What is Hyperreality?

"What is real? When is it real? Why is it real? How real is it?" Questions as such demand how we ascend the world to the field that governs it. We have explored reality from a mental, rational and industrial view-a modern sense perception. To explain, one scientific example is the Newton's theory which states that there is an objective reality where the world which we see exists regardless of our own existence (What is reality?). However, as time passes by, in the reality that we are in, we have come to the awareness that there are problems inherent in its own organization and we have run up against our own limitations for a resolution- the modern is struggling to give way to the postmodern (Wilber pg 68). Therefore, the solution of this problem, according to Ken Wilber, is perhaps the creation of a new one (pg 68).     

The introduction of Hyperrealism is one of the major symptoms of postmodern culture. Asked what is Hyperreality, it is interesting to study some of the notable theorists like Umberto Eco, Jean Baudrillard, Daniel Boorstin and Shawn Parry-Giles who can provide meaningful definitions to it. Umberto Eco, in his "Travels in Hyperreality, says: "The American imagination demands the real thing and, to attain it, must fabricate the absolute fake" (Eco 8). Here he regards Hyperreality as an authentic fake. Almost similarly, Jean Baudrilliad in his "The Precession of Simulacra", he states that Hyperreality is as "The generation by models of a real without origins or reality: a hyperreal" (Baudrillard 2). In here he basically explains Hyperreality as being the simulation of something which never really existed. Now that we have identified 2 definitions of Hyperreality, we shall proceed the discussion a little more in depth with the significance of it, some interesting examples of it, the consequences of it as well as looking into some of the arguments derived from it.    

The birth of Hyperreality came into light slowly as we gradually seek stimulated stimuli to replace our world with a copy one. The explanation for such behaviour, Umberto Eco mentions that it is for the reason to "…illustrate the revivalist awareness of the period when they were built" (Eco pg 28) and "because history will not be imitated. It has to be made." (Eco pg 28). Basically, Eco wants to point out that real world and possible has been undermined (Eco pg 14) and hence, to attain something, it must fabricate the absolute fake (Eco pg 8) because reality is just a fantasy (Eco pg 15). In short, Eco believes that the reality that we are in is a "falsehood" which we enjoy in "fullness". To him, "hyperreality," or the world of "the Absolute Fake," what counts, however, is not the authenticity of a piece but the amazing information it conveys (Eco pg 15)- somehow this suggests the imitations are aimed to improve the reality, bringing the picture of "Hyperreality" to be considered upon as something encouraging and positive.     

Jean Baudrillard explains Hyperreality as "reality by proxy". According to him, the world is being constructed more "real" than real, and where those inhabiting it are "obsessed" with timelessness, perfection, and objectification of the self and so, they take someone else's version of reality on board as their own. Authenticity has been replaced by copy where reality is replaced by a substitute and hence, nothing is "real," though those engaged in the illusion are incapable of seeing it. (Bauldrillard). It seems to him that we are living in a Hyperreality of a culture of deception. Why? To elaborate, for Bauldrillard, one key factor for the creation of Hyperreality is the sign of exchange value which has reliance with consumerism. Thus, when it comes to the frame of "Consumerisms", the confusing simulations for what they imitate, may, in this case, be regarded as a problematic issue. This is because they can indicate something about the owners in the context of a social system and there would then be many emerging consequences due to it. (Bauldrillard). For example, Hyperreality tricks the consciousness into detaching from any real emotional engagement, instead opting for artificial simulation and endless reproductions of fundamentally empty appearance (Bauldrillard). In Bauldrillard concepts of Hyperreality, it seems that his provocative aphorism bends towards a more negative side.    

Overall, both Eco and Bauldrillard have portrayed that Hyperreality indicates the age of simulation we belong, particularly on how it helps in the creation of a human world today (The age of simulation). We are using science and technology to gain power over the world and to create fictional substitute "worlds" in which we have complete control. Various examples of how science and technology are allowing us to reshape the world so it conforms to our desires are being depicted in the essays from Eco and Bauldrillard.    

For a good example to illustrate, Eco, in his essay who plays the role of both social critic and tour guide, takes the reader across an American landscape that he says is being re-created in the image of fake history, fake art, fake nature and fake cities (Travelling through Hyperreality with Umberto Eco) and gives an account of his visit to Disneyland and Disney World where he relates how these places can tell us that technology can provide us with more than nature does. In comparison to Disney, a hyperreality place in which everything is brighter, larger and more entertaining than in everyday life, reality can be disappointing. In explanation, when he travels the artificial river in Disneyland, he sees animatronic imitations of animals. But, on a trip down the real Mississippi, the river fails to reveal its alligators. One may never even get a good look at any crocodiles on the cruise, but the crocodiles at Disney World are always cooperative. (Hyperreality: The authentic fake). In addition to that, when Eco mentions "…their interior is always a disguised supermarket, where you buy obsessively, believing that you are still playing", this easily shows us that the creating a hyperreality world indeed has something to do with what Bauldrilaard has suggested: The existence of Hyperreality is for commercialising and consumerism purpose. In short, the Disney world supplies us with two trends that define the age: the desire to escape the constraints of life through the new magic wand of technology and the desire to pretend that we have done so in invented worlds of simulation (Disney word: Cities of Simulation as Postmodern Utopias) at the cost of us being the passive consumers-a new twist for the same old tricks of capitalism

Next, to understand what hyperreality is, it is crucial to understand the consequences of it. The pervasive use of deceptive simulations to manipulate large numbers of people in the contemporary culture of deconstruction of reality that we are in, according to Utopian philosopher, Herbert Marcuse, is used to satisfy true or false needs, making possible exploitation and escape, or a breakthrough into a new kind of society, based on the right to live fully (Faustian Society). The example of Disney world alone reveals the way technology can promote narcissistic personality traits in those who use it (Disney World: Cities of Simulation as Postmodern Utopias). It is dangerous for it might cause humanity to regress, allowing it to lose itself in an environment of automation, simulation and reassuring intellectual illusions (Disney World: Cities of Simulation as Postmodern Utopias). If the world we live now is exactly like Disney world, we will surely be drawn into fields of engagement in which nothing is at stake. Not only we would stand at a remove from things; to act decisively when the stakes are not real and when there is no danger that we will make a true mistake, we would also be encouraged to encounter other people only through mediations such as computer images, voices, and so on. Interacting with fictional characters in place of people, we are protected from intimacy or the judgment of others (Stoller 1985). Behind the facade of daring exploits and journeys, we will be in a reality in which we always play it safe (Stoller 1985). Simulation, the ultimate imitation of life, therefore, becomes a wall that stands between us and the true experience of life (Stoller 1985).    

In conclusion, as the relevancy of hyperreality in our lives is becoming more important from time to time, not only we need to understand that hyperreality brings about both positive and negative consequences, we should also not to forget that the importance of hyperreality ultimately still lies in the achievements of it. As Eco has pointed out a positive outcome that Hyperreality is aimed at improving the conditions of our reality, we may appreciate hyperreality from this angle that it is part of the larger story of humanity's genuine effort to master its surroundings and turn it into a more human world that is designed around our needs and desires (The Mastery of Life). To enhance the reality might be to indulge ourselves in new period of history of building a new journey of civilization (Faustian society). All our creations including the simulations we bring about are the things which can consciously create a society and culture that expresses the fullness of life. Hence, hyperreality from this sense is good but if we recognise the dark side of it, we then out to efficiently adapt it for good, bringing the fantasy to life.     

(1564 words)

Biography:

Eco, U., "Travels in Hyperreality", London, Picador, 1986.

Baudrillard, J-L., from "The Precession of Simulacra", Simulations, New York, Semiotext[e],
    1983, 1-13

"Baudrillard", <http://www.knowledgerush.com/kr/encyclopedia/Baudrillard>

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Stoller, Robert, "A culture based on Fantasy and Acting out", Observing the Erotic
    Imagination (New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1985) pp. 58-61.

The Age of Simulation, viewed May 3^rd, <http://www.transparencynow.com/tablesim.htm>

The Mastery of Life, viewed May 3^rd 2010, <http://www.transparencynow.com/mastery.htm>

Disney Distorted Mirror, viewed May3rd 2010,
    <http://www.transparencynow.com/Disney/distable1.htm>

What is Hyperreality?, viewed May 3^rd, <http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-hyperreality.htm>


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    <http://www.transparencynow.com/eco.htm>

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