When a society knows that fiction is a lie, but chooses to perpetuate it, the truth ceases to be denied and becomes something that must be acted upon. Hypernormalization is not ignorance: it is the habit of living comfortably in falsehood, until reality bursts in without warning.
Hi guys, Alexei Yurchak here. You are not the first to misrepresent what I write in my book. I actually argue against the concept of "pretense" and against "cynicism" to describe late socialism. Various "interpreters" online claim that I do, but they clearly did not read my book. I also want to ask -- where did you get this quote that you attribute to me -- "The paradoxical situation where, despite the obvious failures of the system and the widespread cynicism among its citizens, life continued as if the system was functioning perfectly, creating a self-sustaining illusion of stability". In fact this is not my quote. Again, please read my book, do not repeat others who did not read it. I would also like to hear your response please -- my email: yurchak@berkeley.edu. Thank you
I'm guessing that the account misquoted you because it uses AI for the script and the voiceover. It released dozens of videos and essays in a week or so, way more content than a person could typically.
thanks, I do realize this - it sounds and reads like AI. But the point is not just misquoting but misrepresenting the idea. More profound and worrisome
When a society knows that fiction is a lie, but chooses to perpetuate it, the truth ceases to be denied and becomes something that must be acted upon. Hypernormalization is not ignorance: it is the habit of living comfortably in falsehood, until reality bursts in without warning.
Good article 🙌🏼
Hi guys, Alexei Yurchak here. You are not the first to misrepresent what I write in my book. I actually argue against the concept of "pretense" and against "cynicism" to describe late socialism. Various "interpreters" online claim that I do, but they clearly did not read my book. I also want to ask -- where did you get this quote that you attribute to me -- "The paradoxical situation where, despite the obvious failures of the system and the widespread cynicism among its citizens, life continued as if the system was functioning perfectly, creating a self-sustaining illusion of stability". In fact this is not my quote. Again, please read my book, do not repeat others who did not read it. I would also like to hear your response please -- my email: yurchak@berkeley.edu. Thank you
I'm guessing that the account misquoted you because it uses AI for the script and the voiceover. It released dozens of videos and essays in a week or so, way more content than a person could typically.
thanks, I do realize this - it sounds and reads like AI. But the point is not just misquoting but misrepresenting the idea. More profound and worrisome
Well, don't worry, AI will get better at simulating us. They might even hoover up your comments eventually and make the next version more accurate.