Within the context of postmodernism, Baudrillard presents the idea of hyperrealism in “The Precession of Simulacra.” He uses the experience of Disneyland to explain that sometimes the things we fantasize about become more real to us that what may would typically classify as “real life.” While intending to present us with an escape, it can also lead to a confusion between fantasy and reality. For example, we got to Disneyland to fantasize about being a child again, but our time at Disneyland is real, not merely a fantasy.
This can present a problem. One example we can look at is the Edward Cullen obsessed fanatics of the Twilight fandom. While the Twilight series is meant to be enjoyed, some readers and viewers have taken their liking of Bella’s vampire companion to an extreme. This has has changed their Twilight fantasies into their reality. A quick search of Edward Cullen reveals the contrasting views of love and hate for the character. Those on the side of love (perhaps crossing over into obsession) make us question how much of a fiction they believe this book/movie to be. Many of the memes even reflect the idea that no boyfriend could compare to Edward Cullen. This idea presents a conflict between what we would consider should be a person’s real life and what has become of it.
Here there are “Ten Reasons to Love Edward Cullen”:
Despite the books young adult audience, mothers have even fallen into the craze:
Baudrillard’s view of hyperrealism suggests that originally readers of Twilight were seeking an escape, a fantasy. However, by being so drawn into the series it quickly become their real life. If a person thinks, reads, watches and talks about Twilight everyday, how can it only be a fantasy? While Edward will never become real (sorry Twilight fans!), the series has become their real life.
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