Branden Casey

1-2-16
#1
Totalitarian societies separate children from their families at an early age in order to
brainwash new generations of people to follow the tenets of society. It is present in Anthem. The
separation of children from parents removes the idea of individualism at an early age. Although
Hitler never separated children from their families, he did indoctrinate children so that they
would grow up to be function in society.
In Anthem, children are separated from their parents so that children do not grow up with
certain families. Growing up with different parents from those around you gives a feeling of
individuality to children. There is no likeness in growing up with different parents than those
around you. Equality recalls his time in the Home of Infants where he lived with all other boys
born in the same year. They all lived there until they were five, and then they moved to the
Home of the Students. At a young age, those in a position of authority made it clear to Equality
that it is forbidden to fight among his brothers. He was raised with the ideas that he is no better
than anybody else around him, and that oneself lacks significance compared to society as a
whole. He was smarter than his brothers and very curious. Because of this, his teachers
scolded him for being smart and forbade him from asking questions. If he were to be kept with
his parents, they may have influenced him in a more positive way than what his teachers did.
This backs up the idea that children being away from their parents takes away from their
individuality.
Due to the absence of parents, the presence and influence of an authority figure will be
significant. A parent would generally raise the child with morals. If they learn or do something
immoral or unethical, a parent would correct that in a child. If a parent is not there to raise their
child, any other influence will stick to the child. In the case of Anthem, it is collectivism. If a child
grows up with their family, they form a unique bond that they cannot form with other children or
people. You identify most with your family, and not other people around you. Leaders of a
controlling society do not want this, because it can cause rebellion against society. The leaders
want everyone to think the same so there is unity and equality. The absence of parents
strengthen their control over children, and what beliefs children hold as they are raised. Parents
will not be present to inspire children to reach greater heights. A leader or group of leaders in a
totalitarian society will have control over the future generation.
A real world example is communist parties, specifically Hitlers Nazi party. The nazi party did
not separate children from families, but children were used and raised in a way that made Nazi
views make sense. Children were indoctrinated to believe that the Nazi way is the correct way
to live. Parents would still have an influence on children. However, there are many ways to
appeal to children. Hitler used children to make himself look admirable in front of the masses,
like he cared. The children likely looked up to a leader like Hitler, and devoutly listened to his
words and ideals. Influence over children would be easier.
Totalitarian societies need the people within their society to follow their ideals. Separating
children from their parents to achieve unity and removing individualistic ideals from future adults
helps totalitarianists achieve the goals that they hope to achieve for their society.