Life imitates art
I experienced a slightly disturbing case of life imitating art the other day. I had just finished listening to the audio version of Feed by M. T. Anderson. For those not familiar with the book, it’s set in a future where folks have the feed implanted in their brains, which is sort of like having an internet connection inside your head where you are bombarded by advertising almost constantly. The audio experience of the book, really brought this aspect of the book to life with reenactments of the advertisements complete with sound effects and music.
The other day I stopped in a Wal-Mart that opened back in the fall. While, any experience to Wal-Mart can be disturbing, mine was especially so because for a moment there I thought I heard a feed going inside my own head as some woman started telling me about the wonders of a new foamy hand soap that would keep me and my family safe from scary germs. It took me a moment to realize that this was a talking video advertisement located near a display of the foamy soap. As I walked through the store, I noticed there were more of these video ads scattered throughout the store. It was a weird experience.
I suppose a brain implanted feed can’t be too far away. I think I’ll pass on having one installed.
Tags: advertisements, audiobooks, science fiction, wal-mart, ya
What I'm Reading | Alissa | 
January 29, 2010 7:31 am
4 Comments
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By Heather, January 29, 2010 @ 11:33 am
Funny how that happens isn’t it? Or scary in this case… I’ve got to agree with you, I’ll pass on the implant of any receiving/transmiting device!
By Alissa, January 30, 2010 @ 5:41 pm
I like when life and art intersect, although the Wal-Mart experience was a bit creepy.
By amna, January 31, 2010 @ 9:38 am
I think I’ll pass too!
By Alissa, January 31, 2010 @ 10:27 am
Amna: That might be the only thing that strains credibility with Feed. I think there would be a lot more people who would pass on having something like that inserted into their brain.