How is the society in 1984 similar to and different from contemporary America?

The type of society depicted in 1984 bears a number of similarities and differences to contemporary America. One of the most striking differences is the nature of political power. In Oceania, the Party came to power in a violent Revolution. In the modern United States, the government is democratically elected.

Moreover, the citizens of the modern US have a number of rights and freedoms which are protected by legislation, like the Constitution, and cannot be...

The type of society depicted in 1984 bears a number of similarities and differences to contemporary America. One of the most striking differences is the nature of political power. In Oceania, the Party came to power in a violent Revolution. In the modern United States, the government is democratically elected.

Moreover, the citizens of the modern US have a number of rights and freedoms which are protected by legislation, like the Constitution, and cannot be denied by the government. In contrast, in Oceania, Party members live a very restricted life of which every aspect is controlled by the Party. They cannot date who they like, for example, or complain about their poor standard of living. Proles are the only exception to this rule; they live as they please, but only because the Party does not view them as a political threat.

Both the Party and the United States use surveillance to monitor their citizens. In 1984, the Party installed telescreens in the homes of Party members and in the public places they frequent. These devices constantly monitor the conversations and actions of every Party member. While surveillance in modern America is not as invasive, it has steadily increased since the 1980s, driven in part by the modern threat of terrorism (see the first reference link). 

Please also see the second reference link provided for more information.