Both Donna Haraway’s essay “Cyborg Manifesto” and Janelle Monae’s album “Dirty Computer” share a similar tone in their message. They challenge the societal norms regarding what really defines human identity. Through their pieces, they blend aspects between humans and technology producing numerous additional possibilities on how one would view themselves. In turn here, the goal both creators seek to achieve is to inspire people to feel comfortable with showing their true selves even if there are others that may oppose you. Be who you really are.
To start us off, Haraway’s cyborg is designed to blur the societal boundaries placed on human and machine and the binary gender roles of male and female. The idea of being found in between any of these roles are uplifted instead of shot down which takes us to Monae’s album where that is the whole central idea. Those who are termed “Dirty Computers” are the same people that defy the societal norms. The cyborg identity is designed to be adaptable and limber (easily shaped or changed).
The difference between the two pieces is that Monae’s album depicts the side that sees this freedom as unlawful much more than Haraway. Haraway mainly focuses on the relationship of the cyborg resembling that of liberation. Monae adds more worldbuilding to her story to signify that even though personal change is good and should be celebrated, everyone doesn’t think the same way. Her character is being fully persecuted against by the authorities of her world, because she wanted to be more than what society would allow.
Both ladies all together hope to share a hopeful tale in which no matter whomever it concerns should truly become one with themselves. Your identity shouldn’t be restricted by other people or governmental identities and if they are in any way, you should stand up for yourself and what you believe in. Embrace your fluidity. Celebrate it. And live beyond the limitations set before you.
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