Particularly, I thought the section discussed on Simulacra and Simulation quite intriguing. Baudrillard looks at the idea of simulation in a deeper level. Simulacrum, first termed by Plato himself, essentially is defined as a duplicate without having had an original form in the first place. I especially like how Ken relates simulacrum with that of the ET ride at Universal Studios or Epcot in Disney World. Both of these attractions appear to be simulations, but, in reality, they are merely false depictions of reality. These simulations of reality blur the authentic version of reality, thus, creating the hyperreal. If one reaches the point of discovering the real, the real will perpetually be a result of the simulation. In The Matrix, Neo chooses to find out the truth of what reality really is. To his dismay, he discovers that it is a computer-generated world where humanity in a dream world. Yet, another example of simulacra.
Going beyond the hyperreal, Baudrillard grapples with the notion of “integral reality.” Money, for instance, can be used in credit form. Purposely putting off payment of a certain item is made possible by the process of purchasing an item, swiping a piece of plastic between another plastic mechanism, and never actually having a chance to view the money. This is a false reality of consumption—going back to Baudrillard’s theory that consumption makes the capitalist world go round.
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Great post! enjoyed the idea about credit and electronic banking as well. This example is really what helped me understand the concept of simulacra. These are copies without an original because there is no real money involved since credit is the deferment of payment. but on the otherhand, isn't money the original of which credit is the copy? or is credit truly so different that money can no longer be considered the original?
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