Reading this book really has changed my mind a lot, and also changed how I see things.
One thing I want to write about is film, Chicago. In order to help Roxie free from death penalty, the lawyer helps her by 1. making up stories about her childhood and the murder. 2. propaganda it on newspaper and all media to gain people’s sympathy on her and put stress on judges and prison. The lawyer knows what readers want. Suddenly, Roxie turns from an unknown performer into a wide-known star. What the lawyer does is just about that. He and news reporters abandon the star immediately after the case succeeds, then chases after the next newsmaker. When Roxie and Velma eventually become a duo, they advertise themselves as two women murderers (or something like that) because “the audiences love seeing that”. (Good thing can turn into bad thing and vice versa.)
The other thing is about the Tiananmen *# protests that happened in the 80s. This is the second time I did research on this event, but my opinion is quite different now.
Basically, it is a student-organized movement for democracy that lasted for about two months. After seeing a documentary made by a foreign crew, my picture of this event has become clearer. Below are some of my thoughts inspired by this film:
- The student organization and government both see the power of mass media. They made their own radio station, and one of their requests is the allowance of private publishing. The organization put a lot of effort into letting people know. Let people know their rights and why they weren’t able to know it. Before the breakout, they had to handwrite their plan and what was happening on paper then spread them around the city. At that time, many people outside the central area barely know about this event due to the lack and blockage of communication.
- The doc also says how one attempt failed because of the delayed communication between student leaders. In this sense, I feel actually quite happy about the development of mass media and the internet. It brings us so many conveniences in terms of fast information exchange.
- Simulations mentions about how scandal is not a scandal. The fights between the citizen and government could be a prove that justice exists. Compare today with that time, it’s hard to say which period is better. Maybe back then was the best time.
- Baudrillard’s opinion about power and capitalism is also manifested in this documentary.
- A perfect simulation makes a society without democracy and without any conflict.
- Who knows, even the doc can be a covered simulation.
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