1. Simulational Reality
A review of chapter 8
by
Brad Waterhouse

2. Definition
As we continue forward into the future, the
more technology based our society becomes.
We are always connected to some form of
technology, especially in the U.S.A., Japan, and
Western Europe.
Constantly connected to
technology, we seek
out simulational
worlds, for
entertainment
purposes.

3. Definition Part 2
Simulational worlds are worlds unto themselves.
We can play video games, watch movies, or
view a sports game, but the second we turn it
off it has no significant impact on our given
world. Hence these worlds exist without
consequence to ourselves.

4. The Book’s Example
The Book heavily uses the
example of the 1993 film,
Groundhog Day. In the film,
the narcissistic main
character, played by Bill
Murray, becomes stuck in a
temporal loop that causes
him to relive the same day
over and over again.

5. The Book’s Example Part 2
Murray’s Character finds himself in a simulated
reality, one with no consequences. He spends
the majority of the film indulging himself in
everything he had denied himself before due
to consequences that now no longer exist.

6. The Book’s Example Part 3
The Book and the film emphasize the main point
of all this. The Simulational World is hollow. If
nothing has consequences than you aren’t
really accomplishing anything.

7. My Insight
The ideas brought up
in this book and
film have brought
me to the
conclusion that the
more time we
spend in a
simulated reality,
the more we are
missing out on our
own lives.

8. A Wrinkle in Time
This concept heavily reminded
me of a book a read years
ago, A Wrinkle in Time. The
stories antagonist is an
immensely powerful being
known as the Black Thing.
The being has the ability to
rob people’s freedom and
imagination by sticking them
into a routine.

9. A Wrinkle in Time part 2
The villain resides over the planet Camazoltz,
which eerily has every street, house, and
family appear and act the exact same way at
the exact same time.

10. Conclusion
Concepts like these being brought
up in Groundhog Day, A Wrinkle
in Time, and even the children’s
film Wall-E, really bring to mind
that we should unplug
ourselves from the media more
often, otherwise we will find
ourselves stuck in a narcissistic
routine, doing nothing but
gratifying ourselves.

11. Citation
Brummett, Barry. Rhetoric in Popular Culture.
Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2006.
Print.