Baudrillard-"Procession of Simulacra"

Summary

In Jean Baudrillard’s Simulacra and Simulation, he argues that our society has progressed to a point where simulations have become indiscernible from what they are simulating, because they have ceased to actually be tied to anything real. That is, we have transitioned from living in a reality interspersed with approximate simulations to the “hyperreal”, “without origin or reality”(1). Nothing is connected to reality any longer; everything exists in a “hyperspace without atmosphere”(2). Baudrillard references a fable by Borges, in which an empire ambitiously creates such an accurate and thorough map of its territory that it becomes as large as the territory itself. Thus, the simulation has become almost as encompassing as what it is representing. The author states, however, that this fable represents a point in society that has already passed-simulations are no longer anchored in reality; they are the reality.

Jean Baudrillard was a “sociologist, philosopher, cultural theorist…”(Wikipedia) As such, he is providing in this text his scholarly opinion on a cultural phenomenon, with his academic reputation at stake. Baudrillard’s intended audience for this text is obviously scholars of a high level, students and teachers alike. This is evidenced by his complex, advanced vocabulary and dense writing style. In addition to his general level of writing, Baudrillard makes references to concepts and intellectuals which would only be familiar to a learned reader-the works of Borges are not nearly as prevalent in the minds of the average person as those of say, popular fiction writers.

Inquiry

The perspective that Baudrillard provides on the way new media is changing the way we perceive reality is certainly novel and thought-provoking. Indeed, the Internet has revolutionized the way humans interact, and in many aspects it is the sort of simulation that he refers to. However, as is obvious, many activities that have become digitalized/have moved to the realm of the Internet are still grounded in reality. Though the physical and “real” manifestations of these activities have drastically been reduced, such as combing garage sales for antiques and collectibles (all but replaced by sites such as eBay and craigslist), the distinction between these methods is still quite clear. Online shoppers are quite aware of the electronic and artificial nature of their perusing, and are not simple-minded enough to consider online sites as part of their “reality”. It should be clear that there is a fine balance between living in a cabin in a secluded forest, free of all technology and living in a totally organic environment, and living singularly off of a created Internet identity, surrounded by screens every waking hour of the day.

Discussion Questions:

1. What portions of our society, direct social interactions or otherwise, have been eliminated from “reality” by New Media?

2. Is there truly a danger of the image/symbol/simulation taking over and becoming something of substance in its own right?

3. What technological events that are just on the horizon, if any, would seem to drive society towards Baudrillard’s “hyperreal”?