citizens contained in its boundary.

- What elements of the film are similar to events that have occurred historically in or the present?

The background of 'V for Vendetta' is a society being run by a totalitarian rule. Thus, a government is present that controls the lives of the citizens and defines how the society should be run. There are similar events like the film that has occurred both historically and in the present.

First, "Nazi Germany and the Third Reich are common names for Germany during the period from 1933 to 1945, when its government was controlled by Adolf Hitler and his National Socialist German Workers' Party, commonly known as the Nazi Party. Under Hitler's rule, Germany was transformed into a totalitarian state where nearly all aspects of life were controlled by the state" (Wikipedia, 2013). Likewise, during the era of Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler controlled the citizens in many different ways. For example, the Nazi government controlled the media such as radio, art, racial attitude, and daily life of the citizens such as curfew hours.

Second, North Korea is a kind of totalitarian state at present. North Korea student studies only about the supreme leader of North Korea about how that leader has good done work under government's control. In addition, TV station is controlled by the government. For example, the news reports only about the leader and the country and it is done by the government. The government controls the citizens' appearance as well. For example, the citizens cannot wear clothing that is too revealing such as a miniskirt.

In conclusion, there are similar events with 'V for Vendetta' film in past and at present. From the past, Nazi Germany showed similar events of controlling the citizens. Moreover, North Korea is still controlling their citizen under one leader and the government centered on him. These two events are the typical events that exemplify the governments that control the citizens as illustrated in the film. Likewise, in the past or present, a government uses censorship, thought control, propaganda, and media manipulation to control citizens.