Manipulation of Youth by Dictators :: essays papers

Manipulation of Youth by Dictators Influencing people at a young age is one tactic used by Hitler in Nazi Germany and by Big Brother in 1984 to keep the future of their nations devoted. This tactic is made evident in Nazi Germany and in 1984 by the youth organizations set up by both dictators’. These organizations make their youth feel like they are involved. Both Hitler and Big Brother have ways to brainwash the youth into following. The Spies in 1984 and the Hitler Youth in Nazi Germany grow up living the way that their dictator had set up and for the rest of their lives they will be faithful and devoted; it’s the only way that they know. These tactics are especially cruel because the youth have no way of knowing what’s going to happen, it just seems like the right thing to do at the time. The reason Hitler and Big Brother’s manipulation of the youth is so intriguing is because it is purely elementary. From the time that children are born they look up to older kids so it’s not surprising when the youth of a nation looked to their elders to gain direction. In Nazi Germany Hitler was emerging as the dominant figure so naturally the youth looked up and wanted to be a part of his organizations. The Hitler Youth was a well-run organization built on discipline and loyalty. After the children were enrolled in the Hitler Youth, members were given a uniform, which may have been their first. Immediately they respond with a feeling of importance; they are now associated with Hitler and the Nazi Party, the most influential group in all of Germany. â€Å"They were children, thirteen and fourteen years old, tiny undernourished boys who remembered no other government than his and who still trusted and believed.† As the group grew larger, it became more prestigious and powerful. The same is true for the Spies in 1984. These children’s whole lives are directed towards remaini ng loyal to Big Brother. Their elders worship him and the children follow. As soon as they put on the blue shorts, grey shirt and red hanker chief of the Spies it gives them a feeling of importance in the society they are living in; this is similar to Nazi Germany. At the time, the children think they are doing the right thing, but eventually they will be so brainwashed by Big Brother that they will no longer be able to think for themselves, whether his decisions are positive or negative will no longer matter.