In Simulacra and Simulation Jean Baudrillard gives two famous examples to the way simulation
destroys the real and the distinctions between reality and representation to
produce a hyperreality. For Baudrillard, Disneyland and Watergate are
sites of simulation that function in the same manner. Is it the difference they
establish (between reality and imagination in the case of Disneyland and truth
and lies or reality and ideology in the case of Watergate) which uncovers how
this difference collapses inwards to reappear as hyperreality.
Disneyland produces a
clear cut distinction between reality and imagination. Disneyland can be
thought of as a second order simulacra, one in which reality is somehow
reflected in its representation and the way American ideology is manifested
there can be studied. But this distinction between the real and imaginary in
Disneyland is nothing but a desperate attempt to hide the fact that there is no
difference. According to Baudrillard, all of America is Disneyland. Reality is
not distorted in some Marxian fashion (see The German Ideology), it is
the cultural code that pre-establishes life in America which is manifested in
Disneyland. Disneyland doesn’t let you be a child; it hides that fact that you
are a child.
According to Baudrillard
Watergate constitutes the same type of illusion which hides the workings of a
simulation. The scandal serves to reestablish order, and it is therefore not a
scandal but rather a cover-up for some other unspoken scandal. Watergate for
Baudrillard serves as the illusion that the unruly and blind force of capital
can be haltered. With all of economical reality hanging on the limb of
capital's recklessness, we use Wtergate to imagine that evil can be uncovered
and justice can be obtained, and thus we are blind to the true destructive
force of capital. Like Disneyland, a hyperreality creates the illusion of
distinction between right and wrong, truth and lies, and the illusion that
order can be restored.
See also: Baudrillard on "Consumer Society"
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