Author: Makeda M.

From Silicon Valley to Cyber Tyranny: Are Corporations the New Overlords?

Makeda M.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

By examining examples of cyberpunk media in tandem with modern realities, one might argue that such futures, while exaggerated, are not entirely implausible given the trajectory of late-stage capitalism and America’s ongoing disdain for paying proper wages. In Neuromancer, the Tessier-Ashpool family embodies a fusion of corporate and familial greed, using technology to perpetuate their power across generations. They operate from a space station, isolated from Earth and humanity, while controlling vast resources and exerting influence through their artificial intelligence constructs. This depiction eerily aligns with modern billionaires’ ventures into space, such as Elon Musk’s SpaceX or Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin. These endeavors showcase an appetite for detachment from the mundane struggles of Earth—be it climate change, labor inequality, or societal unrest—while simultaneously solidifying control over emerging industries.

Elon Musk photographed by the
SpaceX.

The labor dynamics depicted in cyberpunk fiction are also strikingly familiar. In Machinehood, pharmaceutical “pill funders” monetize human productivity and health, illustrating a chilling commodification of labor itself. Today, we see parallels in the gig economy, where workers are treated as disposable units of production rather than humans with needs. Companies like Uber, Amazon, and DoorDash epitomize this trend by leveraging technology to reduce labor costs while maximizing profits. Workers face low pay, minimal benefits, and algorithmic control, echoing cyberpunk’s warnings about technology amplifying exploitation.

But the situation could evolve even further. America’s systemic resistance to adequately compensating labor—rooted in capitalist greed—may push corporations into fully embracing cybernetic systems. Automation and AI are already replacing human labor in manufacturing, logistics, and even customer service. In a future cyberworld, corporations could prioritize the development of cybernetic augmentations, not to enhance humanity but to extract more value from workers. Imagine a scenario where workers are expected to implant productivity-enhancing chips or risk losing their jobs. This is not far removed from Amazon’s current use of surveillance technology to monitor workers’ efficiency. At the same time, these corporate evolutions could lead to deeper societal divisions. While cyberpunk often focuses on elite corporations versus disenfranchised masses, we might see a middle ground emerge: those who can afford limited augmentations to stay competitive in the labor market versus those who cannot. Such disparities would only exacerbate inequalities, reinforcing the capitalist cycle of profit-driven progress at the expense of human welfare.

Ultimately, the evolution of corporations into cyberworld overlords is not just a dystopian fantasy but a critique of our present. It underscores the dangers of unchecked capitalism and the devaluation of human labor. While the predictions of cyberpunk may seem hyperbolic, they serve as a warning: without systemic change, the future could see corporations not just operating in cyberworlds but controlling them, where labor is no longer human and humanity is merely another resource to exploit. By embracing more equitable labor practices and regulating corporate power, society might avert such a future. But until then, cyberpunk remains an uncomfortable mirror, reflecting the potential of capitalism unchecked.

Beyond Biology: The Ethics of Human Enhancement

Makeda M.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Throughout this class, I’ve explored complex questions about human augmentation, from the boundary-shifting nature of working from home to the limits of merging humanity with technology. Considering the evolving landscape of human augmentation, I envision options arising that seem right out of science fiction—enhancements that blend our biological selves with digital and mechanical systems, allowing people to transcend physical and cognitive limitations. The question, though, is not just “Can we?” but “Should we?”

Depiction of human augmentation.

I think accessible augmentations will focus on improving everyday life, including implants that enhance memory retention, devices that monitor and adapt to our mental and physical health in real time, and sensory improvements like augmented vision or hearing. These feel like natural extensions of devices we already rely on (phones, wearables), and I could see myself experimenting with technology that boosts my cognitive efficiency or helps manage health.

However, there are limits to what I’d be comfortable with. The potential for invasive neural implants or gene-editing enhancements aimed purely at “upgrading” humans sits on a moral fault line. Such adaptations risk reinforcing social inequalities, creating a divide between the augmented and non-augmented. As someone with a background in public health, I see how disparities in access to healthcare already affect vulnerable communities. Unequal access to these technologies could deepen these gaps, turning what should be human improvement into a new form of discrimination.

I’m open to augmentations that preserve and protect my natural abilities. For example, using technology to manage health conditions is acceptable. But I would reject enhancements that alter my identity or biological essence—anything that risks turning me into something fundamentally different from the person I am today. We will all have choices about the type of augmentation we accept, and those choices will reflect our values and identity. My personal line lies where technology starts to replace what it means to be human instead of enhancing it. Navigating these choices will require us to consider not only the benefits but the ethical and social impact on our society and our sense of self.

Soaring like an Eagle!

Makeda M.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
A bald eagle, the U.S.’s national bird.

If given the chance to hybridize with an animal, I would choose the eagle. And eagle revered across cultures as a symbol of freedom, vision, and strength, eagles possess remarkable characteristics that would profoundly enhance the human experience. This hybridization would enable me to embody the eagle’s keen eyesight, majestic flight, and unwavering focus, allowing me to gain a new perspective on the world and my place within it. Not to mention, I am a big Philadelphia Eagles fan as well..GO BIRDS!

If I could hybridize with any animal, I’d choose the eagle. It’s not just because they’re a universal symbol of freedom, strength, and sharp vision, but because their abilities would bring a whole new way of experiencing life. Imagine having the human mind—the ability to think critically, feel deeply, and connect with others—while also having the eagle’s physical gifts. The most exciting part would definitely be flying. Just picturing myself soaring through the sky, seeing everything from a bird’s-eye view, makes me feel free already. Flying wouldn’t just be about moving from one place to another—it would give me a totally different perspective on the world, like understanding nature from a deeper, more connected level.

But if I were to take on some of these eagle traits, I’d have to think about what parts of being human I’d be willing to let go. Maybe I’d care less about things like social expectations or materialism. Instead, I’d lean into the eagle’s way of life, more focused on survival and the natural world. The independence and self-sufficiency of the eagle would push me to rely less on human society and more on my instincts, letting nature guide me instead of the opinions and pressures we face in modern life.

In this hybrid form, I’d still mostly look human, but with a few key enhancements that show off the eagle’s influence. I’m imagining wings that fold up neatly on my back or eyes with a sharpness that hints at something more powerful within. This mix of human and eagle traits would be a symbol of balance—the ability to think deeply like a human, but act with the natural wisdom and strength of an eagle. It wouldn’t be about fully transforming into an animal; it’s more about taking on the best of what the eagle has to offer. So while I’d still be me—human emotions, thoughts, and all—having the eagle’s instincts would allow me to connect with the world in a raw, instinctual way that we rarely experience.

It’s a combination that blends the best of both worlds: the complexity of being human, mixed with the wild, untamed spirit of the eagle. And that feels like the ultimate way to live—free, wise, and in tune with the world around me.

Neon Lights and Gritty Realities: A Cyberpunk Aesthetic

Makeda M.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In the realm of cyberpunk, few pairings are as iconic as Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner (1982) and William Gibson’s Neuromancer(1984). Both works are seminal in their portrayal of sprawling, dystopian cities where neon lights and towering skyscrapers coexist with a gritty, low-life underbelly. They offer a vision of urban futures that are as visually striking as they are thematically complex. Let’s delve into how these works use their cityscapes to explore themes of technology, societal decay, and human experience.

Drones flying through a dystopian Los Angeles in Blade Runner(1982).

Blade Runner and Neuromancer share a distinctive visual and thematic aesthetic that underscores their portrayal of dystopian futures. The cities in both works are characterized by an overwhelming sense of artificiality and decay, creating an atmosphere of both wonder and despair.

Both Blade Runner and Neuromancer utilize their cityscapes to explore the dichotomy between high technology and social decay. In Blade Runner, the advanced technology of the replicants and the omnipresent advertisements represent the pinnacle of human achievement, yet they exist in a world marked by environmental degradation and societal fragmentation. The elite live in luxurious, isolated high-rises, while the majority of the population struggles in the polluted, crime-ridden streets below. This disparity is vividly illustrated in the contrast between the opulent Tyrell Corporation building and the grimy, neon-soaked streets of the city’s lower levels.

An interpretation of Chiba City based on the novel Nueromancer by William Gibson(1984).

In Neuromancer, the juxtaposition of high-tech advancements with urban decay is even more pronounced. Chiba City’s neon glow and technological marvels are set against a backdrop of poverty and crime. The city’s various districts, such as the corporate-controlled sectors and the more impoverished areas, reflect the socio-economic divides that are central to the narrative.

Future Funk: Janelle Monáe’s Cyborg Revolution in Dirty Computer

Makeda M.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
The cover art for Janelle Monae’s album ” Dirty Computers”

Haraway’s “Cyborg Manifesto” and Janelle MonĂĄe’s Dirty Computer both offer a bold, futuristic vision where the idea of identity, especially around gender and sexuality, is fluid and constantly evolving. In her manifesto, Haraway talks about breaking down the rigid boundaries between categories like human/machine and male/female. She imagines a world where we aren’t boxed in by these binaries, which opens up the potential for freedom in how we define ourselves. Now, fast forward to Dirty Computer—MonĂĄe takes these ideas and brings them into a dystopian, yet deeply personal, narrative.

Take the track “Pynk,” for example. It’s all about celebrating femininity, but not in a way that fits traditional molds. It’s soft, it’s loud, it’s unapologetic—and it speaks to the kind of fluid identity Haraway describes. MonĂĄe embraces this non-binary, post-gender freedom by blending themes of queerness and empowerment, pushing back against societal labels in the same way Haraway’s cyborg refuses to be neatly categorized. Then there’s “Screwed,” where MonĂĄe addresses how systems of power try to control bodies—sexuality, gender expression, freedom of identity—echoing Haraway’s critique of oppressive structures that enforce conformity.

What’s cool about MonĂĄe is how she doesn’t just theorize; she lives this rebellion. Just like Haraway’s cyborg, MonĂĄe’s characters refuse to be sanitized or “fixed.” Instead, they celebrate their “dirtiness”—their difference—as a form of resistance. It’s as if MonĂĄe’s album is the soundtrack to Haraway’s post-gender, post-binary future, where being a hybrid, being fluid, is the ultimate rebellion against a world that tries to erase individuality. MonĂĄe’s vibrant artistry and thought-provoking lyrics challenge us to embrace our complexities and redefine what it means to be human in a rapidly changing world.

As someone who loves Janelle Monáe (and who wouldn’t?), it’s exciting to see how she channels these deep philosophical ideas into something that also makes you want to dance, think, and maybe even shout. Monáe takes the cyborg concept and gives it a groove.

Home, Office, or Both? Navigating the New Work-Life Boundary

Makeda M.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In recent years, the boundary between human and machine has become increasingly porous, a shift that reflects not only technological advancements but also profound changes in our cultural and ethical landscapes. The line between work and home life has significantly blurred, reshaping how we live, work, and interact. This shift, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has had profound implications for society, both positive and negative, and raises important questions about the future of work. 

Woman smiling at laptop.

Before 2020, the boundary between work and home was relatively clear. Most people commuted to an office, factory, or other workplace, leaving work behind at the end of the day when they returned home. However, the pandemic forced millions to work from home, turning kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms into makeshift offices. What was initially seen as a temporary measure has evolved into a long-term shift, with many companies adopting remote or hybrid work models permanently. This blurring of work and home boundaries has changed the way we think about productivity, work-life balance, and personal space. The physical separation that once existed between work and personal life has diminished, leading to new challenges such as “Zoom fatigue,” increased stress from always being “on,” and difficulty disconnecting from work. At the same time, remote work has provided benefits, including more flexibility, reduced commute times, and the ability to work from anywhere. The rise of remote work has transformed how we interact with our jobs and our colleagues. With the advent of video conferencing, digital collaboration tools, and cloud-based systems, employees can now perform their tasks from virtually anywhere. This shift has not only made work more flexible but has also redefined the work-life balance, merging personal and professional spaces in ways we’ve never seen before. The rise of digital communication tools like Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft Teams has made it easier to work from anywhere, breaking down the need for a physical office space. The availability of cloud computing and collaboration software has further supported this transition.

Different types of social messaging applications that have been popular over the years.

As the boundary between work and home continues to evolve, it will be important to find new ways to manage this shift, ensuring that the benefits of flexibility do not come at the cost of our well-being and personal lives. The future of work may be more fluid, but it will also require careful consideration of how we maintain balance in a world where the lines are increasingly blurred.