Write a short analysis (300 words approx) of an aspect of our culture
that is in some way Hyperreal.
'Hyperreality is used in semiotics and postmodern philosophy to describe a hypothetical inability of consciousness to distinguish reality from a simulation of reality... Hyperreality is a way of characterising what our consciousness defines as "real" in a world where a multitude of media can radically shape and filter an original event or experience'
CHINATOWN / /
London
'The name Chinatown has been used at different times to describe different places in London. The present Chinatown is part of the Soho area of the City of Westminster, occupying the area in and around Gerrard Street. It contains a number of Chinese restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, souvenir shops, and other Chinese-run businesses.'
Chinatown London can be described as being hyperreal in the sense that it is located thousands of miles away from China, yet it is trying to replicate the look and feel their markets. Because London itself is the capital of England and therefore has a large amount of tourism, Chinatown does also. This means that people who haven't visited China but have visited Chinatown Ldn are receiving a weakened version, one that doesn't entirely communicate truth. Because Chinatown relies so heavily on tourism for a main source of profit, it is only natural for there to be a saturated gift / gimmick business area that they will capitalise on.
Today's Chinatown is a designated tourist stop, for its restaurants and lion dances and lunar New Year and Mid Autumn celebrations. Its archway,
paifang (牌坊) or ornamental gates mark its boundaries. Tourist trap? Or a
spot for Londoner, out of towner, or foreigner to eat a variety of
Chinese fare.
Yet, it remains a tourist spot. Its
paifang transports the ordinary Londoner or the tourist into a world of
one's fancy about China; its fairy lights add a splash of color and
enchantment. The tones of Chinese disorient ever so slightly which lend
a playful melody to chimes of the imagination.
Source. Chinatown London can be described as being hyperreal in the sense that it is located thousands of miles away from China, yet it is trying to replicate the look and feel their markets. Because London itself is the capital of England and therefore has a large amount of tourism, Chinatown does also. This means that people who haven't visited China but have visited Chinatown Ldn are receiving a weakened version, one that doesn't entirely communicate truth. Because Chinatown relies so heavily on tourism for a main source of profit, it is only natural for there to be a saturated gift / gimmick business area that they will capitalise on.
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