Really Fake

Really Fake examines the rise of disinformation and manipulation of images in the contemporary media landscape. Through analysis of political events, social movements, and technological developments from 2016-2021, David Levi Strauss tracks how visual deception has impacted public discourse and democracy. The book combines cultural criticism with historical context to explore topics like deepfakes, conspiracy theories, and the erosion of shared truth. Strauss draws on his background in art criticism and media studies to analyze specific examples of image manipulation and their consequences. Interviews with artists, activists, and experts provide perspectives on combating disinformation while preserving creative expression. The text moves between theoretical frameworks and real-world cases to map out the challenges of determining authenticity in a post-truth era. At its core, Really Fake raises fundamental questions about reality, perception, and power in an age where seeing can no longer be equated with believing. The book serves as both a warning about current threats to truth and a guide for navigating an increasingly complex media environment.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of David Levi Strauss's overall work: Readers appreciate Strauss's clear analysis of how photography intersects with politics and power. Reviews note his ability to decode complex visual theory in accessible language. What readers liked: - Sharp insights into modern image culture - Clear connections between art theory and real-world politics - Depth of research and historical context - Writing style that explains difficult concepts without oversimplifying What readers disliked: - Some find the academic tone dry - Arguments can be repetitive across essays - Limited engagement with digital/social media photography - High price point of some editions Ratings: - Goodreads: "Between the Eyes" 4.1/5 (87 ratings) - Amazon: "Words Not Spent Today" 4.3/5 (12 reviews) One reviewer on Goodreads noted: "He articulates things about photography I've long felt but couldn't express." An Amazon reviewer criticized: "Important ideas but could be more concise - feels padded at times."

Regarding the Real by Vilem Flusser This philosophical examination explores how technical images and media shape human perception and understanding of reality.

Empire of Illusion by Chris Hedges The text investigates how media manipulation and spectacle create false narratives that influence political and social consciousness.

Simulacra and Simulation by Jean Baudrillard The work presents a framework for understanding how images and representations have replaced reality in contemporary culture.

The Image: A Guide to Pseudo-Events in America by Daniel J. Boorstin This analysis explores the phenomenon of manufactured events and images that dominate modern media landscapes.

Truth in Photography by Jerry L. Thompson The book examines the relationship between photographic images and truth in an era of digital manipulation and misinformation.

🔷 "Really Fake" was published in 2021 in response to the unprecedented surge of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 U.S. presidential election. 🔷 David Levi Strauss is the chair of the MFA Art Writing Program at the School of Visual Arts in New York and has written extensively about photography, art, and propaganda. 🔷 The book examines how digital technology and social media have fundamentally changed the way we perceive truth, focusing particularly on the role of manipulated images in spreading disinformation. 🔷 The title references both the "really fake" nature of modern disinformation and President Trump's frequent use of the term "fake news," which the book analyzes as a rhetorical strategy. 🔷 Strauss draws connections between contemporary image manipulation and historical propaganda techniques, showing how digital tools have amplified age-old methods of deception.