1984 | Ch. 5.1 – Hate Week, Face Crimes, and Big Brother’s Lies

03/11/25 • 33 min

Banned Camp: Banned Books, Comedy, and Free Speech vs. Censorship

In this episode of Banned Camp, Jennifer and Dan dive into Chapter 5 of 1984, where Winston’s world gets sweatier (thanks to Parsons), creepier (thanks to child spies), and dumber (thanks to the Ministry of Plenty’s creative accounting). The telescreens blare propaganda, Parsons proudly recounts how his kids burned a woman’s skirt for using a Big Brother poster as wrapping paper, and Winston starts to wonder—does anyone else remember the truth, or is he the only one? Meanwhile, Jennifer and Dan get sidetracked by the origins of “Toot Sweets,” Salvador Dalí’s lollipop legacy, and Elon Musk’s potential Neuralink dystopia. Oh, and apparently, face crimes are a thing now. Watch your expressions, Scary Book People.

Things To Listen For:

The introduction of Hate Week (because Two Minutes of Hate wasn’t enough)
Parsons’ kids: future FBI informants or just terrifying toddlers?
Winston’s existential crisis: does anyone remember what life was actually like?
Why Orwell’s Ministry of Plenty sounds eerily familiar to modern political spin
A discussion on whether Elon Musk is secretly creating real Thought Police

Banworthy to Bingeworthy Podcast Recommendation:

Check out Good News for Lefties, where Beowulf Rochlen delivers progressive news that won’t make you want to scream into the void. Find it on your favorite podcast app!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

"Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help other Scary Book People find us!"

Disclaimer:

Banned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for the purpose of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment, in accordance with fair use guidelines. Some sections may be lightly abridged for clarity and pacing, but we always stay true to the author’s intent. We encourage listeners to support the original work by purchasing the book.

1984 by George Orwell remains a pivotal work in understanding censorship, authoritarianism, and the manipulation of truth. Get your copy here.

Topics Covered:

1984, George Orwell, Thought Police, Hate Week, Face Crime, Ministry of Plenty, Censorship, Book Banning, Big Brother, Propaganda, Surveillance, Neuralink, Political Manipulation, Salvador Dalí, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Things To Listen For:

The introduction of Hate Week (because Two Minutes of Hate wasn’t enough)
Parsons’ kids: future FBI informants or just terrifying toddlers?
Winston’s existential crisis: does anyone remember what life was actually like?
Why Orwell’s Ministry of Plenty sounds eerily familiar to modern political spin
A discussion on whether Elon Musk is secretly creating real Thought Police

Banworthy to Bingeworthy Podcast Recommendation:

Check out Good News for Lefties, where Beowulf Rochlen delivers progressive news that won’t make you want to scream into the void. Find it on your favorite podcast app!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

"Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help other Scary Book People find us!"

Disclaimer:

1984 by George Orwell remains a pivotal work in understanding censorship, authoritarianism, and the manipulation of truth. Get your copy here.

Topics Covered:

Previous Episode

1984 | Ch. 5 - The Ministry of Lunch and Other Nightmares

Winston’s lunch break turns into a lesson in state-sponsored misery as we step into Chapter 5 of 1984. The Party’s grip tightens, and so does our growing sense of dread (and nausea) as we explore the horrors of Newspeak, the lingering stench of synthetic gin, and the joyless routine of Party-controlled meals. Meanwhile, Syme is a little too excited about destroying words, and Jennifer and Dan wonder: If the Ministry of Truth had a Yelp review, how many stars would it get? Spoiler: Not enough to keep the rats away.

Things To Listen For:

Syme’s unhinged enthusiasm for Newspeak (because fewer words = more freedom... somehow).
The cafeteria’s "delicious" offerings—because nothing says totalitarian nightmare like watery stew and synthetic gin.
Winston’s growing paranoia—someone’s definitely watching, and no, it’s not just us.
Jennifer’s deep concern about the Party’s taste in beverages.

Bingeworthy Podcast:
Check out Good News for Lefties, the daily podcast that proves not everything is terrible. Hosted by Beowulf Rochlen, it’s the perfect antidote to dystopian despair.

Also, Support The Spine Bookshop!
We stand behind Lindsey’s mission of fighting back against book bans. Check out The Spine Bookshop and support indie bookstores that champion the right to read.

Rate, Review, & Follow:
Help more Scary Book People find us! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Disclaimer:
Banned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for the purpose of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment, in accordance with fair use guidelines. Some sections may be lightly abridged for clarity and pacing, but we always stay true to the author’s intent.

Topics Covered:
1984, Newspeak, Syme, Ministry of Truth, propaganda, totalitarianism, censorship, synthetic gin, banned books

Next Episode

1984 | Ch. 6: Winston’s Worst Date Ever

In this episode, Winston takes a trip down memory lane—unfortunately, it’s a dark alley leading to a sketchy basement. Jennifer and Dan dissect Orwell’s bleak vision of love, marriage, and the Party’s war on pleasure. Meanwhile, Jennifer develops an unexpected bond with Winston’s nervous system, Prudence has some thoughts about keeping things joyless.

Things To Listen For:

Winston’s past romantic decisions, and why he regrets them deeply.
Jennifer and Dan theorize about Party-approved lube. (Victory LubeTM?)
The Party’s real goal: making sex as appealing as an enema.
How Nazi Germany rewarded childbirth—and why modern conservatives seem to like the idea.
Beowulf Rochlen breaks down the data: What kind of books get banned the most? (Spoiler: It’s not about protecting the children.)

Bingeworthy Podcast:

🔍 Good News for Lefties – Need a break from doomscrolling? Beowulf Rochlen brings you actual good news from a progressive perspective. Stay informed, stay hopeful.

Rate, Review, & Follow Us

Help us fight censorship—leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps other Scary Book People find us.

Disclaimer:

Banned Camp features readings and discussions of 1984 by George Orwell for the purpose of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment, in accordance with fair use guidelines. While some passages may be lightly abridged for clarity and pacing, we remain true to the author’s intent and encourage listeners to experience the full work.

The material from 1984 is shared to spark discussion on censorship, authoritarianism, and free speech. Orwell’s work remains the property of its copyright holders, and we strongly encourage you to purchase a copy to support the author’s legacy.

This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to George Orwell’s estate or the publishers of 1984. Any monetization of this podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed. We believe in fostering literary appreciation, critical thought, and open conversation—because when governments or extremists decide what can and can’t be read, freedom itself is at risk.

Topics Covered:

1984, Winston Smith, Party control, sexuality in dystopias, book bans, Nazi birth incentives, censorship, banned books, Moms for Liberty, political propaganda