Giddy-up Baudrillard

Horsepower is one area in which Baudrillard’s theory applies very well. Initially, horsepower was exactly what the term implies. It was power obtained by the use of horses. Today, however, it still relates to the strength of horses but is obtained through mechanical motors built by producers who continually try to increase the horsepower that they produce because they know that the consumer is exhilarated by the cars with the most horsepower. While the real still exists in this case, very seldom, do you see “real” horsepower in action today because the simulated horsepower is better than the real. In this particular case, I have to admit, I am glad to be riding around in my car with air conditioning and heat and simulated horsepower instead of in a very hot or cold, depending on the season, (not to mention smelly) horse drawn carriage with “real” horsepower.