The Emperor's New Reality

Cadigan, Pat. "The Emperor's New Reality." In New Worlds vol. 64.

Variation on "The Emperor's New Clothes" (1837) by Hans Christian Andersen. In PC's version, the emperor's problem is a desire for ever-more-real Artificial Reality™ for all; two public-spirited citizens introduce him to "completely transparent reality" (21). The suit, helmet, and other technological paraphernalia giving "Authentic Artificial Reality™" don't exist, leaving the emperor in contact with mere, small "r" no "™" reality (33). (RDE, 17/05/01)