Lecture Notes: Postmodernism Part 2 - Baudrillard's Theory

Introduction

• Focus: Baudrillard's Theory of Postmodernism
• Application:
  • Online media
  • TV units for Component 2
• Reminder to watch Part 1 for features of postmodern media products
• Acknowledgement of complexity; even teachers find it challenging

Baudrillard's Theory Overview

• Key Concepts:
  • Reality
  • Truth
  • Fiction
  • Artificial Realities
• The theory explores differences between reality and artificial constructs

Metaphor of the Orange

• Reality: Represented by an actual orange
  • In the past, media showcased real people, locations, stories
• Heightened Reality: Example of freshly squeezed orange juice
  • More intense but still linked to real oranges
  • Not a simulacra
• Simulacra: Artificial copies of reality
  • Example of Fanta: Only 4% real fruit, tastes different from real oranges
  • Example of Terry's Chocolate Orange: Resembles an orange visually but not in essence

Media Products as Simulacra

• Media often presents simulacra that are hard to distinguish from reality
• Examples:
  • Online personalities like Zoella
  • Are these personas reality or constructed versions?
• Simulacra in TV Shows:
  • "Humans" - Synths as simulacra of real humans
    • Designed to be better than humans

Hyperreality

• State where differences between simulacra and reality are indistinguishable
• Audiences may prefer simulacra over reality
  • Examples: Aspirational online personas

Application to Media Products

• Analyze whether media products reflect reality or are simulacra
• Consider that narratives themselves may comment on simulacra
  • "Humans" comments on society's obsession with the artificial

Conclusion

• Be aware of what's real or fake in media
• Evaluate set texts and unseen media for elements of reality vs. artificiality
• Question whether we still care to distinguish between reality and simulacra