Deep down, the US, with its space, its technological refinement

"Deep down, the US, with its space, its technological refinement, its bluff good conscience, even in those spaces which it opens up for simulation, is the only remaining primitive society." These bold words from Jean Baudrillard challenge us to examine the true nature of progress, civilization, and the masks that modern societies wear. Baudrillard, with the keen eyes of a philosopher, sees beneath the shiny surface of technological advancement and moral superiority. He reveals, with the precision of a sculptor chiseling away at the stone, that even in its technological marvels and its lofty ideals, there is a primordial emptiness at the heart of the modern world—an emptiness that hides behind the bluff of good conscience and the simulation of progress.

The ancient world, though far removed from the technological advancements of today, knew well the dangers of appearing to be more than one truly is. The Romans, for example, were masters of public spectacle, building grand aqueducts, baths, and forums that projected an image of strength and civilization. Yet, behind the grandeur, there were deep social divisions, corruption, and imperialistic conquest that threatened to undermine their so-called refinement. Similarly, Baudrillard argues that the US, with all its space programs, technological achievements, and self-assured morality, might be no more advanced than the primitive societies that preceded it. It is an image of progress, but one that obscures the primal instincts and barbarity lying beneath the surface.

Take, for instance, the example of space exploration—one of the crowning achievements of modern civilization. The Apollo moon landing in 1969 was hailed as a triumph of human ingenuity, a defining moment of scientific achievement that set the United States apart as a superpower. Yet, Baudrillard might argue that this grand spectacle, this dazzling leap into the unknown, was nothing more than a simulation—a display that masked the deeper questions about humanity’s true purpose in the cosmos. The space race, like many other monumental feats, was driven by political ambition and national pride, not a pure quest for knowledge or self-understanding. In this sense, the US was using technology not to transcend its primitive instincts, but to project power and assert dominance, much like primitive societies once did with their own forms of rituals and displays of strength.

Baudrillard’s critique is also directed at the moral superiority that the US claims on the world stage. It is a society that sees itself as the beacon of freedom, the champion of democracy, yet often ignores the contradictions within its own borders. Just as ancient empires often cloaked their conquests in the language of civilizing missions, the US has sometimes justified its interventions and policies under the guise of moral duty. However, beneath this veil of virtue lies the same primal urge for power and control. Baudrillard suggests that the US, in its attempt to craft an image of a benevolent leader, is no different from ancient tribes that wrapped their violent practices in the robes of divine will or righteousness.

This simulation that Baudrillard speaks of—the portrayal of a society as evolved, refined, and civilized—often hides a deeper tribalism. The US, despite its technological and economic advances, may still operate on the same primal instincts as those ancient tribes: a desire to dominate, to create enemies, to expand its influence, and to protect its interests at any cost. This primitive society does not manifest itself in crude rituals or overt savagery but in the structures of power and dominance that are veiled beneath a thin mask of progress and enlightenment.

Consider, for example, the story of Colonialism, which unfolded during the rise of European powers. At the height of their so-called civilization, empires like Britain, France, and Spain justified their expansionism with the notion of spreading civilization to the "savages" of distant lands. Yet, beneath this veneer of moral duty, they engaged in brutal conquests, exploitation, and subjugation. The parallels to the modern US empire are striking. Just as ancient civilizations projected images of refinement while committing atrocities, modern nations—especially the US—continue to wage wars and engage in political manipulations, all while asserting their moral superiority over the rest of the world.

Thus, Baudrillard’s insight is a call to look deeper, to see past the surface and to question the true nature of progress and civilization. It is not enough to wear the mantle of technology or moral authority; true evolution comes when a society transcends its primal instincts—its need for dominance, its reliance on deception, and its tendency to see others as inferior. The lesson for us today is one of reflection. We must ask ourselves: Are we truly evolving, or are we simply re-packaging ancient instincts in more sophisticated forms? Are we, like the Romans or the colonial empires, merely advancing technologically while leaving the same primitive urges intact?

To move forward as a truly evolved society, we must strive to recognize our primal instincts and transcend them. We must confront our history honestly, understanding the depths of human nature—the hunger for power, the desire for dominance, and the tendency to other those who are different. True civilization begins not with technology or political power, but with a commitment to equality, to recognizing the humanity in all people, and to using our technological advancements for the betterment of all. Let this be our guiding wisdom: progress is not just about the accumulation of power, but about the elevation of the human spirit above the primitive forces that have always sought to divide and conquer.