File spoon-archives/baudrillard.archive/baudrillard_2001/baudrillard.0110, message 20


Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2001 01:57:09 -0400
From: androobrokos-AT-netscape.net (Andrew Brokos)
Subject: 9/11 as Catastrophe


I know there has been alot of speculation about how Baudrillard's writings can help us make sense of the events on 9/11, but I recently thought of an angle I don't recall seeing discussed here and I am curious whether anyone has any thoughts. There is a theme running through some of Baudrillard's essays (I am thinking here of "Catastrophe Management" and "The Timisoara Syndrome" from The Illusion of the End, and "The New Victim Order" from The Perfect Crime) about how the West looks to the suffering of the third world as a reassurance of the real. He writes, "...we have chosen them to embody it [reality]". I think that something similar can be seen in the responses that many not directly involved with the events of 9/11. That is, they wanted to experience the event because it was something they identified as "real". "Real" suffering, "real" death, etc. Hence all of the flag-waving, blood-donating, and sympathizing can be read as attempts to become part of the catastrophe. Of course they are only interacting with a simulation of the event...


__________________________________________________________________
Your favorite stores, helpful shopping tools and great gift ideas. Experience the convenience of buying online with Shop-AT-Netscape! http://shopnow.netscape.com/

Get your own FREE, personal Netscape Mail account today at http://webmail.netscape.com/

   

Driftline Main Page

 

Display software: ArchTracker © Malgosia Askanas, 2000-2005