mrt, Eco, 9/18

      "Disneyland is really the quintessence of consumer ideology" (Eco, U., 1986, p. 202)  

          This excerpt from Umberto was packed with so many potent observations about the American obsession with Disney and other similar theme parks. On page 201, he discusses how these spaces "blend the reality of trade with the play of fiction" by allowing one to participate "in the fantasy because of his own authenticity as a consumer" (Eco, U., 1986). I've never really thought about it, but besides the attractions themselves, the only real thing to do at Disney is to buy things (in addition to the money already spent on the admission ticket). But, we allow ourselves to justify these purchases because they allow us to immerse ourselves even deeper into the fantasy laid out before us. I don't think I've ever been to Disney without at least purchasing something. I really enjoyed the way he described this compulsion to shop on page 202 when he said, "the Main Street facades are presented to us as toy houses and invite us to enter them, but their interior is always a disguised supermarket, where you buy obsessively, believing you are still playing" (Eco, U., 1986).  

            In a previous blog post in which Artemis discussed Dorfman, they made a connection to the 'hidden' capitalist messaging in Disney's media. After reading Eco, I would argue that this propaganda extends beyond their media into every aspect of the simulated 'cities' they've built. When we enter the parks, our role is that of a consumer, not simply that of a visitor. On page 203, Eco states that "Disneyland not only produces illusion, but-- in confessing it-- stimulates the desire for it" (1986). I would argue this is one of the reasons the parks are so successful. Upon entering Disney, guests don't want something that reflects reality, they want a version of 'reality' in which everything is perfectly curated to continue the narratives Disney spreads. Take the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for example. Spending $450 on a princess makeover will not actually transform you into a Disney princess. But it's not about reality, it's about continuing and furthering the illusion that takes place within the parks. 

              After last Thursday's discussion of Baudrillard, I probably would've classified the Disney parks as an example of sorcery. But, as Eco remarks, Disney confesses to their production of illusion rather than claiming a reproduction of reality. So then would Disney fall be considered evil or simulacric? I think there could be interesting arguments for both and don't know that I necessarily have an answer-- But it's definitely something to think about.