In today’s technological age, it is hard to imagine what life would be like without machines or computers helping us out with our daily tasks. Machines and technology have essentially become synchronous with almost every individual in the modernized world – at the same time becoming more naturalized and invisible. The link between the human body and technology is one which constantly changes alongside technological advancements – and with rapidly evolving concepts from Frankenstein to the Visible Human Project, we are constantly forced to question just what it means to be human.
My research in regards to this question has led me to the following links, which all offer insights into human identity and the concept of the cyborg.
I first started looking at Gert Biesta’s article, as it talks about the postmodern climate alongside the idea of human identity and reality. Through this perspective, Gert suggests traditional ideas of the body are increasingly coming under pressure as a result of the changing values and attitudes of society.
While this article does not talk about cyborgs or the machine/human relationship specifically, it provides valuable reference to the contrasts between reality and physicality. This article can be strongly linked to the concept of the Visible Human Project, where the virtualization of the body has raised numerous questions and concerns especially over human identity.
Gert writes "Identity no longer is something to be discovered; identity has become an invention...In postmodernism the tie between representation and represented has been cut through...The textualization of the subject results in a loss of power, a loss that manifests itself at the level of the body. The subject becomes powerless because her body no longer exists as a referent; the body is reduced to a sign of itself. It is important to note that this does not concern loss of physical power; at stake is a loss of agency, that is, of political power.”
It seems Gert is arguing that human identity has basically become a normalized idea, based on dominant inventions and ideas from concepts such as the Visible Human Project.
This can be related to the essay found on cyberpunks.org, where the author explores the concept of the cyborg and cybernetics. A more significant aspect of this essay refers to Donna Haraway's “A Manifesto for Cyborgs” where they state: “...the reason why we are transformed by our technologies, as we attempt to transform the world around us, is that consciousness is a nonlinear phenomenon.”
Essentially, the author is asserting that humanity's attempt to create a better world has inevitably led to the changing idea of beaing human. The author of this article also states that cyborg consciousness will inevitably become part of our future – advancing synonymously with the technology. In this perspective, the body is the base on which we build upon, which is why the human body is constantly reinterpreted. Because humanity is always looking for ways to increase the body's performance, it is only inevitable our interpretation of 'being human' will be influenced by the body's limits, as well science and technology.
Steve Mizrach talks about the ethics of the concept of the cyborg – in which he describes the relationship between humans and computers as 'troubling'.
From his point of view, the negative aspects of the cyborg cannot be ignored: especially with the dangers of experimenting with science, technology and the human body. While science obviously plays a large part in redefining the human identity, the consequences of a morally questionable experiment could produce concerning results: much like Frankenstein.
Michelle Chan's article on CNN explores virtual identities/avatars through photographer Robbie Cooper's research of gaming 'alter egos'. Cooper states: "...if there was a general trend, the online identities people chose were 'less ordinary' than their real selves." This in itself is significant in reasoning why people's online identities hold so much significance today - the main points being race, class, gender and age can be hidden: allowing people more control over their virtual identity.
However, Cooper also states: "In the virtual world, we even exaggerate the superficiality of what we're used to, like stereotypical female anatomies. That's what really fascinates me about these worlds. They trap us even more." Cooper's opinion is in stark contrast to Donna Haraway's opinion on cyborgs, where she asserts the idea of the cyborg resists things such as race and gender : essentially freeing people from the constraints of nature and culture in society. This leads to the question: is the virtual body/identity liberating or just a medium to build upon certain gender stereotypes?
A story featured on New Scientist also highlighted two artists: Stelarc and Orlan, whose art completely revolved around their body, surgery and science. Both artists willingly underwent several cosmetic procedures to hybridize nature and machines, with Stelarc explaining: “[the body is]...a structure to be monitored and modified ... an object for designing."
Orlan on the other hand, is a female French artist, who feels “...she is questioning traditional views on normality, gender and what it is to be human. She even expresses an interest in using biotechnology in pursuit of her interest in blurring the boundaries between the natural and the technological.” Both of these artists clearly hold strong beliefs about the power humans could have when hybridized with the power of technology. Their views also seem to reflect Haraway's opinion, in which she states the concept of the cyborg enables freedom from nature and culture. Orlan's favourite motto: "Remember the future" particularly resonates with the essay question, as it is our ideas and concepts of the body that help reinterpret what it means to be human.
It is clear that technology today is advancing at an increasingly rapid rate, and there is no doubt that it will continue to improve as time goes on. Our dependence on technology every day only serves to remind us that the hybridization of humans and machines will inevitably lead to a constant reinterpretation of the human body, as a result of humanity's desire for a better quality of life.
Bibliography:
- Biesta, Gert. THE IDENTITY OF THE BODY. 1994.
- Chan, Michelle. Identity in a Virtual World. June 2007.
- Mizrach, Steve. Should there be a limit placed on the integration of humans and computers and electronic technology?
- N/A. CYBORG CONSCIOUSNESS. November 2001.
- Neesham, Claire, Smith, Caroline. Beyond Flesh and Blood. November 1995.
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