Reply #13: It is real in the sense that

[Newest Reality]

it is a fitting metaphor for a World pulled over our eyes. From a philosophical perspective, the modern, Western culture is clearly based on an intensive methodology that simulates a certain, collective reality, especially through media and technology.

Even though Baudrillard is some heavy reading, (remember that book that was Neo's stash in The Matrix?) his philosophy centers on the nature of our particular "matrix" of simulation. Anyone familiar with how we personally filter information and create consensus reality can more easily fit the pieces together and then be aware of how media emits and reinforces a carefully crafted Simulation that absorbs everything, (past and present) and regurgitates it with authority and a synthetic form of reality that Baudrillard refers to as hyperreal, as in, more real than real.

However, bringing that up in a public place is bound to incite some contention and wrath. How would one describe water to fish when it is everywhere around them and they know no contrast to it?

In these times, seeing more clearly into exactly how this Brave New World is pulled over our eyes is a potential antidote to the nature and function of skillfully manufactured consent and management and manipulation of the masses. It is not an enjoyable or popular emergence, but the air is clear and fresh, at least.