A Simulacrum, as defined by Baudrillard, is a copy without an original.
I was reading this essay talking about the relationship between the Matrix and Baudrillard.
An important metaphor is this: consider a map of the world that is so detailed and specific that one spends most of his time in the map instead of the real world. This is Baudrillard's analysis of the present state of affairs in modern countries, and he likes to call what we live in the hyperreal or the desert of the real.
But what is real?
If the map or simulacra is the confusion of money, material possessions, work ethics, religions, the media, and anything man-made that commands us, then what is the real?
Unfortunately, I'm afraid that there is no "real" but whatever we're genetically adapted to, which could tenuously be a reality of 20,000 years ago, one of hunter-gatherer. This is tenuous though, because, what's to say we didn't develop pre-adaptations then that assist us with living in our current simulacra? And why should the state of the world 20,000 years ago be considered more real than what it is today?
Anyway, that's not the point I was trying to get at, and I'm no expert on Baudrillard (I probably have offended fincky-picky readers already), but I was waxing reflexive a few minutes ago.
I was thinking, like, well, yes, WTF, we are living in some slimey simulation. No wonder being a cheerleader for money, success, intellectual pursuits, etc.. all feels like chewing air. I should become like Hemingway or something, and go out into the wild.
Then I thought, naah, it's too late, I've been socialized for the simulacra.
So, continuing with that thought I went, well then FINE, I should completely submit to the simulacra. I should go back to school, get a job @ google, learn how to hang-glide, go to anti-war protests, buy a nice car even though I don't want to, etc..
But then I thought, that's silly as well. My conscience tells me that I can't do things inauthentically or under false pretenses. Well, although, I do kind of do such a thing with the Tautrix which is a simulation of a religion in order to get the perks of having spiritual agents to pray to. But that's better than false pretense, it's more like fantasy. Fantasy is like halfway between being a cold supporter of pure truth and being a naive believer in illusion.
Well, I don't know the difference between doing that, v. pretending to believe in the system by making money etc. Well, we'll see.
Yeah, I'm not sure what the argument would be against making buku money just because it fulfills what I'm socialized to need, even though I don't endorse it.
Well, I think maybe the difference is that in the case of the Tautrix, I'm safe from becoming part of that which I don't endorse, which is believing that these "gods" actually exist... primarily because it's one of the tenets of that religion. In other words, it's not like by practicing the Tautrix, I'll become a religious fanatic.
Pursuing money or a career even though you don't believe it, on the other hand, poses the danger of sucking you into the system.
I have to understand what is truly important to me. Maybe the path to individual enlightenment is separating what, within us, is real and what is fake.
Thursday, Sep 11, 2003
