Models of the Hyperreal p. 83-92

Reflection on Baudrillard p. 83-92.

Let's reflect on the three main "schemes" that Baudrillard mentions on pg. 83. "Counterfeit" is the dominant scheme of the Renaissance period; "Production" is the scheme of the industrial era; "Simulation" is the scheme of the current phase.

First of all, I think it is crazy to parse history into three pieces. This is a huge generalization and makes it difficult to understand exactly when each "scheme" begins and ends, or what the essence of the scheme surrounds.

Michelangelo's David, The Accademia Gallery

Fashion, as a concept, indeed only makes sense in a society that is not separated into feudal hierarchy. As the author mentions, "There is no such thing as fashion in a society of cast and rank, since one is assigned a place irrevocably, and so class mobility is non-existent" (84). Once this motif shifts into a modern ideology, fashion becomes everything -- hence, the "counterfeit" becomes everything. Fashion breaks us into groups, segregates, and creates visual cues that incite hierarchy in a new way. Ideals of beauty were recreated after the industrial revolution - this is true. An "original" sculptural depiction of beauty (Michelangelo) was then turned into a mass-produced idea of beauty, which is now dissimilated further and further into a void of deception. As I peruse Instagram this evening, I am reminded that the idea of "beauty" has been diluted and transformed into a million different niches. Most of these niches will never reach my online feed, but I can revel in the ones that have. This in itself is a very fascinating sight.