Imagination Land (When Reality and Fantasy Overlap)

Going along with the first subject of videogames and the whole fantasy world, I thought that this Imagination Land episode would be a good transition. (To view this episode just click on the title). In this episode the line between the imaginary and reality becomes unclear and the two are merged together. The boys have a hard time separating their imaginations from their real lives and the two become muddled together. When they travel to Imagination Land the fantasy characters appear real and they interact with them as if they are real characters. Linking this to the videogame discussion, this is what appears to happen when people become addicted to playing the game(s). They are submerged so deeply into the world of the game that it becomes the "real" world to them. Even when the terrorists attack, the bloodshed is so real that Stan is covered in blood and it only stops once they have physically escaped (well all except Butters...lol). Is this how it feels to that addicted gamer? They feel as though they are actually experiencing everything that goes on in the game, so it becomes an emotional as well as physical attachment. Is it that emotional connection that leads to the game addiction? Can this be blamed on the high interactivity of the games that allows the players to get so deeply involved and connected, until they are addicted? Some videogames allow you to choose and make decisions down to the finest details, is that what causes this deep connection with your character?

Another point about this episode is that their imaginations were "attacked" and this meant that the terrorists would have control over their imaginations. It also meant that their imaginations would start to "run wild." This is pointing to another message about how outside influences can affect your mind and your imagination. If your imagination becomes controlled by negative influences their could be horrific consequences, both within your imagination and the outside reality.

Lastly, I feel there is another important part of the show that in a way relates to the advancement of technology and new ways of thinking. The scene where the staff at the Pentagon decide to interview Hollywood movie producers in order to get ideas for ways they can defeat the terrorists, was funny number one, but it also displays how in today's age we look towards "creative" and "unconventional" ideas to solve problems. The idea that the government would turn to a modern form of technology or technique coming from a movie producer to use as a strategy against an enemy is quite interesting.