The Society Of The Spectacle Analysis

Guy Debord said in The Society of the Spectacle that “The spectacle is not a collection of images; rather, it is a social relationship between people that is mediated by images.” As explained himself, “The present stage, in which social life is completely taken over by the accumulated products of the economy, entails a generalized shift from having to appearing”. (17) “The accumulated products of economy” whether some people are “having” or “appearing to have” form the origin of desires of people. At first, these are just real needs, later, these desires become overdeveloped and are detached from reality, thus become illusions, or images. With the endless pursuits of the images, numerous human activities are involved, thus forming an ever-growing …show more content…
Has she really changed? Did she really find herself? What is exactly the truth? Perhaps for “dream team”, the audience and even Cristina, they would perceive the new Cristina as truth. They would rather live under the lies made by plastic surgeries, because they crave so much for the image of “gross riches and physical beauty” that they could not care less about the truth. These kinds of cases happen here and there in the society, forming the spectacle and blurring the line between truth and falsehood.
2. “The fetishistic appearance of pure objectivity in spectacular relationships conceals their true character as relationships between human beings and between classes.” (24) As is written by Chris Hedges, in the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE),
Shawn Michaels, a popular WWE wrestler known as the Heartbreak Kid, finally gave in to the work offer made by John Bradshaw Layfield, his opponent during a match at the ring. Layfield persuaded Michaels to lose the match and accept the offer for a stable job that could provide the bread and education needed for his family and extended family. Just like Layfield wanted victory from the ring, Michaels needed a good job and money to support his family. Therefore, they formed a relationship and made the exchange for their fetishistic …show more content…
For instance, in order to obtain the spotlight, money and fame that come with the identity of a celebrity, “more than twice as many young people apply to MTV’s Real World show than to Harvard.” They are offering their private life under constant surveillance and numerous cameras, just in exchange for an opportunity to be famous.
So is the case in the wrestling world. Ray Traylor, known as the Boss Man, has a most infamous stunt, which is taunting Big Show. He taped and publicly exposed the miserable reactions of Big Show after his father died of cancer. And even imitated him in front of the public. Moreover, Boss Man also went extra length to find more dirt on Big Show, like his father is actually not his biological father, and also humiliated him publicly. The worst part is that people love these absurd stories and shows. Everything, including lived experiences can be viewed as commodities in modern