I have recently read many reviews on Fahrenheit 451 and was shoked to find so many negatives.
I perceive that this goes in accordance to the books message of everyone holding an opinion instead of embracing nothingness in a quest to avoid hurting the increasing minorities.
Now more than ever, the world has been increasingly connected. Globalization, internet (communication technology), and not to say AI.
however, this interconnection exposes us to many minorities as explained by faber in the book. Self-censorship comes into play when we avoid saying things to avoid hurting others. This has been on the rise in the U.S. with schools censoring subjects & of course Kirk and the circumstances of his death.
A.I and social media plattforms like YouTube shorts and tiktok are also holding us into our own little parlors with talking "families" Who pull us into non-ending nothingness.
We already know about the seashells in the ears as our earpods and non-ending wars.BBradbury talks of not mourning the dead to avoid disrupting the human state of "happiness". Which reflects today on the nonchalant attitude towards the wars and hunger across the planet ( we know the examples).
The ending gives us a sort of hope for the future; a hope where we wake up and see what we have pulled ourselves into and realizes that this is not the way to live. A future where we practice mindfulness and remember….. We are here to contribute and grow each other, not to be sucked in by our devices.
by Sexxymama2
3 Comments
This is exactly why Bradbury’s work hits so hard today. The parlor walls aren’t even fiction anymore – they’re just called smartphones and endless scroll feeds
The part about self-censorship is wild because we’re literally watching it happen in real time. Everyone’s walking on eggshells afraid to have actual conversations about anything meaningful
I know it gives a more practice ending but honestly I don’t see it getting better at all.
Maybe it’s cause I’m young and stupid, unable to see past what’s put in front of me but it really seems beyond bleak.
I read it many years ago and the more I age, the more it terrifies me … the accuracy of the book. It was a clear warning.