Haraway offers a vision of a post-gender world in which identity is fluid. This vision can be seen within Janelle Monáe’s album “Dirty Computer” which depicts a dystopian world where non-conforming individuals are persecuted. Firstly, in the “Cyborg Manifesto” essay she informs the reader that there are many binaries within western culture. For example, like the concept of male and female; it’s either one or the other, not both and not definitely not neither. This social structure creates the means for power dynamics within society. With power dynamics comes inequality, social isolation, and gender supremacy. When addressing cyborg entities she expresses the fact that they cannot be categorized within these bounds. A cyborg is a hybrid entity which is fluid and does not represent a binary gender. Some of these ideas can be seen in Janelle Monáe’s album. My favorite song on her album, “I Like That”, tries to break down societal norms affecting women. Women are supposed to exude beauty and have this specific sort of feminine identity/presence. She says, “I don’t care what I look like, but I feel good”. She realizes that as a lady she is looked at and judged on a daily basis because of her gender. However she doesn’t care about what others have to say. She believes that feeling good about yourself comes from within, not from the outside. As long as you feel good inside then that is all that matters. Another example from that song is “And I like that, I don’t really give a f*ck if I was just the only one / Who likes that”. Janelle is saying she doesn’t want to conform to the social norms within her society. This lyric may not clearly state gender but it expresses her fluid identity and individuality. Both Haraway and Janelle Monáe come to the same conclusion on their view of a post-gender world where identity is fluid and somewhat nonbinary.

Though it sounds far-fetched, Jenelle Monáe’s album Dirty Computer resonates with the ideas framed in Donna Haraway’s essay Cyborg Manifesto especially as it pertains to the themes of gender identity, its fluidity and the push to resist oppression. For Haraway’s Cyborg Manifesto, Harraway offers a vision of a post-gender world in which identity is fluid. Haraway champions for the breakdown of the rigid boxes that categorize the human idea of identity and emphasizing fluidity beyond traditional binaries of gender, race, and species, which is what Monáe brings to life with her album Dirty Computer. Monáe’s album is a celebration of black queer feminist resistance against the oppression, racism, and misogyny in modern society. It’s important to note that Monáe herself is a queer woman who identifies as pansexual and is non-binary, opting to use pronouns of they/them or she/her. In an interview on the American talk show Red Table Talk. Monáe stated, “I’m non-binary, so I just don’t see myself as a woman, solely,” She added, “I feel all of my energy. I feel like God is so much bigger than the ‘he’ or the ‘she.’ If I am from God, I am everything. I am everything, but I will always, always stand with women.” In addition to that, Monáe explained that she’s attracted to people based on their energy, rather than their gender or sex. Dirty Computer uses many of her real life experiences as a queer woman to pull first hand inspiration for the album. In Janelle Monáe’s Dirty Computer: An Experience Immersed In Musical Activism written by Lucas Cava. Cava details the core details of Monáe’s album as it represents a love letter to black queer America, it shows them support in a society where they’re often the marginalized and demonized group. The dystopian world depicted in Dirty Computer mirrors Haraway’s concept showcasing a society where non-conforming individuals face persecution and fight with different forms of resistance.  Overall, Monáe’s Dirty Computer not only aligns with Haraway’s vision but also provides a strong viewpoint on the realities of those who are often marginalized identities within society.

In the essay “Cyborg Manifesto,” by Donna Haraway, she conceptualizes a world where society norms like gender, race etc. are not an indicator of what individuals are defined or identified by. Instead, in this society identity is fluid because technology is advanced and distorts the idea of those once held societal constructs individuals once went by. However, Haraway does draw parallels between cyborgs and femininity. To expand on that idea, Cyborgs is in a sense a hybrid being that are equipped with robotic parts and also part human. They have redefined what it means to be an individual in society. They are essentially human but have enhancements that change the way one would think and navigate the world because some of their human attributes have been replaced with technology that gives them an advantage. Cyborgs are fluid because they give a different and new way to identify. Haraway relates this idea of femininity to cyborgs to help women break the social constructs that objectify them, that keep them in this box where no fluidity is allowed due to decades of enduring sexism. Cyborgs are a symbol of hope within the feminist movements for women to redefine themselves and allow for fluidity even when they are faced with discrimination. The album Dirty Computer by Janelle Monáe depicts a dystopian society in which people are persecuted for the simple action of not obeying the rules in the society. Which correlates with Haraway’s notion of the cyborg as outcast or undeserving of the simple joys of life, due to them redefining what it means to be different. Monáe’s album embodies diverse identities, with the creativity and out of box thinking that helps paint a picture and change one’s perspective, through her lyrics and beats. By drawing out the parallels like Haraway did. By detailing her experience as an individual who has been oppressed in society and seeing the changes to these constructs that shows you that the constructs never stay the same because our world is constantly evolving.

In Cyborg Manifesto, published in 1985, Donna Haraway challenged us to rethink our ideas about identity, gender, and technology. Fast forward to 2018, and Janelle Monae’s album Dirty Computer picks up where Haraway left off, painting a vivid picture of a dystopian world where individuals who don’t conform to societal norms are marginalized. By exploring Monae’s music through the lens of Haraway’s ideas, we can see how both works invite us to embrace a more fluid understanding of identity.

Haraway introduces the idea of the cyborg as a metaphor for breaking down the boundaries that define us. She suggests that in a post-gender world, identities become more fluid and less confined by societal expectations. In Monae’s song “Django Jane,” we witness this celebration of self-definition. Monae confidently asserts her identity and challenges the norms that seek to categorize her. Lines like “I’m not just a woman; I’m not just a man” resonate deeply with Haraway’s vision of a world where traditional gender roles no longer apply.

Monae’s Dirty Computer creates a dystopian reality where those who dare to be different are persecuted. This theme comes to life in the track “PYNK,” where Monae and her collaborators embrace femininity and queerness unapologetically. The vibrant imagery and the joyous celebration of love and identity serve as a direct response to Haraway’s manifesto. In a world that often seeks to silence and control those who don’t fit the mold, Monae’s music becomes an anthem of resistance. It’s a reminder that embracing our differences is not just an act of self-expression but also an act of rebellion against oppressive systems.

What I find most compelling about both Haraway and Monae is their insistence on the importance of fluidity. In “Make Me Feel,” Monae explores desire in ways that challenge heteronormative expectations. She sings about the thrill of love without being tied to traditional gender dynamics. This mirrors Haraway’s belief that our identities can be multifaceted and ever-evolving. Monae’s exploration of love and sexuality highlights the need to break free from societal constraints and fully inhabit our identities, just as Haraway envisioned.

In conclusion, the connection between Haraway’s Cyborg Manifesto and Monae’s Dirty Computer is profound. Both challenge us to reject simplistic labels and embrace the complexities of our identities. They encourage us to envision a world where being true to ourselves is a source of power and strength. As we listen to Monae’s powerful anthems, we are reminded that our identities can be fluid, diverse, and ultimately liberating.

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