The chief
pro of Big Brother is his propaganda value as a rallying point and a representation of the
state's power and security. Big Brother is a distinct and recognizable face for the nation,
functioning as George Washington or Uncle Sam does in the United States or Queen Elizabeth II in
Great Britain. This is especially important in Oceania, where the government is largely
invisible and also forever changing its policies, such as who it is at war with. Big Brother, in
contrast, provides a distinct, recognizable face, and is an emblem that is an unchanging point
of stability.
Nevertheless, Big Brother also represents oppression and
surveillance. The motto "Big Brother is Watching You" is threatening and ominous
rather than comforting and empowering. Big Brother creates a constant sense of unease in outer
Party members that they might, at any moment, be doing something wrong and worthy of punishment.
He symbolizes conformity and groupthink, qualities that alter individuals into a herd.
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