“Big Brother is watching you.” This is the famous slogan of a fictional totalitarian society invented by George Orwell. His creation of this mysterious, all-controlling despot in his novel “1984” has provoked a fierce battle against all totalitarian forms of government. During the last hundred years, the powers of the western world have coalesced to combat the threat of oppressive rule. But what if this battle was misplaced? What if the true menace lay within in our own borders?

In “1984,” Winston Smith is a member of a futuristic totalitarian society in England. A group known as the Thought Police constantly monitors him. Every word, every action, every facial expression is closely tracked by the party.

Though party members are required to comply with rigid standards of living, Winston is disenchanted with his situation and subtly defies Big Brother at every opportunity.

Male-female relationships are illicit within the party, but Winston begins an affair with a sensual, dark-haired woman named Julia. Winston lives in constant fear of discovery, but through his illegal activities begins to hate Big Brother and everything the party stands for.

Despite their caution, Winston and Julia are finally caught and separated. Winston is heavily indoctrinated and subsequently forgets his love for Julia. The book ends with Winston realizing his supposed foolishness and proclaiming his love for Big Brother.

Orwell’s dystopian novel has been a rallying cry for those opposing totalitarian government. Dystopian societies are generally recognized by oppressive governments that disregard the rights of the individual. Other famous novels, such as Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” and Ayn Rand’s “Anthem” are models of dystopian literature as well.

The importance of Orwell’s contribution is difficult to quantify. Through the rise of communism, the world has witnessed the horrors of fascist, authoritarian regimes that brutally mistreat their own people, as well as anyone who opposes them. Hitler and Stalin gave faces to the idea of Big Brother during their reigns of terror.

Though many identify communism as the engine that runs totalitarianism, there is a seemingly innocuous threat lurking in the United States. Despite exhaustive measures taken by America to ensure freedom of the individual’s rights, a recent act of Congress has jeopardized the future of democracy and evoked visions of a world similar to “1984.”

After the terrorist attacks of 2001, President Bush was compelled to fight terrorism, both foreign and domestic. To aid him in this process, Congress passed a bill known as the “Patriot Act.” The Patriot Act gives the government increased freedom to monitor society through increased access to phone conversations, e-mail, medical, financial and a variety of other personal records.

Though the Patriot Act is not a blatant infringement on civil liberties, it should cause concern for anyone familiar with the totalitarian society of “1984.” Despite America’s nearly flawless record against authoritarian government, the Patriot Act is the peak of a very slippery slope.

To retain the original purpose of American government, the people’s rights must be protected, regardless of the cost. Corruption and despotism are prowling at the door, and, if left unchecked, will sweep away every last right the American individual has come to expect and enjoy. “1984” is a warning: America, take heed.