Cyborgology
Thoughts on Donna Haraway’s — “A Cyborg Manifesto”
Before attempting to dig into this read, I thought of a cyborg as a typical, science fiction model of a cyborg. In a broad definition — when organism and machine are one. Well, thinking about it more directly — We are already cyborgs.
How?
We upload our consciousness to social media — our memories, likes, and shares are all intertangled. Since the beginning, technology has been just an extension of ourselves, that do things better than we can with our physical limitations.
A hammer smashes rocks better than a fist.
Simply put, but still a little vague. I think one of the most important distinctions that Haraway points out is that of feminism not being a leveling in equity, and equality of the two most recognized sexes, but an equity and equality of all organisms. Technology would be leading in a selective evolution that would allow this. Very reaching of an idea, but it serves a purpose.
To illuminate the Myth.
Haraway brings specific attention to the “Myth.” In my interpretation, Haraway contends that the Myth is what is performed. It may be difficult for some, but we all do it. I play the student, and the professor the professor. Labels are insignificant. More commonly discussed myths would be:
- Race
- Gender
Or anything that allows one varied organism to assert authority over another. Authority, a very interesting word in itself, but what would you say? Do we crave authority, or revolution? Is this a bad thing? Ask yourself.
