Cyberpunk, the Postglobal and the Posthuman

If a safe and reversible technology existed that allowed humans to take on characteristics of animals, I would choose to hybridize with a butterfly. Butterflies are widely recognized as symbols of transformation, beauty, and resilience. Rather than choosing an animal known mainly for strength or speed, I would choose a butterfly because it represents personal growth and change. The process butterflies go through mirrors the way humans also grow and evolve through experiences in life. If I could adopt certain butterfly traits, the most appealing one would be the ability to fly. Having wings will provide a sense of freedom that humans normally cannot experience. Being able to fly would allow me to travel, explore nature from a new perspective, and feel less limited by physical boundaries. In addition to wings, butterflies have high sensitive sensory systems that allow them to detect, environmental cues, such as scents and changes in their surroundings. a hybrid human might gain stronger senses and greater awareness of the environment, which would be useful for both exploration and survival. Butterfly wings are also known for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. These patterns are unique and often used for communication or protect protection through camouflage. If humans gain similar abilities, it will create a new form of self expressions. Our bodies would then be able to become canvases that reflect identity, personality, and emotion. This would blur the line between biology and art, allowing people to visually express themselves in ways that are currently impossible. even though the idea of gaining butterfly trait sounds exciting. I would still want to remain mostly human. To me, humanity is defined less by our physical form and more by our emotional and social qualities. Humans are capable of empathy, compassion, creativity, and complex relationships. These characteristic shape, our cultures, communities, and personal connections. The idea that humans can merge with non-human traits connects to ideas discussed in a cyborg manifesto. In this work, Donna Haraway argues that modern technology blurs the boundaries between humans animals and machines her concept of the cyborg challenges idea that identity must be fixed, or purely biological a butterfly hybrid would represent this blending of categories, showing that humanity might evolve alongside technology rather than remain separate from it. At the same time, maintaining human consciousness and emotional depth would be important to me. While technology might improve physical abilities, it should not erase the qualities that allow humans to connect with one another. These emotional connections, shaped families, friendships, and communities which are central parts of human life. The concept of human animal hybridization sounds exciting it would also raise serious ethical questions about access. If this technology were expensive, it might only be available to wealthy individuals or powerful institutions. This could create a new form of inequality where enhance humans have advantages over those who remain fully human. Scientific organizations, such as the natural human genome resource institute have already discussed similar concerns surrounding genetic technologies. Advances in biotechnology could greatly improve human abilities and health, but unequal access to wide and social and economic gaps. If only certain groups could afford enhancement society could become divided between enhance and non-enhance people. These concerns are also explored in science fiction such as the Blade Runner and ghost in the shell, which both examine how technology can reshape human identity and create new social divisions. These stories remind us that technology progress, often raises and important questions about ethics, power, and equality. But even with that hybridizing with a butterfly could offer incredible abilities, like flight, hide in senses and new forms of expression I would still want to keep the majority of my human identity. My humanity is defined by the ability to care about others for meaningful relationships and learning from experiences. These qualities shape who we are as individuals and as a society. In the end, the possibility of hybridization raises, important questions about identity in the future of humanity. Technology may allow humans to expand their abilities and ways we have never imagined, but the challenge will be ensuring that these advancement strengthen human values rather than replace them. A butterfly hybrid could symbolize grow growth and transformation, but it is the human qualities of empathy, connection, and understanding that should always remain at the center of who we actually are.

Reference Haraway, D. J. (1991). A cyborg manifesto: Science, technology, and socialist-feminism in the late twentieth century. In Simians, cyborgs, and women: The reinvention of nature (pp. 149-181). Routledge. National Human Genome Research Institute. (n.d.). Division of Genomics and Society. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.genome.gov/about-nhgri/Division-of- Genomics-and-Society No AI was used to generate this text

I remember in Pre-k when we had to do a presentation about our chosen bird. It didn’t take long for me to decide that I wanted to do my presentation on hummingbirds. As a child, I was under the impression that they must have loved to sing and hum, given their name, and that was something that resonated with me. Even though it wasn’t the objective of the project, I knew from a young age if I could get to be any animal I would be a hummingbird. To this day that remains true.

The Flying Jewels Or Should I Say Jules?

Humming birds happen to be the smallest of migratory birds, known for their impressive wing fluttering and polychromatic color scheme. Humming birds are often referred to as the flying jewels of the world due to their vibrant plumage that tends to sparkle like gems when refracting light. But a beautiful appearance is not the only thing the humming bird has to offer. Hummingbirds are some of the most efficient pollinators in the world, meaning if they were to be removed from their habitat, it would suffer immensely. Although they can be quite small in size, weighing less than a nickel, their might is not to be questioned. However, even beyond their physical capabilities, hummingbirds mean so much symbolically, representing joy, energy, and resilience. It is believed that they can represent positive transformation, overcoming obstacles, romance, and even be spiritual signs from those you love that have passed away.

It’s A Bird… It’s A Plane… It’s A Girl With Feathers…?

When I think about how far I would go with merging with a hummingbird, I feel like there are two ways it could go. On one hand I could see a more simple modification, like the addition of bionic wings that fuse to nerve endings in the spinal cord or something. I think that would be the least complex merge, still maintaining the physical human body simply with enhancements. On the other hand, I could also see the development of technology that turns you into your animal of choice, maybe through a serum, but ultimately the anatomical structure of the human body would be transformed into that of a hummingbird, in my case. However, even though the body would change, I would still maintain my own consciousness and spirit. Furthermore there could be a counter serum that could change one back into their human form.

With that said, I don’t think either option would truly hinder one’s humanity. Granted, I find humanity to be defined beyond the body and more so within someone’s morality, consciousness, and soul. I don’t think that technological advancements or enhancements would inherently remove or damage someone’s humanness. But, everyone is different and it is easy for some to get lost in constantly enhancing themselves until they lose who they are. That stands true even in our own society. So while I don’t think humanity would be lost, I do believe that there is something to gain from merging with the hummingbird, whether it be with option one or two. Either way I would be able to fly, which now that I think about it, I probably wouldn’t fly that much because I’m afraid of heights. But I guess that poses the question of whether or not merging with the hummingbird would erase my fear and replace it with the bird’s natural instinct to fly. I think this particular aspect reminds me most of Haraway’s cyborg manifesto in which she champions the hybrid organism that is a blend of physical traits but the culture or mannerisms of two organisms.

Eeeny Meeny Miny Moe

In a perfect world, everyone would have equal access to the proposed technology that would allow one to merge with their favorite animal. But if taking into consideration both the real world and the dynamics present within most cyberpunk works, it is not far-fetched to say that the technology would be monopolized. It would be yet another example of high tech-low life, in which mega corporations and large wealthy families would abuse resources to produce the technology as they see fit, and distribute said technology to whom they see fit. It is possible that this could produce an unfair power dynamic between regular humans and those who are hybridized. On one end, those who have access to merging with animals could come to make up the upper class of society being afforded immense privileges while non-hybridized human beings make up the lower working class. On the other end the situation could be flipped, those in power might see an opportunity in merging human beings with animals, focusing only on the heightened abilities it might produce. They could then decide to hybridize people against their will in order to make up an enhanced work force. Ultimately the working class could end up being subjected to extremely harsh conditions that divide them from the rest of humanity. Both of which are narratives that happen often in cyberpunk genres.

All of that makes me question whether or not something like this should be possible. Granted I’m not sure if we would ever be able to develop the extensive technology necessary to merge human beings with animals, but even if we could it doesn’t necessarily mean that we should. If such a feat would not be easily accessible to everyone and would incite more violence, division, and recklessness within society, I don’t think that the possibility would be worth it. Sigh… I guess that means I won’t be a hummingbird any time soon.

*AI was not used in any way to generate this post. This includes structure, format, ideas, and source research.

References:

Smithsonian (2018). Hummingbirds. Smithsonian’s National Zoo. https://nationalzoo.si.edu/migratory-birds/hummingbirds

Haraway, D. (1985) A cyborg manifesto. Science, Technology, and Socialist- Feminism in the Late Twentieth Century. Socialist Review https://www.sfu.ca/~decaste/OISE/page2/files/HarawayCyborg.pdf

As the future of technology advances toward unimaginable depths, the idea of human innovation through reversible animal adaptations has led to a rethinking of humanity. If this procedure were possible, people could temporarily gain key senses and characteristics of animals—keen sight, swift movements, cunning, and cognitive decision making. Utilizing key themes in major cyberpunk science fiction, this transition raises distinct questions about identity, humanity, and morality.

If I had a choice, I would hybridize with a very intelligent bird like a raven or crow. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, crows and ravens are capable of recognizing human faces, remembering threats, and using tools to solve problems. Beyond their survival qualities, they are very swift and adaptable animals that use their wings and small frames to navigate the world and build a community for their family and clan. Because of these abilities, hybridizing with a highly intelligent bird would offer both cognitive and sensory advantages while still allowing me to remain mostly human.

Even if I were to combine with any animal, it is very important that the changes to my human body are minor or moderate so that I may retain mainly human qualities about myself. More specific qualities that led to my choice of a bird would be their heightened vision. As a perpetual and avid glasses wearer/enjoyer, I will admit that the tasks of having to put on a tool every morning so that I may survive in this world is not as advantageous as you may think… To be able to wake up and see with a higher sharpness and to process the visual stimuli that I receive would lead to an overall better way of life. Using the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, they mention that birds rely heavily on their vision for locating food, shelter, and for spatial analysis when recognizing their environments. The lab mentions that certain birds demonstrate remarkable long-term memory and spatial awareness. These traits could enhance human learning and problem-solving without completely changing human identity.

Cyberpunk Theory in Literature

Drawing back to the cyberpunk theory of Donna Haraway’s A Cyborg Manifesto, she challenges the Western traditions of “Human vs Machine.” Haraway describes these dissolving boundaries as “leaky distinctions” that clearly blur the line between the physical real and the non-physical machine. The idea can be translated to all things “non-human” as we begin to redefine what is defined as an “animal” and what is a “human.” Whatever the physical outcome of the hybridization between the two would be a phenomenon not yet recorded in history that would reshape the way we approach biology, culture, and society.

Moreover, using cyberpunk fiction like Blade Runner and Ghost in the Shell, the context for humanity can be seen as being redefined in both pieces of literature. In Blade Runner, the replicant characters emulate humanity so well that their existence begins to challenge what is human and what is not. Their ability to experience human qualities such as emotion, memory, and empathy reflects their parallel to humanity. To add on, Ghost in the Shell points out themes that make the audience ponder whether or not the replacement of the physical body by something inhuman changes a person’s identity. Though the “shell” may be replaced, the person—referred to as the ghost—remains as the true identifier of an individual.

The Effects of Hybridization in Society

As we have debated in every advancement in human history, we must discuss the effects of hybridization in the context of our world, plagued with inequality, and its ethical implications in our society. Emerging advancements come with a cost, and the question of affordability and access to larger populations would be an important factor. With the high expense of the procedure, this innovation would only be a possibility for a small portion of the world that may lead to some social and biological disadvantages. With this, you may see discrimination against those who cannot afford the hybridization. The segregation and emergence of the enhanced and the un-enhanced as a label for those with the change can lead to a new identifier of organisms.

Because of this, the biggest challenge may not be the technology itself but how society chooses to regulate and distribute it. Without ethical guidelines, enhancements designed to improve human life could instead reinforce existing inequalities.

Rethinking Humanity with Hybridization

Ultimately, the possibility of human and animal hybridization will force us to redefine what makes humans human. If bodies can be enhanced and modified with other species, then already established biological boundaries alone cannot determine who we are.

We may need to evolve and rethink the capacity for humanity as certain traits of self-awareness, empathy, and ethical accountability. Using cyborg theory, technological change will continue to blur the lines between the lines we once believed were fixed. Like most adaptations to our world, the real question is not whether these boundaries will change, but how we will respond when they do.

References

Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (2020). Crows and ravens: Family Corvidae. Cornell University. https://www.allaboutbirds.org

Haraway, D. (1985). A cyborg manifesto: Science, technology, and socialist-feminism in the late twentieth century.

AI Disclosure Statement

AI was used to assist with proofreading, correcting grammar, identifying minor spelling errors, and formatting references. The final ideas and content were written and reviewed by the author.

Rethinking Intelligence: Why Pigs?

After researching “Smartest Animals,” I came across one that I did not expect: pigs. As I continued to read, I found that, apart from the slaughter farms that we are used to seeing them in, they are quite intelligent. So, when asked what animal that I would hybridize with, I would choose a pig. I feel that they are misunderstood due to the environment that they are often placed in, which I identify heavily with since I am Black and a woman.

Now, if I could hybridize with a pig, I would stop at cognitive adaptations because the lifestyle that they have to live is not great. They are placed in crowded, unclean conditions so they can be used for our own pleasure. They aren’t given the opportunity to reach their full potential because their place in life has already been determined. Regarding their cognitive state, they have great memory, are socially and emotionally aware, and have intelligence that outranks some animals that we consider to be the smartest. Even though I have these traits as a person, it interests me that pigs have all these traits as well and no one ever talks about them. They are only known for being stupid, lazy, and unclean, but none of these things are true. I think this is why I identify with them so much, because when the world stereotypes me as a Black woman, it is never to show my full potential, only to degrade me and put me in a box.

Humanity, Identity, and the Limits of Hybridization

I also would only go as far as cognitive hybridization because I think any further combining would leave me with less humanity. As I would change physically and behaviorally, other people would stop seeing me as a human. While I believe every living thing has purpose and is important, to be viewed as human there are certain traits I must maintain, like a resemblance to humans physically and behaviorally. I think humanity is heavily related to the way we think, reason, feel, and look. If I become too much like a pig, I would lose a lot of these traits that connect me to humanity.

When considering a technology like this, I see the greatest connection to Donna Haraway’s idea of the cyborg. The cyborg breaks the binary boundaries that are set by society by being part human and part machine. It takes the hierarchical nature of the binaries away because it is not choosing to be one or the other; it is both and neither—it is something brand new. The binary between humans and animals places humans higher on the hierarchical scale. With a technology like this, it allows for humans to merge with animals, thus breaking that binary. While this could be a good thing, there could be a host of issues that occur due to its implementation.

Inequality and Ethical Questions of Hybrid Technology

While I think everyone should have access to this technology, realistically, it will only be available to the wealthy given the cost of something like this. People who are poor may be stuck like those in Neuromancer who began to get unsafe operations to upgrade in order to survive. Since people will begin to use this technology to possibly get the speed of a cheetah or the strength of a gorilla, those who cannot afford the best will have to do their best to keep up. Those who were able to afford the better operation will likely develop some sort of superiority over those who could not, which can create a similar division to that of the wealthy and the poor now. This thought experiment forced me to see many things that I had not considered. Introducing a technology like this could be helpful and initiate great scientific innovations. However, like all other things, there will be good and bad, as well as many ethical, legal, and moral questions raised. How would our rights change? Who would benefit from the new systems created? I think these questions, and many others, should be considered if this type of technology was developed.

AI Attestation: AI was used to edit the grammar of the final draft and create headings.

A HUMAN-ELEPHANT REALITY If I were to reimagine society in a way where humans and animals were hybridized, and technology was used to transfer animal characteristics, I would choose an elephant. I would choose elephants because they are commonly recognized for their memory, emotional intelligence, and strong social bonds. For obvious reasons, I would avoid transferring elephants' physical characteristics and focus mostly on cognitive and behavioral changes. I would /have abilities while maintaining my basic human form. According to elephant cognition researcher Joshua Plotnik, elephants demonstrate complex problem-solving skills, empathy, and self-recognition in mirror tests, traits often associated with advanced intelligence (Plotnik, de Waal, & Reiss, 2006). These cognitive traits could deepen rather than diminish the human experience. DEFINING HUMANITY The occurrence of this hybridization will raise questions about what crosses the boundary of completely losing humanity. We must define what humanity actually is. Humanity is defined less by our physical form and more by our consciousness, empathy, and moral reasoning. This relates closely with Donna Haraway’s cyborg theory, which challenges the strict boundaries between human, machine, and animal. Haraway argues that modern technology has already blurred these lines, making hybrid identities increasingly common. In this sense, an elephant-human hybrid would simply extend a process that has already begun through genetic engineering and digital technology. DISPARITIES IN THIS REALITY This hybrid technology can cause disparities in our society. Access to this new technology would likely depend on wealth, displacement, and political power. Only certain groups of people could access and seek the benefits. These people are going to gain advantages in aspects of life such as health, education, and work. This can cause issues and create a divide between “enhanced” and “unenhanced” humans. If elephant-like memory or emotional intelligence became available enhancements, societies would have to decide whether such changes should be regulated, limited, or widely distributed. REANALYSING BOUNDARIES OF HUMANITY Hybridizing with an elephant would represent an attempt not to abandon humanity but to expand it. The goal would be to enhance qualities humans already possess. At the same time, the possibility of hybridization would challenge long-standing assumptions about what it means to be human. Just as cyborgs, replicants, and cybernetic consciousness question the boundaries between human and machine in our course texts, animal and human hybrids would blur the boundary between human and animal. In doing so, they might reveal that humanity is not a fixed biological category but an evolving identity shaped by technology, ethics, and culture. The idea of a human and elephant hybrid is not simply a fantastical thought experiment; it is a lens through which we can examine the deepest questions about human identity. Drawing on Haraway's cyborg theory, the boundaries between human, animal, and machine have never been as stable as we once believed, and technology, ethics, and culture continuously reshape what it means to be human. Rather than fearing this evolution, we might embrace it as an opportunity to become more empathetic, more connected, and more conscious, not less human, but more fully so. AI Use Statement This blog post was developed with assistance from ChatGPT to help organize ideas, refine writing structure, and generate headings. I reviewed, edited, and approved all content to ensure it accurately reflects their own ideas and interpretations References Bostrom, N. (2005). In defense of posthuman dignity. Bioethics, 19(3), 202–214. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8519.2005.00437.x

“That’s so Raven… it’s the future I can see.”

The theme song made it sound like the real superpower was predicting the future. But if scientists ever develop technologies that allow humans to borrow traits from other species, my choice would be different. I would not choose wings, sharper eyesight, or animal strength. I would choose a raven’s mind. Ravens are among the most intelligent animals on Earth. They show remarkable abilities in memory, planning, and problem-solving. Thinking about a human-raven hybrid raises an interesting question. What would it mean to borrow intelligence from another species, and what would that say about the boundaries of being human?

Birdbrain, But Like Make It Brilliant

Calling someone a “birdbrain” is usually meant as an insult. In the case of ravens and other corvids, the phrase may deserve reconsideration. Researchers have found that these birds possess impressive cognitive abilities that rival those of many mammals. Ravens and crows demonstrate advanced memory, tool use, and long-term planning. Some studies show that corvids can remember thousands of food locations and recognize individual human faces for years (Philp, 2025). They can also share information about threats with other birds, creating a kind of collective memory within their groups. Scientists and philosophers studying animal cognition have begun to ask what the world might feel like from a raven’s perspective. Evidence suggests that corvids possess complex emotional lives and forms of consciousness. They can anticipate the intentions of others, hide food strategically, and remember what they stored, where they stored it, and when they hid it (Veit, 2025). These abilities suggest a mind capable of reflection and planning. If human enhancement technologies ever allowed us to borrow traits from other species, the raven’s cognitive toolkit would offer powerful possibilities.

How Much Humanity Would I Trade?

Even with those abilities, I would not want to become completely raven-like. The idea of hybridization becomes interesting when it pushes the boundaries of humanity without fully replacing it. If this hypothetical technology existed, I would choose a mostly cognitive hybridization. My body and social identity would remain human. The traits I would borrow involve memory, spatial awareness, and the ability to plan strategically across long stretches of time. This kind of hybrid identity connects with ideas we’ve explored throughout the course. Haraway’s cyborg theory argues that boundaries between human and nonhuman identities are more flexible than we often assume. Hybrid identities can challenge rigid categories and open new ways of thinking about personhood. Works such as Blade Runner and Ghost in the Shell raise similar questions. Characters who possess artificial bodies or enhanced cognition still display memory, emotion, and self-awareness. These stories suggest that humanity may depend less on biological origin and more on conscious experience. Borrowing the mental abilities of a raven would push that idea further and invite us to rethink which qualities truly define being human.

I'm So Raven?

The larger question involves access. If technologies could enhance human abilities by combining traits from other species, who would actually receive those upgrades? Current discussions about human enhancement already raise ethical concerns. Technologies such as brain-computer interfaces or cognitive augmentation could produce individuals with significantly improved abilities, which may reshape power structures in areas like warfare, labor, and education (“Reports on Military Medicine Findings”, 2025). Researchers also warn that access to enhancement technologies may depend heavily on financial resources. If these technologies remain expensive, they could widen existing social inequalities by allowing wealthy groups to enhance their capabilities while others remain excluded (“Chongqing University Researchers”, 2025). In that case, the future might resemble many cyberpunk stories in which technological upgrades become another way to reinforce social hierarchies. Thinking about a “raven upgrade” therefore raises broader questions about the future of human enhancement. If humans gain the ability to borrow the strengths of other species, the benefits may depend on how societies regulate and distribute those technologies.

Maybe the theme song captured something important after all. The future might be something we can see approaching. Understanding how we choose to evolve may matter more than predicting what comes next.

References

Philp, T. (2025, September 27). Intelligence of these birds is something to crow about. Brantford Expositor. https://advance.lexis.com/api/document?collection=news&id=urn%3acontentItem%3a6GV6-Y033-RRPR-41V5-00000-00&context=1519360&identityprofileid=NZ9N7751352

Veit, W. (2025, May 23). What's it like being a raven or a crow? The Conversation - United Kingdom. https://advance.lexis.com/api/document?collection=news&id=urn%3acontentItem%3a6FW7-1473-RRW3-23W4-00000-00&context=1519360&identityprofileid=NZ9N7751352

(2026, February 9). Reports on Military Medicine Findings from University of Massachusetts Lowell Provide New Insights (Enhancing Soldiers for Future Warfare: Good Science; Bad Ethics?). Defense & Aerospace Daily. https://advance.lexis.com/api/document?collection=news&id=urn%3acontentItem%3a6HW3-G6Y3-SCJW-H1PG-00000-00&context=1519360&identityprofileid=NZ9N7751352

(2025, July 28). Chongqing University Researchers Provide New Data on Legal Issues (Research on Equality Issues and Legal Governance of Emerging Bioenhancement Technologies). NewsRx Policy and Law Daily. https://advance.lexis.com/api/document?collection=news&id=urn%3acontentItem%3a6GC9-1KT3-RT4V-W3T1-00000-00&context=1519360&identityprofileid=NZ9N7751352

AI Attestation

The content of this post is my own, and AI was used only to assist with planning and editing.

There are some questions people are asked at least once in their lives, such as “What animal would you want to be?” Now, imagine a future where this question is no longer hypothetical, and technology actually allows humans to adopt traits from animals. If I had the opportunity to choose one animal to adopt a trait from, I would choose a bird. My choice is based on birds’ ability to fly. I imagine it would provoke a feeling of freedom, and being high in the sky, far from the turbulence of life on the ground, must be peaceful. However, such a possibility would also raise deeper questions about identity and what it really means to be human.

Hybridizing to certain extent

Since I was a kid, I’ve always been fascinated with flying. I would have dreams about it and imagine a reality where I would be able to do it. Even today I still think about how being able to move through the sky could offer a sense of independence and perspective that is impossible on the ground. Personally, if this technology existed, I would not want to completely transform into a bird. I would only want the ability to fly. This would probably require wings and a lighter body, but I would want to keep the change minimal. The goal would not be to become something else, but to expand what the human body can do. However, even small changes like this can raise deeper questions about where the boundary between human and nonhuman begins.

Humanity beyond the physical

One of these questions that comes to my mind is what actually defines being human. If the ability to fly changes the body, does it really change who someone is? For me, humanity is not defined only by our physical form and traits, but by our consciousness and our memories. Think about it with me, a person with wings would still have the same thoughts, relationships, and identity that existed before the transformation. This situation is similar to what happens with the character Major Kusanagi in Ghost in The Shell, whose body is almost entirely cybernetic, but she continues to question what makes her truly herself. Even though her body is artificial, her thoughts, memories, and sense of identity are the same, which suggests that what defines a person might not be their physical body, but their consciousness. In the same way, gaining the ability to fly would change my body, but it would not change who I am as a person.

Connecting to course teams: Haraway and Blade Runner

Donna Haraway in A Cyborg Manifesto argues that technology challenges some boundaries that once were considered stable, such as the boundary between human and machine. At the same time, if it was possible for humans to adopt traits from animals, such as a human with wings, we would see another rigid boundary getting blurred - the one between human and animals. Additionally, the movie Blade Runner addresses how society would see these changes. In the film, the replicants are almost indistinguishable from humans, but still, they are treated as outsiders and hunted down by the Blade Runners. This represents how this debate goes beyond physical and even psychological characteristics, indicating that humanity is defined socially and politically, not just biologically. In the same way, human-animal hybrids’ humanity might be judged based on how the changes and upgrades affect society, making this another political discussion.

The Social Perspective

Another perspective that is important to consider if this technology becomes available is about accessibility - who would have access to it? Just like other advanced technologies, the access would probably be limited to people and groups with greater financial resources. A real example of this can be seen in sports. Researchers like sports ethicist Andy Miah argue that emerging biomedical and genetic technologies can offer unfair advantages to athletes. If some could have access to speed, endurance, and strength upgrades, the game would no longer be fair. The same would happen with human-animal hybrids. If some people could upgrade their bodies and others couldn’t, it would contribute significantly to increasing inequality in our society. Those with access would have physical and psychological advantages over others, raising ethical debates about justice and fairness.

Sources

Haraway, D. (1985). A cyborg manifesto: Science, technology, and socialist-feminism in the late twentieth century. Socialist Review.

Miah, A. (2004). Genetically modified athletes: Biomedical ethics, gene doping and sport. Routledge.

Scott, R. (Director). (1982). Blade runner [Film]. Warner Bros.

Shirow, M. (1989). Ghost in the shell. Kodansha.

AI Attestation: No use of AI for the creation of this post

Connection to Horses and Nature

If a safe technology existed that allowed humans to take on animal characteristics, I would choose to become a human–wild horse hybrid. This choice is not random for me. Since I was a child, I have always loved horses. I grew up on a farm surrounded by nature, animals, and open land. Some of my favorite memories are watching horses run across the fields and feeling the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside.

Growing up in that environment created a strong connection between me and nature. Life on a farm feels very different from life in cities. There is more space, more silence, and more time to observe animals and the natural world. For me, being around horses always brought a feeling of freedom and calm. Because of that experience, the idea of sharing some of their abilities feels very meaningful. If I could become a hybrid, I would not want a complete transformation. I would prefer moderate changes, such as greater endurance, stronger muscles for running long distances, and heightened awareness of the environment. Horses have incredible stamina and balance, which would allow humans to move through the world in a very different way.

This thought experiment connects strongly with ideas in cyberpunk theory. The scholar Donna Haraway wrote about the concept of the cyborg, which challenges the boundaries between humans, animals, and machines. According to her argument, these boundaries are not always as clear as society assumes. A human–animal hybrid would represent another example of those boundaries becoming flexible. Cyberpunk stories often explore similar questions. In the film Blade Runner, artificial humans known as replicants challenge the idea of what makes someone truly human. They look and behave like people, but society treats them differently because they were created through technology. The anime Ghost in the Shell raises similar questions by showing characters whose bodies are heavily enhanced with cybernetic parts while their consciousness remains human.

In the case of a human horse hybrid, the question becomes, does changing the body change who we are? Personally, I believe that humanity comes more from our consciousness, emotions, and memories than from our physical appearance. Even if someone had horses like strength or speed, they could still be human if they kept their values, relationships, and ability to think critically. However, technologies that enhance humans could also create serious social problems. In many cyberpunk stories, advanced technologies are controlled by powerful corporations or wealthy individuals. This creates a world where some people become enhanced while others are left behind.

The Social Impact

If hybrid technology became real, access would likely depend on money and power. Wealthy individuals might use enhancements to gain advantages in sports, work, or military power. Meanwhile, people without access could fall even further behind. According to the Pew Research Center, experts studying human enhancement warn that these technologies could increase social inequality if they are not distributed fairly. This issue reflects one of the major themes in cyberpunk, technology can improve life, but it can also create new forms of inequality and control. Even with these risks, the idea of hybridization also invites us to think differently about our relationship with nature. Horses experience the world through movement, instinct, and awareness of their surroundings. Sharing some of those abilities might help humans reconnect with nature in ways that modern technology often separates us from. For someone like me, who grew up on a farm, that connection is already meaningful. The feeling of being close to animals and the land is something that has stayed with me throughout my life. Becoming a human wild horse hybrid would symbolize a deeper relationship with the natural world rather than a rejection of humanity. In the end, cyberpunk stories remind us that the future will likely blur the boundaries between humans, animals, and machines. The real challenge will not just be developing new technologies but deciding how to use them responsibly while protecting our humanity.

References

July 26, 2016,Human Enhancement,The Scientific and Ethical Dimensions of Striving for Perfection.

ByDavid Masci https://www.pewresearch.org/?p=93874

Scott, R. (Director). (1982). Blade Runner

Ghost in the shell, (F. Schodt, Trans.),(Original work published 1991)

AI tools were used to create image. The personal experiences, opinions, and final content of this post reflect my own thinking and writing.

If a safe and reversible technology existed that allowed humans to incorporate animal traits, I would choose to hybridize with the Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus). This owl is one of the most adaptable nocturnal predators in North America, known for extraordinary night vision, precise hearing, and silent movement. Unlike many animals that rely primarily on speed or strength, the great horned owl combines perception, patience, and environmental awareness. These traits make it an ideal model for enhancement because they expand human sensory capacity without completely replacing human identity.

What Happens When Humans Go Owl

My transformation would involve moderate enhancements rather than a complete physical transformation. For example, I would retain a human body but gain improved low light vision, sharper directional hearing, and greater agility. Owls possess forward facing eyes that allow strong depth perception, and their eyes are specialized for seeing in extremely low light. In a hybrid form, this could translate into slightly larger human eyes with enhanced light sensitivity, allowing someone to navigate almost effortlessly at night. Similarly, owls have asymmetrical ears that help them locate the exact direction of a sound. A hybrid could develop heightened auditory awareness, essentially the ability to detect subtle movements or changes in the environment.

Beyond physical adaptations, the owl also represents cognitive and behavioral intelligence. Owls are known for strong spatial memory and strategic patience when hunting. A hybrid version of these traits could translate into improved situational awareness, better environmental mapping, and calmer decision making under pressure. Rather than becoming a predator in the literal sense, these characteristics would strengthen human abilities related to perception, strategy, and survival.

This idea reflects the theory of the cyborg developed by Donna Haraway in A Cyborg Manifesto, where she argues that modern technology disrupts rigid boundaries between humans, animals, and machines. Haraway’s cyborg is not simply a robot human hybrid. It is a symbol of how technological societies dissolve traditional categories. A human owl hybrid would embody this concept by demonstrating that identity is not fixed but constantly evolving through science and culture.

The Human Question

Even with these enhancements, I would not want to lose what I consider the core elements of humanity. For me, humanity is defined by consciousness, emotional depth, and the ability to make moral decisions rather than acting purely on instinct. This question reflects the philosophical issues explored throughout our course. In Blade Runner, replicants possess memories and emotions, which forces society to question whether biological origin truly determines what is human. Similarly, Ghost in the Shell asks whether a person remains human when most of their body becomes technological, suggesting that identity may lie more in consciousness than in physical form.

Another philosophical issue related to this discussion is the Ship of Theseus paradox. The paradox asks whether something remains the same object if all of its parts are gradually replaced over time. Applied to human enhancement, this raises an important question. If we slowly replace biological capabilities with enhanced ones, does the person remain the same individual? My owl hybrid would preserve human consciousness and identity, but the paradox highlights how technological changes could blur the boundary between improvement and transformation. The goal would not be to abandon humanity but to expand its capabilities.

Who Gets the Upgrade?

However, the most important question surrounding enhancement technology is not simply what it can do but who gets access to it. Throughout history, new technologies, from advanced medical treatments to genetic engineering, have rarely been distributed equally. Scholars studying human enhancement warn that these technologies could deepen existing inequalities if access is restricted to wealthy or powerful groups. If access to enhancement technologies were controlled by governments, corporations, or wealthy individuals, enhanced people could gain advantages in education, employment, or physical performance. Over time, this could produce a new form of stratification where biological capability becomes tied to economic power.

One bioethics analysis explains that if enhancement technologies become limited by wealth, society could experience “a new form of social stratification, where individuals who are genetically or cognitively enhanced hold significant advantages in health, intelligence, and physical abilities.” (Gerardi & Christodoulos Xinaris, 2025). In other words, enhancements could create a biological class system between the enhanced and the unenhanced. As an African American individual, this concern is particularly important to me because technology has historically reproduced existing social inequalities. Structural racism has shaped access to healthcare, education, and advanced medical treatments. If enhancement technologies followed the same pattern, marginalized communities could once again be excluded from life changing innovations. In that scenario, enhancement would not simply improve human ability. It could reinforce racial and economic disparities.

Critics of transhumanism also warn that unequal access might produce an even wider gap between social groups. According to research on emerging biomedical technologies, enhancements could “create a two tiered society where the ‘enhanced’ enjoy greater advantages in education, employment, and other opportunities.” This concern is not purely theoretical. Even today, access to advanced medical procedures, gene therapies, and cognitive technologies often depends on financial resources.

At the same time, some scholars argue that enhancement technologies could also reduce inequality if they are distributed equitably. The Pew Research Center reports that proponents believe enhancements could help compensate for natural disadvantages or disabilities and potentially “bring people who have natural inequalities up to everyone else’s level.” Ultimately, whether these technologies worsen or reduce inequality depends largely on political decisions about regulation and access.

The Future of Being Human

The idea of a human owl hybrid may sound futuristic, but it reflects real debates about human enhancement, biotechnology, and identity. Technologies such as genetic editing, neural implants, and performance enhancing medicine already raise questions about how far humans should modify their bodies. These developments force society to reconsider what it means to be human in an era where biology can increasingly be redesigned.

The owl hybrid illustrates both the promise and the risk of these technologies. Enhanced perception, agility, and awareness could help humans adapt to new challenges and environments. At the same time, the social consequences of unequal access could reshape society in ways that mirror or even intensify existing inequalities.

Ultimately, the most important question is not whether humans can enhance themselves but how responsibly we choose to do it. If humanity moves toward a future of biological enhancement, the goal should not be to create a superior class of individuals. Instead, these technologies should expand human potential while preserving fairness, empathy, and the shared moral values that define our humanity.

AI Attestation

Artificial intelligence tools were used in the development of this blog post to assist with brainstorming ideas, organizing the structure of the argument, and reviewing the writing for grammar, clarity, and flow. Specifically, a generative AI language model, ChatGPT (GPT-5.3, OpenAI), was used to help refine wording, suggest title variations, and provide minor editing feedback. https://chatgpt.com/share/69acb809-e04c-8009-9aa5-0fce43cf2320

References

Gerardi, C., & Christodoulos Xinaris. (2025). Beyond human limits: the ethical, social, and regulatory implications of human enhancement. Frontiers in Medicine, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2025.1595213

Masci, D. (2016, July 26). Human Enhancement. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/?p=93874

Shao, S., Wu, J., & Zhou, Q. (2021). Developments and challenges in human performance enhancement technology. Medicine in Novel Technology and Devices, 12, 100095. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medntd.2021.100095

Apex Vision

To have the thought that a human can remove an eye and replace it with a robotic eye to give a vision beyond what a human can see seems rather close to happening. However, the chances of that in a safe and a reversible procedure seems very difficult. But if I did have to choose, I would go for an eagle. The only portion I suggest to have and it isn't what most would want such as its wings, I on the other side want its cognitive peak focus. While an eagle is known to have immaculate eyesight and have beyond 20/20 shaper vision. For one to have the eye sight of an eagle means to have such sharper detail and a different perception of the world.

The Bald Eagle

In a sense not only is an eagle known for its physical traits hence the reason why it is the National bird of The United States of America, "The bald eagle represents freedom, strength, courage, and independence." I have a heightened experience and to see the world in a different perception to me seems like a way to cancel out all the noise and just focus on what matters to a bird. But to not be picky, I truly would want just the bird's eye vision to escape the thoughts of remembering

The question remains, how much humanity would I be willing to give up is more complex. While prosthetics or a medical implant would be the route to take if ever considered, technology has become so advanced that to differentiate between what is real and what is artificial seems hard to decipher. But to think more realistically, if we do have the technology to make these alterations and maybe not take the eye out of an eagle, but to fabricate one to have the same feeling can be a route to take. However, it is then a person should be aware that they are human and not consumed by artificial intelligence.

In comparison to my beliefs and values, self-awareness is deeply rooted in me. To be able to make human connections and use what was gifted to me naturally, I am also thankful for. But many can wish to have the abilities like an eagle to fly or even see so clearly. But the power to see farther than one should does not mean they should lose the ability to feel disconnected with the human race.

The scary part to even take part of this is that it may be even possible for the wealthy to do. However, those in low income communities would be left out when in a world of advancement that could possibly take part in a competitive job seeking. Over time, this could create a biological divide between those you can find the funds to take this operation against those can not. While an eagle-like enhancement would simply be a step forward to technology advancement, I would consider myself a human with a clear train of thought and being ok with having less than a 20/20 vision....then again that's what contact lenses are for.

Reference:

AI was used to create images

https://chatgpt.com/share/69accdd3-7b70-8003-a3aa-3ff05e664658

The American bald eagle the Bald Eagle has been the National Bird. (n.d.-e). https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate/eagle.pdf

Visual learning: An interview with James Dicarlo | AI in Neuroscience. (n.d.-g). https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/ains.2024.0002