Author: Kennedi G.

“The Possibilities are Endless”

Kennedi G.
Reading Time: < 1 minute

Human augmentation is evolving at an astonishing pace, and I believe we are on the brink of groundbreaking advancements in our lifetime. Today, technologies like cochlear implants already enhance human capabilities, allowing people to regain hearing. It’s not far-fetched to imagine that even more advanced augmentations exist but have yet to be publicly disclosed. For example, I foresee a future where lab-grown organs replace faulty ones with perfect precision, and even the process of growing babies outside the womb in artificial environments could become a reality. Another fascinating possibility is the integration of AI into the human mind, enabling seamless communication across languages through real-time “code-switching.” These developments could fundamentally reshape how we live, interact, and solve some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.

Despite these exciting possibilities, I don’t believe technology will ever completely replace humans. Machines, no matter how advanced, will always require human supervision. As someone aspiring to be a healthcare professional, I aim to position myself as an innovator in my field, ensuring that I remain indispensable in a world where technology supports, but does not overshadow, human expertise. By contributing ideas that enhance and refine technology, I can ensure it remains a tool for good.

Personally, I would embrace adaptations that improve lives, particularly those that advance healthcare and save lives. Augmentations like lab-grown organs or advanced prosthetics could revolutionize medicine and provide opportunities to treat previously incurable conditions. However, I draw the line at technologies that blur the boundary between humans and machines. Giving machines human characteristics, such as emotions or consciousness, could lead to outcomes that spiral beyond our control. Maintaining a clear distinction between human and machine is essential for preserving our autonomy and safeguarding ethical boundaries.

Human augmentation holds tremendous potential, but it’s up to us to guide its evolution responsibly.

Corporate Control and the Rise of a Cyberpunk Reality

Kennedi G.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In exploring cyberpunk narratives, it’s hard to miss the recurring theme of corporate power and greed. Corporations in these stories, like the Tyrell Corporation in Blade Runner and the Tessier-Ashpools in Neuromancer, represent a chilling vision of a world where companies have almost unlimited influence, often putting profits above humanity. These corporations aren’t just economic entities—they wield political and even military power, shaping society to suit their interests without accountability. The question is: are we really heading in this direction, or is this just a dramatic critique?

One example from Blade Runner shows the Tyrell Corporation’s god-like role in society, with the power to create life through replicants. This absolute control over human-like beings highlights the corporation’s lack of ethical boundaries when it comes to profits and power. In Neuromancer, the Tessier-Ashpools similarly embody the dangers of unchecked corporate influence, operating more like a dynasty that prioritizes wealth and control over individual rights and well-being. Both examples present a world where corporations have gone beyond serving society; they’ve redefined it to benefit themselves.

While these stories might seem extreme, they aren’t too far off from some trends we see today. Companies like Amazon, Google, and Facebook have vast amounts of data and resources, enabling them to shape how we shop, communicate, and even think. For example, Facebook’s role in the 2016 U.S. election highlighted how corporations can influence public opinion and politics, leveraging their power to sway outcomes without the public’s full understanding or consent. Similarly, pharmaceutical companies prioritize profits over affordable healthcare, which raises questions about ethics and responsibility.

So, are cyberpunk predictions becoming reality? In some ways, yes. While we haven’t reached the full dystopian corporate control seen in Blade Runner or Neuromancer, the influence of corporations is growing, often without the oversight needed to protect public interests. These narratives may be exaggerated, but they serve as cautionary tales, urging us to think about the ethical boundaries we’re willing to set as corporations gain more power in society.

Part Human, Part Orca

Kennedi G.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

If given the opportunity to hybridize with any animal, I would choose to be hybridized with an orca. The allure of life in the water is a significant part of this choice. I’ve always been drawn to the ocean and its vast, mysterious depths. Orcas, or killer whales, are perfectly adapted to their aquatic environment, with remarkable speed and agility in the water. Being part orca would grant me the ability to navigate the ocean’s depths effortlessly, explore underwater worlds, and experience life beneath the waves in a way that humans never could.

One of the most exciting aspects of this hybridization would be the opportunity to explore the unknown regions of the ocean. So much of the ocean remains a mystery to humans, with deep trenches, hidden ecosystems, and ancient creatures that have yet to be fully understood. As a hybrid orca, I could venture into those unexplored territories and uncover secrets that lie far beyond the reach of human divers and technology.

Orcas are known for their intelligence and complex social structures, which closely mirror some aspects of human society. They communicate with one another using unique vocalizations, live in close-knit pods, and demonstrate a range of personality traits that feel surprisingly familiar. This makes the idea of hybridization with an orca even more appealing; my human traits would blend with their social and communicative abilities, making the transition feel less alien and more like a natural extension of who I am.

In terms of how far I would want the hybridization to extend, I would want it to include the physical traits necessary for survival in the ocean, such as enhanced lung capacity, a streamlined body, and the ability to endure the pressures of deep-sea environments. However, I would still want to retain some aspects of my humanity; such as the ability to communicate verbally and to move between life on land and in the water. The idea of being able to dive into the ocean’s depths and then return to life on land would offer the best of both worlds.

When it comes to sacrificing my humanity, I would be willing to give up some physical characteristics in exchange for the orca’s strengths, but I wouldn’t want to lose my human consciousness or my ability to connect with other humans. Ultimately, the appeal of hybridization with an orca lies in the possibility of exploring a world beyond human limits while still retaining a sense of self.

The Evolving Understanding of Gender Beyond the Binary

Kennedi G.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

One established boundary that has significantly shifted in recent years is the boundary surrounding traditional gender norms and identities. Over the past five years, there has been a noticeable and accelerating change in how society understands and accepts gender beyond the binary framework of male and female. This shift is evident in various aspects of life, including media representation, workplace policies, educational curriculums, and legal rights, where the recognition of non-binary, genderqueer, and transgender identities has become more mainstream.

Historically, gender has been viewed through a binary lens: male or female. This binary framework was reinforced by cultural, religious, and legal norms, which dictated specific roles, behaviors, and appearances for men and women. However, in recent years, this boundary has begun to shift dramatically. Many people now understand gender as a spectrum, rather than a binary choice, allowing for a more fluid and diverse range of identities. Terms like “non-binary,” “genderqueer,” “genderfluid,” and “agender” have become more widely recognized and accepted in both social and legal contexts.

Several factors have contributed to the shift in how society understands and accepts gender. One major driver is the growing body of research from social sciences, psychology, and gender studies that challenges the traditional binary view of gender. This research has provided evidence that gender identity is complex and multifaceted, often shaped by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. This understanding has helped to promote a more nuanced view of gender that goes beyond the binary framework.

Another factor is the influence of social media and digital platforms, which have played a crucial role in amplifying the voices of non-binary and transgender individuals. These platforms have provided a space for people to share their stories, build communities, and advocate for their rights. Movements like #TransRightsAreHumanRights and #NonBinaryVisibility have gained traction on social media, raising awareness and sparking conversations about gender inclusivity and equality.

Furthermore, the push for greater inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of society has driven this change. As more institutions, such as schools, workplaces, and governments, adopt policies and practices that recognize and respect diverse gender identities, societal norms are gradually shifting. This change is also being fueled by a broader cultural movement towards social justice and equality, which has brought issues of gender identity and expression to the forefront.

In conclusion, the boundary surrounding traditional gender norms is shifting significantly, driven by greater visibility, evolving societal attitudes, legal changes, and a growing body of research. This shift reflects a broader trend towards recognizing and respecting the diversity of human experiences and identities. As we continue to explore the themes of boundary collapse in the cyberpunk genre, this evolving understanding of gender provides a rich context for examining how societal norms are being redefined in our rapidly changing world.

Haraway’s Cyborgs and Monáe’s Vision of Identity

Kennedi G.
Reading Time: 1 minute

In a world increasingly defined by rigid categories of identity, Janelle Monáe’s Dirty Computer emerges as a powerful critique of societal norms, echoing the revolutionary ideas presented in Donna Haraway’s Cyborg Manifesto. Written in 1985, Haraway’s essay envisions a post-gender future where identities are fluid and transcendent of traditional binaries. Monáe’s album, released in 2018, plunges into a dystopian landscape where individuals who defy normative identities face persecution, making her exploration of identity not only timely but also deeply resonant. By weaving together themes of technology, identity, and resistance, both Haraway and Monáe challenge us to rethink the boundaries that society imposes on who we can be.

Monae’s work reflects Haraway’s ideas, particularly in tracks like “PYNK,” where she celebrates fluidity and self-expression. The visuals and lyrics in this song emphasize a sense of freedom and solidarity among marginalized identities, paralleling Haraway’s vision of a future where hybrid identities can flourish outside societal constraints. As Haraway posits that cyborgs transcend traditional classifications, Monáe’s celebration of diverse sexualities and gender identities illustrates this transformative potential.

In “Django Jane,” Monáe further embodies Haraway’s call for coalition-building among marginalized groups. The song serves as an anthem of empowerment, pushing back against oppressive systems and advocating for the recognition of varied identities. Monáe’s portrayal of herself as both a cyborg and a political figure resonates with Haraway’s assertion that the cyborg is a means of resistance against fixed identity categories.

Ultimately, both Haraway and Monáe challenge the rigid structures that define identity. Monáe’s Dirty Computer not only echoes the themes of the Cyborg Manifesto but also emphasizes the ongoing relevance of Haraway’s ideas in contemporary discussions about identity and technology. This connection invites a critical reflection on how we navigate and embrace fluid identities in a world that often seeks to impose strict categorizations.

High-Tech, Low-Life: The Cyberpunk Cities of Blade Runner and Neuromancer

Kennedi G.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Both Blade Runner (1982) and Neuromancer (1984) show dystopian cities filled with neon lights, massive skyscrapers, and a mix of advanced technology with gritty, low-life realities. These settings capture the essence of cyberpunk, where futuristic tech exists alongside urban decay.

In Blade Runner, the version of Los Angeles in 2019 is dark, rainy, and dominated by towering buildings and flashing neon signs. The opening scene gives us this huge, polluted cityscape, setting the mood for a world that’s clearly futuristic but deeply flawed. There’s advanced tech everywhere—flying cars, replicants—but it’s only accessible to the privileged. The lower levels of the city are crowded and grimy, showing the harsh divide between the rich and poor. Tyrell Corporation’s massive pyramid towers over the dingy streets below, symbolizing how the elites live in luxury while most people struggle. This “high-tech, low-life” vibe is classic cyberpunk: technology is everywhere, but it’s not making life better for everyone.

Neuromancer paints a similar picture with places like Chiba City and Freeside. Chiba City is a hub for underground tech, illegal cybernetics, and cutting-edge research, but it’s chaotic and gritty. Case, the protagonist, navigates a world filled with body modifications, hackers, and digital crime, all of which reflect the same divide between a high-tech world and the reality of life on the streets. The sprawling cities feel just as oppressive as the ones in Blade Runner, with technology helping some while leaving others in a state of constant survival.

Both works use neon lights to highlight the consumer-driven, artificial nature of these worlds. In Blade Runner, the constant glow of neon ads, often in different languages, emphasizes how the world has become commercialized and globalized. In Neuromancer, neon signs and flashing lights evoke the chaotic, overwhelming nature of urban life, where corporate influence is everywhere, and even people’s bodies are commodified.

At their core, Blade Runner and Neuromancer depict sprawling, dystopian cities where skyscrapers and neon lights are everywhere, but most people are still stuck in grim realities. Both settings show the dark side of technological progress, where power and wealth are concentrated at the top, leaving everyone else to navigate a harsh and dehumanizing world.