Author: Makeda M.

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 Monáe’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—Monáe 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. Monáe 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 Monáe 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 Monáe is how she doesn’t just theorize; she lives this rebellion. Just like Haraway’s cyborg, Monáe’s characters refuse to be sanitized or “fixed.” Instead, they celebrate their “dirtiness”—their difference—as a form of resistance. It’s as if Monáe’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. Monáe’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.