Debord wrote "The Society of the Spectacle" in the 1960s, addressing the spectacle and its effects upon society. These writings are still relevant today and have been re-translated multiple times, with one of the most recent translations being in 2002. In the text, Debord describes and writes about the spectacle and its place in society in many different ways. One of the best ways Debord describes the spectacle is found in section 36, stating, "The fetishism of the commodity attains its ultimate fulfillment in the spectacle, where the perceptible world is replaced by a selection of images which is projected above it, yet which at the same time succeeds in making itself regarded as the perceptible par excellence [1]." In simpler terms, Debord is explaining how people really want or think that they want certain things and commodities, while being told by society what to buy and setting the standard for the things that people should have.
The commodity as spectacle refers to the idea that consumers need a certain product. Whether it be clothing, shoes, makeup, or handheld technologic devices, the spectacle in society creates this illusion that wants become needs. Typically, the spectacle is fed by the average consumer, who then helps in creating this illusion since people will often times buy into something simply because they saw somebody else owning or utilizing the same product.
One of the biggest modern examples of the spectacle and consumerism can be found within the sneaker community. In early April of 2014, cult New York-based brand Supreme was set out to release a sneaker in collaboration with Nike at their flagship store in lower Manhattan. Hundreds upon hundreds of people typically line up for the brand's clothes on a weekly basis, but this time was different. The sidewalks as well as the roads in front of and around the store were completely packed with people who wanted to get their hands on a pair of these limited sneakers. A good amount of these people waited days, maybe even a week, in front of the store to secure their spot in line.
According to several news sites including the New York Post, the New York Police Department had to cancel the release due to safety reasons, angering what was now thousands of people who were in the streets [2]. The spectacle can be seen here in this example, affecting thousands who lined up for the sneakers. No one needed these sneakers. Everyone just wanted the sneakers. The "spectacle" created hype all around the sneakers, causing people to wait crazy lengths of time for a pair. Consumerism is still evident in today's society, if not more now than in the past.
[1] Debord, Guy. "The Society of the Spectacle." Chapter 2: The Commodity as Spectacle.
[2] Rosario, Frank, and Aaron Feis. "Sneaker Release Nearly Causes Riot at Soho Store." New York Post. N.p., 03 Apr. 2014. Web.
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