Self.Net 2006: Thursday, 2pm Tutorial Blog

Self.net reflections

2006-10-26T21:57:00.000+08:00

The use of weblogs:
I think the weblog added to the course. It was useful to read other people’s tute presentations and webliogs. However, I think it operated too much as a bulletin board rather than a forum – i.e. posting was a duty and there was no discussion.

The only other arts unit I have done with an online component was political science 101. In that unit everyone in the tute represented a country whilst a crisis in Kashmir was played out online. It was a much bigger part of the unit than the weblog in this unit, but it did generate a lot of discussion. I can’t think of an equivalent to the Kashmir crisis for self.net though . . .

Am I a cyborg?
Yep. This act of typing and having my thoughts appear as photons in front of me is an instance of my biological self being augmented by technology. I don’t think you need an artificial eye or heart to be a cyborg – at the computer interface the line of our self warps with the computer’s.
One problem with the word cyborg is it means something completely different for people not familiar with cyborg studies and Donna Harraway et al. People simply can’t understand I’m doing a semester-long unit on robo-cop.

The course:
I enjoyed the course a lot. It is a pleasure to study a topic that is always evolving with technology.

I think the tutes could be improved by making the presentations longer & more comprehensive. Perhaps students could team up in twos to give a combined presentation on the week’s readings, this lets them compare the different approaches of each text to the one topic.

Thanks for a great unit Alison!

Review

2006-10-25T18:52:00.000+08:00

Overall I find the use of blogs still a little bit overwhelming. However, I think the use of weblogs within the structure of this unit was really helpful. By each student posting their thoughts and opinions online, it made the readings easier to follow, in addition to creating an added depth to each excerpt. I also found them useful in seeing the level everyone was at in terms of breaking down the weekly readings.

If asked whether I considered myself a cyborg I'd have to say yes. The very act of typing and having the interface of my computed screen (technology) as an extension of my biological self would by some definitions categorize me as a cyborg. I think as long as the biological and the technological are hybridised in some way one can be defined as a cyborg.

I would have to say that the workshops were my favourite part of this unit. I liked that we were encouraged to have group discussions as they felt less structured and more open than tutorials. The tutorials I think could be improved by extending the time for presentations, or encouraging students to bring in more examples of their week's reading. I think this transition would encourage students to take more time in preparing before tutorials, which may lead to added discussion. In addition I’d also like to add that this is one of the first units where I have enjoyed every single lecture. I found each lecture very stimulating and liked the examples and presentation styles used each week.

anna's reflective post

2006-10-25T10:16:00.000+08:00

I never thought that I would ever be involved in the blogging culture. So when I read the unit outline during the first lecture I must admit the blogging aspect of this course was met with a groan of distaste, followed closely by the realisation that this could be a disaster due to my lack of computer skills. However as the tutorials progressed and the blog began I realised the huge benefit blogs can have as an academic resource and a forum for information sharing. Indeed I had always assumed blogs to be not much more than a virtual diary. Now I understand that they can also be used a way to express individual perspectives and ideas and interact virtually with many other people. I felt that the blogs each week on the tutorial readings were extremely useful in reflecting on what had been discussed in the tute. They gave a nice summary of not only the readings but also what our own ideas were. Not only that, but there is now a great collection of articles available for research purposes.

As to the unit in general in the first three weeks I was a little concerned that I was perhaps doing a unit that I could not relate to. The concept of the cyborg was a little too foreign and I was worried that I would not be ‘computery’ enough to complete the unit requirements. However as the weeks progressed and the tutorials began I really began to enjoy the lectures. I think what is good about this unit is that it deals with new issues and problems caused by the technology of the digital age. It really is a modern take on many issues that are discussed in other units.

So after all this am I a cyborg? I rely on technology, I use medicines and I am largely dependant on machines. But does this make me part machine? It is an interesting question and one that I still do not know the answer too. Maybe when I am 60 and have a hip replacement I will be sure but at the moment I like to think that although I do rely on machines every day I am still a human! Not withstanding that my ideas of the cyborg have definitely developed from the first week, when I was imagining a merger of flesh and metal into some macabre robot.

Overall I enjoyed the blogging experience and the content of this unit. Thanks for the tutorials I think we had an interesting group. I hope you all do well in your exams and final essays and enjoy the break.

Anna

sophie's reflective post

2006-10-23T20:43:00.000+08:00

I think that the use of blogs in this unit was an interesting academic tool. The posts everyone has made on their presentations etc are a valuable resource, and I think it could be handy for the unit to preserve this site and allow access to our writing by future students in the course. Socially the blog hasn't taken off like similar experiments in communications units have; part of the problem could be that only two students from our tute are comfortable with the use of blogging as social/personal expression. When this unit is run again it might be interesting to encourage students to voluntarily post interesting articles on related topics, to stimulate the same heated debate that took place in tute sessions.

According to the definition of cyborg we've discussed, I certainly am one - I have peirced ears, I alter my body, I use technology as a form of interaction. However, I do not identify myself as one, and some part of me reacts against the very suggestion that I'm 'post-human'. One of the best things about this unit has been the exploration (through the opinions of tute members) of humanity's fear and revulsion of technology.

This unit has helped me to understand the role technology plays in identity and that has been a real highlight for me. Almost everything we've covered has been new territory for me, and I've enjoyed the journey. I think I've gained an insight into a culture I'd only ever been on the fringes of before.

Some readings

2006-10-22T18:44:00.000+08:00

Does Playing Violent Video Games Cause Aggressive Behavior?: Playing by the Rules, Jeffery Goldstein, 2001.

There's not shortage of articles out there drawing a connection between physical response and video games or violent movies. I do not dispute this, but I wonder if riding a rollercoaster has a similar relationship with driving recklessly. No doubt, you have a physical response to the thrill of the motion and, according to the reasearch, you would be just as likely to drive recklessly for the same thrill.

There was an abundance of research into this feild, overwhelmingly saying that video-games cause violence because there is a relationship. Very few of them stopped to consider that violence causes video-games. Or that perhaps teenage males in America may have other factors in their life that disturbs them to the level of violence, such as gang-warfare, racial disputes, low income, undiagnosed mental conditions, social pressure or drug addiction?

For balance this article challenges the points raised in Goldstein and others work. I personally find his points to be broad, biased, and not backed up with evidence. Still, the 'Unanswered Questions' section at the end does raise some interesting points. The main point he raises that I would like to see more information on is whether we can compare passive media with interactive media.

Eight Myths About Video Games Debunked Henry Jenkins
This article represents the gaming community's views on the issue. It's not very well supported, despite the list of references at the bottom, but it's pretty interesting if you've not considered this angle before.

Violent Video Games Do Not Cause Violence Lester Haines
This is an article from a UK technology magazine. Haines looks at a case study in relation to current research into violent video games. This article also highlights the paranoia about video games that can come in tense situations.

Wikipedia of course has a fair bit to say on the matter. It's extensive, but covers a lot of ground. It brings up the point that it's not just violence in video games that's got people worried, but the whole lot that comes under a ratings system.

Feel free to do your own research. In fact, I encourage it. I'm all about looking into matters before you make up your mind, but please, please, please think about what your reading and take it all with a grain of salt.

Blog Review

2006-10-22T18:41:00.000+08:00

I believe that blogs can be useful for tutorial purposes, but this particular example was a little bit quiet for learning. Other blogs have had more use, which may have resulted in more vibrant debate. Blogs have the potential for unlimited debate through the internet's possibilities of hotlinking, emphasis, precision through review and immediate research. As an example, I shall supply links in another post to commemorate the lively inclass discusions over some topics not covered in the course reader.
Essentially, blogs can potentially be a learning community, although, like all other online communities (and, indeed, real life communities), the actual building process depends on the individuals involved. For, as we have learned in this unit, an individual has ideas beyond their community and can act both within and without a social unit.

As to whether I am a cyborg, it is a question that remains unanswered. However, were it not for this unit, I would not have even asked that question. It comes down to the line between reality and theories of reality. According to the readings, I am a cyborg; I wear glasses, I have had my body altered through surgery, I have changed my hair colour through chemistry and have pieces of metal implanted in my ear-lobes. Moreso, I am fluent in technological communications. I have adapted myself to the technology in my life and regularly 'update' my 'software'. Were all technology in my life to be removed, I would be disoriented and helpless (especially without glasses and clothes), as if I had lost a limb, synthetic or not.
Despite all of this evidence, I cannot bring myself to identify as a cyborg. A cyborg is a being of fiction, a monster like the Borg or Frankenstein's creation. I am merely a human opperating in a techonological society.

What I most like about the unit was the lively debate among my colleagues and being able to watch Galaxy Quest, Star Trek and South Park in an academic setting. It was interesting to explore the underpinning ideas that flow through my favourite forms of entertainment. Needless to say, my least favourite aspect was encountering people who had not only never experienced anything technological or sci-fi, but was terribly disappointed to find that many people have such closed-minded views on these subjects. I learned long ago what it is to be the Other, but was supprised to experience this in a setting in which my knowledge should have been an advantage, rather than a hinderance.

Reflective Post

2006-10-21T23:34:00.000+08:00

Before this unit, I wasn’t aware of that weblogs originated with a filtering purposes; insofar, I had only been exposed to weblogs of the more personal kind. It was interesting to realise the development and alterations people had made to the meaning of ‘blog’. The use of weblogs in this unit, particularly the webliography exercise, helped me experience and learn how academic material may be filtered and made topic-specific.

I felt the best part of this unit was hearing about the opinions of others regarding technology and the influence of part it played in a part of their own individual identities. I myself, have experienced a development in ideas and opinion in the way I view technology. It even set me to wonder whether we have now breached the point where technology will infinitely be a part of our lives, and so integral that humans will truly realise their ‘post-human’ status.

As to whether I am a cyborg, I think to some extent I am. Physically, I have been affected by technology: immunisations, operations, etc. But in a different sense I am also afflicted by technology: I communicate through the internet and sometimes I play video games. In those times, my mind transcends into the ‘virtual world’, a world beyond the truly physical, and I believe, in the definition of cyborg, that I am one.

Jess's Reflective Post

2006-10-20T16:46:00.000+08:00

I think Blogs definitely have the potential to be an effective learning tool. As others have said, in terms of our tutorial’s blog, most people did not engage in the blog as a discussion but more as a place to post your tutorial discussion or required blog. There was no interaction as such; this is probably quite a tough thing to do with such a short time frame and people who aren’t familiar with each other.

Yes, I think I am a cyborg. I don’t think there are many people who aren’t in contemporary society. Our reliance on technology happens so naturally (especially for people of my generation) that we do not realise, until we examine it further, how intertwined technology is with our lives.

The subject matter of the unit has generally been interesting to examine. It has been positive to examine different points of view regarding technology and the many effects it has on society and the issues that arise as a result. The use of various types of media in the lectures was a good tool to accompany various topics. I think more use could be made of the workshop time. I liked the way they were a practical approach to the various topics broached in the unit, but I think they would be of greater use if they were linked to the tutorials, either as part of or before or after tutes. That way it fortifies the tutorial group and would perhaps allow more time for activities and discussion because the time for each group to present at the end wouldn’t be necessary.

Caela's Reflective Post

2006-10-17T09:29:00.000+08:00

In terms of weblogs being an effective learning tool, i guess they can be. Having the opportunity to read other peoples perspectives on issues and topics within the unit provided a means to broaden your understanding of the notions discusses. However, as most people only posted the required blogs, i guess the whole notion of blogging was not embraced. As someone who had not come in contact with a blog let alone contributed to one, it was a good experiences and opened my eyes to the means of expressing opinions that exists with the web.

Am I a cybrog? I guess so. The unit has opened my eyes to the fact that society's reliance on technology highlights the way in which humans have c0me to 'need' technology. Most people find themselves using facets of technology in all sorts of ways, and essentially I think that humans in particular societies could be defined as cyborgs.

The topics discussed and focussed on within the scope of the unit were quite interesting. However, i guess that with all that there is to discuss, i would have found it to be more beneficial if the tutorial had been longer - 1.5 hours and perhaps the workshop dropped. I guess that in smaller groups such as tutorials people come to feel more comfortable and express their views more often.

Melissa's Reflective Post

2006-10-16T22:13:00.000+08:00

Week 12 Reflective Post

My Blogging Evaluation

I didn’t find the blogs to be an effective learning tool. Everyone just seemed to post their required posts, so the blogs didn’t facilitate much interaction – it was in the tutorials that the most interesting and meaningful interaction and exchange of ideas occurred. I also personally felt that blogging was just something I had to do, as oppose to being a valuable exercise. I should probably add here that I am not a lover of technology and that most of my use of technology is driven by a sense of necessity. I only use the Internet to stay in contact with people via email and to research for uni assignments and the rest of my computer usage consists of using Word for uni assignments. So basically what I’m trying to say is that my evaluation of the blog is clearly affected by my personal biases. In theory, I think that blogs are a good idea for the unit – they could facilitate meaningful interaction, they are a good way of putting the theory you learn in the lectures into practice and they would also create interest in the unit, but they just didn’t work for me.

Am I A Cyborg?

Yes, I believe that I am a cyborg. If you define ‘cyborg’ as meaning that human and machine/technology are intertwined, then I am a cyborg. I wear glasses, I carry a mobile phone in my pocket almost everywhere I go and there is not a week that goes by that I do not use a computer … in fact as I am writing this I am literally connected to the computer (i.e. my fingers are touching keyboard). Technology has become a normal part of my life to the point that I need it to live my life. I need to wear my glasses, I need to use the computer to do my assignments and I need to carry my mobile with me everywhere I go. I am linked to technology in a way that has made it an intrinsic part of me and has blurred the line between being human and machine. Therefore, I am a cyborg.

My Perspective on the Unit

One thing that I liked about the course was that websites and video clips were used to illustrate points made in the lectures. I also particularly enjoyed the virtual ethics and culture jamming workshops because they were opportunities to apply the theory and issues that we were talking about in practical and interesting ways. However, one thing that I think should be changed about the unit is that it should not be classified as a Women’s Studies unit, because gender is not a major focus of the unit. All in all, this unit was an interesting experience and it exposed me to many aspects of technology and to many ideas that I had not come across before.

Political Simulation: Anna's response

2006-10-14T11:11:00.000+08:00

Question 1.
I think that this style of communication is extremely interesting. As to whether it would be effective that would depend largely on where it is accessible from. I felt thought the Donkey John game was pretty clever, the instructions especially encoded lots of subtle jokes, such as “vote him out.” I felt that the New York Defender was a bit less effective. I did not think that this effectively conveyed any real political message other than attempting to exact and impossible revenge. I think though that these games are going to be linked to sites of similar viewpoints – these sites only attract certain people, usually who also have these viewpoints. Why they may be some satirical fun I highly doubt that they would change peoples opinions or prompt them to look at something differently.

Question 2.
Donkey John was extremely obvious in making its comment. It was assisted greatly by the instructions on how to play. The message I think was easily identifiable for me, as I was already familiar with the situation over East Timor’s oil. I felt however that the New York Defender did not really have a clear message. I played a few times but could not win (maybe my heart wasn’t in it!) but I think that was actually impossible to win – which may have been the point of the game. I guess at the time of the attacks this type of thing may have attracted more people but I can’t really see it making anyone feel better.

Question 3.
If I were designing a game I would focus it on the ongoing leadership debate between Howard and Costello, which came to a head earlier this year. I would name it “The Leadership Grab-Stab.” The game would feature two figures, overtly comical, each smiling at each other. The player could nominate to be Howard or Costello and the object would be who could stab the other figure in the back the fastest. Obviously the first one to ‘get the knife in’ would win the game (and leadership). Ridiculous? Just like the pathetic media focus on the debate.

The Politics of Playing

2006-10-13T11:08:00.000+08:00

Donkey John and Kabul Kaboom
Do you think the political simulation games you examined would have been "effective" in communicating with people via the Internet?
The games I examined were internet based games which were created as political comments on current issues. Both the games would have been quite effective in communicating with people on the internet because they are in game form which is both interesting and enticing to the player while at the same time portraying an important message. By participating in the games the player is subjected to the political issues the game addresses in a way that the outcome of the game can either rectify the situation or emphasise the problem. The internet is a good forum on which to play these games as its popularity can increase the more people 'stumble' across it or find it and then post it as a link on other sites.

Was the political message underpinning the political simulation games you examined immediately obvious? If not, were you driven or interested to find out what the game was trying to "say" (apart from the fact that you have to as part of the workshop)?
In the Donkey John game the political message was basically that the Howard government is not recognising East Timor's claim to oil in the surrounding oceans and is pracitcally 'stealing' oil from them. The games aim is to overthrow Howard to restor the ownership of the disputed waters to East Timor. This politcal message was immediatly obvious to me because I am familiar with the issue however, for someone who is not familiar, while probably not immediatly obvious there are plenty of explainations and graphics which make it simple to understand the message.

In the Kabul Kaboom game the politcal message was that the war on terror in Iraq (led by the U.S) is a self perpetuating problem. The more innocent civilians killed in the process of removing the terrorists, the more terrorists are formed as the mourners of the dead retaliate and turn against the U.S. To me the complete message was not instantly clear and it was only after reading the instructions and a bit of background info. that i completly got the message (that is, I understood that the message was that in killing the terrorists one kills innocents aswell). However, the game did drive me to want to know a bit more about it so I was encouraged to read some articles on it.

If you had to write a political simulation game similar in size and structure to those you examined, (a) what would be the point you were trying to make and (b) how would the game be structured and operate in order to make that point? (Just give a very brief outline).
A) The point I would most likely make would be about the literal 'jailing' of innocent children in detention centres as if they are criminals and it was their own choice to come to Australia illegally.
B) I would probably structure the game so that the player took the point of view of a refugee child who is forced to immigrate with his/her family illegally. It would include a very harsh journey to arrive and then upon arrival the player would be placed into a detention centre. The aim of the game is to first escape the country and then the survive the journey. The point would be that even after being successful in surviving such an ordeal you are jailed anyway.

Political Simulation Games: Melissa's Response

2006-10-11T21:31:00.000+08:00

1. I think that Donkey John is effective in communicating with people to a certain extent. In exposing people to political issues it is helping to fight ignorance. However, I think it is likely that once players finish with the game they would not go out and try to find out more about the political situation. I think that the game is aimed at people who do not know much about political issues and while it may expose people to these issues, I think that most players would remain indifferent to the whole political situation.
I do not think that New York Defender was effective. The game offers people the opportunity to “go beyond your powerlessness and use your mouse to fight back” but it does not deliver on this promise. The game is unwinnable, so players are left feeling powerless. While this appears to be the intention of the creators, it does not really seem to be communicating a valuable message. Shuen-shing Lee argues that the unwinnable nature of the game forces people to think about the hopelessness of fighting terrorism. However, people would have felt hopeless before the game, so it does not offer anything new.

2. The political nature of both games was immediately obvious, but the political message that the creators were trying to get across was only obvious once you played (and lost in the case of New York Defender) the game. I think that both games effectively drew people in to discover their respective messages. Being games, they would interest people in a way that articles on the same issues could not, because they offer something interactive and fun. In the case of Donkey John, the caricature of John Howard would also serve to draw people in and in the case of New York Defender, the media hype surrounding the September 11 attacks would have made this game appealing.

3. The point that my game would be trying to make is that the Australian government is trying to keep refugees out of Australia at all costs. To make my point the game would begin with a little caption coming up explaining how you had seen your family die around you, so you sold everything you had to get a boat ride to Australia. Then the game would start. Basically you have to move your boat towards Australian waters (there would be a line representing the divide between Australian and foreign waters and the line would slowly move further and further away and there would also be moving obstacles – sharks, patrol boats). It would be very difficult to get to Australian waters but if you make it, you would immediately be caught by a patrol boat and a caption would come up saying that you will now be sent to an Australian detention centre for an indefinite period.
It is based on the same sort of premise as New York Defender where the unwinnable nature of the game makes the player contemplate deeper political issues.

Political Simulation Games: Katie's Response

2006-10-11T18:02:00.000+08:00

(I played all four games, mainly out of curiosity, and for my own information.)

1. Do you think the political simulation games you examined would have been "effective" in communicating with people via the Internet?

In a word, no. This is mainly due to the size of the internet, and the relatively unconnected topics of Flash/Shockwave games and 'the war on terrorism'. For those who find these games, however, the point is clearly made, especially in the case of September 12th. Once I realised what was happening, the message was very clearly communicated. As for the others, the message was less clear. Personally, I found Kabul Kaboom and New York Defender to be in poor taste, and Donkey John just plain confusing.

2. Was the political message underpinning the political simulation games you examined immediately obvious?

-As metioned above, September 12th was prefectly clear; violence is ineffective in solving a political problem, and there is no clear solution. I was stunned by the sense of helplessness at not being able to "stop" the terrorists, and the mourning citizens were tragic.
- New York Defender wasn't clear. I felt like I was playing a Star Wars simulation, which I think might have been the point. I started thinking about the Star Wars missile defence system, but that was as far as I could work out. According to the reading, the point is that you can never win to show the tragedy of war. Still, it wasn't very clear.
- Kabul Kaboom was obvious. I did not want to play this game because it was so short, unpleasent and simplistic in its message. The bombs and "yummy hamburgers" were entirely unsubtle, and unenticing. The sad truth is that in reality you can't just chose not to play.
- Donkey John just made no sense. I kept playing, but there was no clear message, other than antagonising John Howard. The message of taking oil unjustly was convoluted by John throwing away barrels, and the relevance of the Donkey Kong format just pain didn't make sense. Even after reading the interview I'm not convinced there's much to take away from this game, so essentially I got the message pretty quickly.

3.If you had to write a political simulation game similar in size and structure to those you examined, (a) what would be the point you were trying to make and (b) how would the game be structured and operate in order to make that point?

I'm not a very politically minded person, so it's hard to think of something I actually have a point to make about. The only thought I had was a version of minesweeper, focusing on mines left beind after wars, for example in Cambodia. It seems in very poor taste, but not more than some other games. There would be no number clues, and maybe instead of 'lives', you have limbs. It's utterly horrible, but then, so's the reality.

Caela's Tute Presentation: Hot Dates and Fairy-Tale Romances: Studying Sexuality in Video Games

2006-10-11T12:56:00.000+08:00

Self-Net. Identity Presentation

Hot Dates and Fairy-Tale Romances: Studying Sexuality in Video Games
By Mia Consalvo

• Expression of sex and sexuality in video games generally reflects conservative beliefs about heterosexuality and ‘proper’ romance.
• Heterosexuality as normalized, ‘regular’ part of life/queerer interactions are either absent or made to appear deviant. Heterosexuality as natural and preferable. – surface readings
• “Representations of women and girls in games reapply many stereotypes of femineity and vulnerability found in more traditional media.”

Idealized heterosexual romance is a highly traditional: Some of the words used to describe the heterosexual romance - “fairy-tale” “natural” “expected” “desired” and “to be sought out.”

Video games can also bring up ideas of race, gender and other identity norms – the choices made by the individual can challenge or reinforce traditional ideas.

Idea of escapism:
John Huizinga writes that “The disguised or masked individual ‘plays’ another part, another being. He is another being” and play is “a stepping out of ‘real’ life into a temporary sphere of activity with a disposition all of its own”. P265 - People seem to have a desire to ‘escape’ from the present, the real.

Sex and gender in Sims:
• Consalvo highlights the way in which sex and gender are often indicated as being the same thing. In the manual of Sims, “perhaps the best way to begin putting things in order might be by selecting a sex for your Sim-to-be – gender is a pretty basic constituent of self from which to build a personality.”

Sex and gender are often described as one in the same; however in Marilyn Poole’s article ‘gender’, she defines the differences between both notions. “The term sex is a classification based on anatomical, chromosomal, and hormonal differences among people. Gender, on the other hand, is a classification that, while based on physiological, cultural and physiological factors, also includes the individuals identification with a given sex and adopting a lifestyle that is deemed appropriate for that sex in any given culture.” P 159

Although all video games may not have overtly sexual themes, many games employ sexuality to some degree with characters and stories. – This is increasingly the case with the more recent video games.

Playing Politics Workshop Response- Jess's Response

2006-10-11T11:27:00.000+08:00

Q1) As Joe Boughton-Dent comments “There are difficulties…in monitoring what individual players take away from the game”. I am sure that there may be players who just play September 12th or Donkey John with out really considering the political messages they portray. However, these games are very stylistically simplistic as opposed to ordinary games on the market. You can tell that the game itself is not really the focus; it just facilitates the user’s exposure to and consideration of the message. I think in the majority of cases these games are effective in communicating the morals they contain to audiences via the internet. There may be a few people who fail to connect the game with the message, although I think this would be the minority, especially if they discover the game from a site such as newsgaming.com, if they read some of the background information and are well informed about current affairs.

Q2) I will consider each game individually because I think there are some differences in the manner in which the message is presented in each game:
>September 12th: the game’s title immediately situates the game, ‘September 11’ or ‘9/11’ are terms which are recognised almost universally, it also hints at criticism of the brazen nature of the War on Terror, that action was taken so drastically and so quickly after the New York attacks. I initially thought the game was about just civilian casualties, I did not immediately notice the mourning civilians morphing into terrorists. I think you understand the message on a certain level while you are playing the game, as with any game you search for the goal of the game (what you have to succeed at to usually win or progress in the game) and by understanding the unachievable goal and never ending pattern of the game, the message it carries becomes increasingly lucid to the user. However, I think reading the game’s press release gives the user a greater depth of understanding about the game’s moral. In this case the ‘violence only breeds violence’ idea, which although I understood this whilst playing the game, I only really considered upon reflection.

>Donkey John: I think that the message of this game was more complex and perhaps more politically weighted as it deals with a very specific political event (September 12th does also but it’s a world-wide issue which is far more publicised). Somehow because this game has an achievable goal I seemed to focus more on that rather than the political message whilst I was playing. In comparison to September 12th where you questioned the futility of the game which then led you directly to or at least prompted you to consider the message. I think that is why Donkey John provides background and politically loaded instructions, because for some players the meaning may not be immediately obvious, the message itself is not as embedded in the game.

Q3) (a) About how scary nuclear capabilities are, are we taking things too far when we are threatening each other with weapons that have the potential to destroy the planet we inhabit. We are too frivolous about something which should not be taken lightly.
(b) You play as America and have ten people and two minutes to assemble the pieces of a nuclear bomb and then use it to blow up North Korea before they bomb you up. If you loose, all your people die from the blast. Even if you win, two of your people die from each bomb you explode, so each level gets harder with less people to assemble the bomb in the time limit.

Jess's Tute Presentation- 'The Virtual Community' by Howard Rheingold

2006-10-08T11:43:00.000+08:00

WOMN 2205: Week 10 Tutorial- 'The Virtual Community' by Howard Rheingold
Some information about the author (Howard Rheingold)
• This is Rheingold’s website where you can find some of his publications (Rheingoldian writing), some of his digitized paintings (Rheingoldian Art), blogs and links to other sites. http://www.rheingold.com/
• Rheingold is a lecturer of participatory media/collective action at the UC Berkeley School of Information, digital journalism at Stanford University and is also a visiting Professor at De Montfort University.
The Virtual Community
• In 1985 Rheingold became one of the original members of WELL (Whole Earth ‘Lectronic Link)
• He also coined the phrase ‘Virtual Community’
• WELL members interacted online but also met up IRL (In Real Life) offline. People who Rheingold met online he was able to interact with offline too, “my computer screen later manifested in front of me in the physical world in the form of real people” (Trend (ed.) 2001)
• Rheingold admits that online interaction at first sounded ‘cold’ to him, the article makes it clear that he has become a great supporter of the internet as a communication medium, to conclude the article Rheingold comments that “my virtual communities also inhabit my life…my sense of family at the most fundamental level has been virtualized.” (Trend (ed.) 2001)

Some definitions and further information
• WELL- (Whole Earth ‘Lectronic Link) an online community founded in 1985 by Stewart Brand and Larry Brilliant as an online forum for the writers and readers of The Whole Earth Review. The WELL website describes WELL as “the primordial ooze where the online community movement was born” http://www.well.com/
• MUD- (Multi-User Dungeons/Domain/Dimension) a multi-player online game, generally a fantasy based setting where users interact and complete activities/tasks. For more info see; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MUD
• CMC- (Computer Mediated Communication) Interaction between people facilitated by computers eg. e-mail, instant messaging, chat rooms…
• BBS- (Bulletin Board System) Users connect computers and then use a terminal program to exchange files and communicate. For more info see; http://www.fanciful.org/bbs-promotion/how-to-bbs/bbs.htm

Questions
• What do you think about Rheingold’s analogy which compares the growth internet communities and technologies to the growth of bacteria?
• I also found it interesting that Rheingold suggested; “whenever CMC technology becomes available to people anywhere, they inevitably build virtual communities with it” (Trend (ed.) 2001) Do you think this is true, is our Blogger blog and WebCT an example of this?

blogging survey

2006-10-05T16:52:00.000+08:00

If anyone missed the workshop on Wednesday, it would be greatly appreciated if you would go to webct and fill in the blogging survey. Tama and I are really interested in your responses to the blogging aspect of the unit, and will be using the surveys to review the unit.
When you've filled it in, you could send it by email to me (bartlett@arts.uwa.edu.au) or the to English office (eccs@arts.uwa.edu.au) if you want it to remain anonymous.
many thanks,
alison

Sherry Turkle: Virtuality and Its Discontents

2006-10-05T12:54:00.000+08:00

Turkle addresses the difference between virtual reality and real life. Characters in MUDs often live out the lives their creators wish they had. This does not necessarily mean that the lives are exorbitant or overly self-indulgent, but allow for a level of social networking and middle-class comfort that is often unattainable for the students who mainly inhabit these societies.

The MUDs allow for a level of political and socially environmental empowerment that is lacking in middle-American youth culture. By allowing a space in which people who would otherwise have limited agency are able to create a comfortable environment which can be tailored to their needs as they emerge.

The link between character and creator lies in emotion, as they transcend the corporeal. In the case of relationships (and rape) the concern is the emotion and intent behind the ‘action’, and not in the actual ‘action’.

Sophie's Tute Presentation

2006-10-05T11:18:00.000+08:00

Self.Net – Tute Presentation 5^th October

“A rape in cyberspace; or how an evil clown, a Haitian trickster spirit, two wizards and a cast of dozens turned a database into a society” – Julian Dibbell.

Dibbell writes primarily for online magazines and journals, and uses a style of writing that blurs the literal and the figurative to make his point about the indistinct boundaries between virtual and ‘real’ violations.

This article is “the story of a man named Mr. Bungle, and… the ghostly sexual violence he committed”. The crimes occurred in an online space called the LambdaMOO, and in this space characters can create objects, interact and perform actions. They are described to each other by the site, and Mr. Bungle was on the night of his crimes described as “a fat… clown dressed in cum-stained harlequin garb”. Bungle used a voodoo doll mechanism, usually used as a joke, to force other characters into violent, humiliating sexual acts, including eating pubic hair and penetrating themselves with steak knives.

Dibbell explains that the rape has to count as a form of violation, as it is a violation of the mind and personality no less real than a physical violation. If sex and love can be real in cyberspace, cyber-rape is real too, despite its virtual nature.

Following Bungle’s crimes, participants called to have him ‘toaded’, that is, deleted from the community. This created a great deal of controversy and argument in the community, with technolibertarians claiming that the very basis of the internet is free and unrestricted speech. There was little to no support for taking ‘real-life’ legal action. The members of the MOO felt that “he had committed a MOO crime, and his punishment, if any, would be meted out via the MOO”.

When asked to explain his actions, Mr. Bungle gave a somewhat baffling and inadequate answer, which seemed to confirm the suspicions of his victims that he was quite simply a psychopath.

A wizard for the site, JoeFeedback made the personal decision to delete Mr. Bungle. Upon his return to the MOO, the arch wizard Haakon created a system whereby ordinary users can petition for the removal of offensive participants. This did not prevent Mr. Bungle reincarnating as Dr. Jest, though he never repeated his actions.

Dibbell’s conclusion is that virtual space tears down boundaries between speech and action, because in the virtual world, speech IS action.

Warblogging as a Critical Social Practice

2006-09-28T13:52:00.000+08:00

The article tells of how the internet and forms of media and communication on the internet (in particular weblogs) have, since its inauguration, been thought of as a separate system of communication. Article allows the standpoint that it is not necessarily a separate system but rather a new form of participatory media. Warblogs as used as a primary example of participatory, egalitarian media form.

Will consider the characteristics and distinction between separate system and new media.

Will also consider the importance and/or significance of bias and opinion in blogs, and again, the significance of this when considering blogs as media forms.

The article also implicitly suggests that blogs are dependent on traditional media and questions whether traditional media might be dependent on blogs at all.

1st things 1st Manifesto: Jam'n with Kulcha

2006-09-28T12:51:00.000+08:00

The First Things First Manifesto asks graphic designers propagating the ‘high-pitched scream of consumer selling’ to comprehend the moral/ethical dimension of their work - the impact it has on others. Then, if they judge the work wrong, they should cease the work.

It is an attempt to break the ‘obedient, neutral, servant to industry mentality’ of the profession. It is an attempt to ‘jam culture’ - specifically capitalist culture - by disrupting the production of commercial messages, and also by broadcasting alternative types of non-commercial messages.

But it is not simple . . . before you ‘jam’ you need to know what to ‘jam’ - i.e. what work is wrong . . . this depends on your ethics, and ethics are confusing.

Some answers to the question - ‘what work is wrong?’:

1. The Manifesto’s authors are against marketing ‘detergents, hair gel, cigarettes, credit cards, sneakers . . .’, and other disposable, cheap, everyday sort of items. They claim to be against ‘commercial messages’, but are happy to market ‘books, magazines, exhibitions, television programs, films . . .’. It is not clear if they are against advertising per se or advertising of certain (common, everyday) goods.
For the reasons above, the Manifesto has been denounced as ‘elitist’:
‘[the signatories of the Manifesto] have specialised in [designing] extraordinarily beautiful things for the cultural elite, not the denizens of you local 7-eleven.’
Also, only elite designers have the leverage within a firm to refuse assignments. For most designers, being ethical will mean being unemployed.

2. ‘Designers: Stay away from corporations that want you to lie for them’. This rule is so simple it is useless. For example, you can design an ad for Nike without lying about sweat shop workers. Another point is:
‘if you begin with the premise that what we work at more often than not involves to some degree a distortion or misrepresentation, it is very difficult to be at any point in this spectrum without having sinned’.

3. A softer reading of the Manifesto is that designers should decide what is right or wrong according to their own understanding of ethics. The Manifesto underlines the ethical dimension of graphic design work, but leaves the rest up to the designers. This is probably its most successful role - e.g. at an international design conference the delegates signed the manifesto and agreed to perform at least one socially responsible project in their professional work that year.

Other points:

1. If culture jamming is about ethics, then by implication capitalism is opposed to ethics - maybe because ethical considerations disrupt and slow the cycle of consumerism?

2. The manifesto makes the point that the saturation of commercial messaging in our environment has changed the very way people interact . . . what examples are there of this?

Porno Communities: When Amateurs Meet Ethics

2006-09-20T21:53:00.000+08:00

"The Ethics of Porn on the Net"- Tute Reading

This is the summary of Kath Albury’s “Ethics of Porn on the Net”. Her article outlines debates on the ethics and morality of pornography online. Moreover, Albury takes specific interest in the rise of amateur pornography on the net as a genre of empowerment.

The article addresses several different standpoints on the traditional ethics of pornography. Such as Left wing Marxist and/or feminist moral perspectives. Marxism views the performers alienation from sexuality, as a result of sex becoming an act of labour whereas feminism views the exploitation and oppression of women through their objectification. In addition to exploring right wing Judeo Christian beliefs that sex should never be performed in public, for profit or before marriage.

Albury positions pornography as immoral, however she goes on to voice her opinion that immoral and unethical are two entirely different things. Amateur porn is referred to as empowering, blurring the lines between producer, performer, consumer, distributor and publisher. Furthermore, it offers a wider market for fetish interests, and minority groups that may not be catered for or easily accessible within the commercial industry. Consequently through giving the consumers the facilities, freedom and accessibility to make DIY or cottage industry porn, Albury deems amateur porn as one genre that is seemingly ethical (by Foucault’s definition p201).

Foucault’s definition: “Morality consists of black and white rule systems, the familiar ‘thou shalts’ and the ‘thou shalt nots’.

Furthermore, the article goes on to privilege Foucault’s idea that:

When a judgement cannot be framed in terms of good (inherent female sexual good) and evil (objectifying male sexual evil), it is stated in terms of normal and abnormal. And when it is necessary to justify this last distinction, it is done in terms of what is good or bad for the individual.

I hope this gives you all some scope on how to address the topic of pornography on the Internet in this week’s tutorial discussion.

Virtual Ethics

2006-09-20T20:09:00.000+08:00

Melissa's Tutorial Reading

Kingston, Margo. “Diary of a Webdiarist: Ethics Goes Online”, Remote Control: New Media, New Ethics. Eds. Lumby, Catharine & Probyn, Elspeth. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003, pp. 159-172.

Kingston was a journalist for the Sydney Morning Herald, who started a webdiary. In this chapter, Kingston discusses the ethics of online journalism and how her journalistic ethics have adapted since going online.

Defining ethics:

Kingston does not set out to define ethics, but this is an issue that I think permeates the entire chapter. There are many aspects to the definition of ethics that can be found in the article, but I believe the main point that Kingston makes is that, as a member of a community, one has rights and responsibilities and ethics seek to protect the rights of community members. This view of ethics is reflected in her Draft Code of Webdiary ethics.

Throughout the article, Kingston also contrasts online journalism with traditional journalism.

Similarities:

Kingston advocates the notion that, in both the real world and on the web, people are part of communities. As members of these communities, people have rights and responsibilities, and ethics seek to protect these rights. Therefore, there is a need for ethics in both traditional/offline journalism and online journalism. This idea aligns with the notion that the Internet is not separate from the real world, but just another forum for interaction.

Differences:

The main difference between online and traditional journalism that Kingston points out is that online journalism is “an exciting, unpredictable public conversation with readers” (p. 160), as oppose to a one-way form of communication.

It is this difference that leads Kingston to conclude that:

“Online ethical codes drafted for hardcopy journalism must adapt and stretch to fit a medium less planned, more open, faster, and much more in-the-moment.” (p. 160)

Kingston’s article is a valuable reflection on why traditional journalistic ethics need to adapt to the online environment.

Menu Driven Idenity: Anna's Response

2006-09-08T14:30:00.000+08:00

I found this weeks readings and workshop activity extremely interesting. I had never considered the biased nature selecting answers on the internest before - perhaps this ignorance of inequality stems from the fact that as a white, english-speaking, anglo-saxon, my answers are almost always the first option and I have never struggled to fit into one of the pre-defined categories.

Question Two

In order to gain a further insight into the information required by Lavalife, I began the process of signing myself up for some ‘casual dating.’ When signing in on the ‘about you’ page there is a section describe yourself to your potential dates, below that is information that allows you to select an answer. These sections included, age, height, body type (slim and fit the first options, king or queen sized the last), ethnic background (white being the first option), and religion. It is this information, not the personal description that appears on screen when conducting a search for a match. These physical descriptions appear along with a photo (which if you choose to post will bring in more interest.) I found the fields of information interesting as it is clear that even on the internet there are prejudices about appearance and origin. Indeed on the main page the photo is of young attractive people – not a “king or queen size” in sight and it when searching the physical information of the members appears first. You are also asked to chose which community you wish to be apart of “Casual Dating,” “Relationship” or, “An Intimate encounter.” Each of these communities offered three separate selections, ideas of fun dates, personal descriptions and the kind of sexual activity one is open to, consecutively. It amazes me that these must however be selected from a list of options rather than being able to enter a personal opinion.

Question Three

The selection of answers from a list of options in order to define one’s self seems to limit the ability to project a true self into a Lavalife profile. While there was limited space to write some personal comments, these could only be seen if a user chose to find out more about a person. And this choice would be made based only on the selection based answers which appear first - which are primarily about appearance. This greatly limits the ability to project one’s personality into a profile. I looked into another popular site for internet dating, RSVP. This site seemed to feature an older demographic and the profiles were more personal with information about favourite books, films and hobbies. It did however also have many of the appearance based questions. I think that Lavalife would improve the ability to find ‘a match’ if when searching the service more information was provided regarding personality in the initial results.

Menu-Driven Identity Workshop Response

2006-09-08T12:06:00.000+08:00

Which categories are available for users to choose from when signing up for Hotmail, Yahoo! Mail or in order to use the Second Life gameworld? What presumptions do these categories make about users, and what does the absence of certain categories of identity say?
What sort of 'identities' are visible in the profiles on Lavalife? How are they displayed? What presumptions does this display make about both the people reading these profiles and those users who made them?
Upon going into the Yahoo! Mail and Hotmail websites I found that they had many similarities regarding the types of questions a person has to answer or categories they have to choose from. However, a few of the differences I noted were with Hotmail the applicant has to choose their time zone and their country or region whereas the Yahoo! site did not ask for these but rather ‘preferred content’ meaning your country/region. The Yahoo! site also asked for the industry in which you worked. I found this rather interesting as the only reason behind this that I could think of is that it is for advertising purposes. When signing up for ‘Second Life’ there are not as many questions and the applicant need only put in their first name, birthday, email address and a last name chosen from a list. I think that these kinds of categories make the presumption that users want these kinds of personal details displayed to other users and that it matters what their age is, where they are from and where they work. Categories such as race/ethnicity and religion are absent either due to political correctness or irrelevance but in the case of the latter the argument can be made that gender, industry and age are irrelevant as well.
The identities which are visible in the profiles on Lavalife are interesting. Categories include: name, gender, age, height, body type, ethnic background, zodiac sign and religion. I found it interesting that all these factors are supposed to give an indication to what a person is really like but in my opinion these are mere physical characteristics and do not give a true sense of what a person is really like. These ‘identities’ are displayed next to a photo and are in a kind of list. These categories presume that the readers and indeed the users who made the profiles find physical characteristics to be of utmost importance.

Menu Driven Identity Workshop

2006-09-08T11:30:00.000+08:00

Which categories are available for users to choose from when signing up for Hotmail, Yahoo! Mail or in order to use the Second Life gameworld? What presumptions do these categories make about users, and what does the absence of certain categories of identity say?

All three sites ask for your name. However, when signing up for Second Life, you cannot enter in your own last name, but must choose one from a drop down list and all of the names seem quite unusual. This implies that you are entering a fantasy world and are leaving reality behind i.e. you are entering a ‘second life’. However, in Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail, you are thought to be signing up as yourself, rather than playing a character. All sites also ask for your gender. When you think about it, gender is not something that needs to be revealed when signing up for an email account or role playing game (unlike a site like Lavalife where gender plays an important role in finding a potential partner). However, the inclusion of gender as a category indicates that it is an important signifier of identity. There is also an assumption that users will be either male or female. This does not take into account cultures which have more than two genders. None of the sites ask for race or ethnicity and this is most likely because doing so would be seen as racial discrimination. However, it is interesting to note that other categories, such as gender and country are just as irrelevant as race/ethnicity to signing up for these sites, yet they are included while race/ethnicity is not.

Are any of the websites you've visited inherently racist? Why or why not?

In my opinion, Hotmail, Yahoo! Mail and Lavalife are not inherently racist. Both Yahoo! and Hotmail do not include race or ethnic identity as categories and the country category is not an indicator of race/ethnicity because many different racial/ethnic groups may reside in one country and therefore seems to serve as an indicator of geographic location. Lavalife, on the other hand, does have a category of ethnic background. This category appears to be used as a marker of identity, just as other categories such as gender are used as markers of identity. Therefore, the site is not inherently racist and racism would only come into play if users discriminate against a person on the basis of their race.

Second life is not openly or expressly (and probably not intentionally) racist. However, I noticed that among the avatars that are displayed when you sign up, none of the characters have dark skin and none appear to be of Asian descent. All are either fair-skinned, olive-skinned or are animals, rather than humans. Therefore, by having white avatars as the default, there is an assumption that being white is normal, resulting in the ‘othering’ of any other race/ethnicity.

Menu Driven Identity Workshop

2006-09-08T11:18:00.000+08:00

Are any of the websites you've visited inherently racist? Why or why not?

Menu Driven Identities: Workshop Response

2006-09-08T01:32:00.000+08:00

1. Which categories are available for users to choose from when signing up for Hotmail, Yahoo! Mail or in order to use the second life gameworld? What presumptions do these categories make about users, and what does the absence of certain categories of identity say?

There are some common questions asked, such as name, gender, age, etc. Others have wonder whether this represses the idea that the web is meant to be free from social constraints and signifiers. Personally, I believe that the web is merely a transcendence of society and the community onto a virtual space and therefore the net is very much representative of the 'real' world. People are becoming increasingly aware that gender and race are social constructs and if virtual reality is, as due to my theory, really a mirror of the first reality, then I find that it is logical for categories such as race to emerge once again. It is true that the concept of race is very much founded on physical differences (though there are cultural dissimilarities), but how soon will the online world forget they are still or was initially based in a physical world.

This has turned out to be a response to a merge of ques 1 and 3.

2. What sort of 'identities' are visible in the profiles on Lavalife? How are they displayed? What presumptions does this display make about both the people reading these profiles and those users who made them?

Following my theory that the virtual world is a transcendence of the first reality, I didn't find many of the profiles or the profile categories on Lavalife surprising. A lot of things are often points of interest and preferences in the non-virtual world, things such as age, smoker, drinker? There are obvious preferences by an individual as to the type of person he or she would like to pursue a relationship with. Some people find starsigns important too. Why should a virtual relationship be any different?

However, it is the strict anchoring of this online dating site to the physical world that interested me. Every profile (or those I had seen) specified location. And the abundance, almost unspoken need for photos! As if you needed to ensure, check that the guy who doesn't smoke, doesn't drink, whose starsign is compatible with yours actually exists in the flesh. It's funny how that is.

Response: Workshop IV

2006-09-07T21:04:00.000+08:00

WORKSHOP IV: MENU DRIVEN IDENTITIES RESPONSE

Q1)
Each of the three sites asked a new user to provide fairly extensive personal information centered around their name, age and location. Some of the questions in the sign up process did require a user to identify with particular group within a category. These category questions were generally structured so that a user could pick the group which they identified within the category from a specific list of options. This structure gave no option for people who could not fit into one of the categories, in order to sign up for, and use, the service a prospective user had to fit into one of the preordained groups.

Examples of these categories are gender; male or female, country; alphabetical list of countries and in some cases age; drop down menu of dates and years. I think the sign up procedures of these three websites contradict the idea that users can exist and interact on the internet free from the social signifiers and categories that exist in ‘the real world’. Even in the case of Second Life, there are still categories which shape your online identity even if they differ from the categories you are in offline. The idea presented in the MCI advertisement that “There is no race. There are no genders. There is no age. There are no infirmities. There are only minds” may not be impossible but it would certainly restrict the parts of the internet that you could access without being asked for this type of information.

I found it interesting when reading the terms and conditions and privacy policies of the e-mail sign ups that a user’s personal information is used to shape a profile which will enable, for example, Yahoo! “to customize the advertising and content you see, fulfill your requests for products and services, improve our services, contact you, conduct research, and provide anonymous reporting for internal and external clients”. Perhaps the absence of certain categories occurs because the information is superfluous to their needs. For example, too much information may limit the kind of advertising they could direct to you?

Q3)
I think the presentation of the Lavalife user’s identities is restricted by the design of the website. I think it is designed to offer just enough information for people to see if there may be a possibility of a connection, on a fairly superficial level based on indicators such as
- Appearance; statistics such as height and weight (also photos are strongly suggested by Lavalife who say "members who post a picture get amazing results, SO POST A PICTURE")
- Similar interests/lifestyles; smoking and drinking choices, interests section of the users profile.
- Desirable/Compatible religion or ethnic group.
However, in my opinion you could not really change the structure of the Lavalife site to improve the identity a Lavalife member can have. I think the current format gives probably as much information as this type of website could allow, in order to get a better idea about an individual’s identity I still believe that you would need to have some kind of personal interaction with them even if it was a conversation online via online chat or e-mail.

'MENU DRIVEN IDENTITIES"

2006-09-07T16:52:00.000+08:00

1. Which categories are available for users to choose from when signing up for hotmail, yahoo! Mail or In order to use the second life gameworld? What presumptions do these categories make about users, and what does the absence of certain categories of identity say?

Quotes from Stone such as 'disquise the characteristics that make up their identities" makes one wonder whether users are sincere about their initial reason for signing up for any of these sites. The categories are created by the website designers and therefore an identity is created for the user by the website designer.

2. What sort of 'identities' are visible in the profiles on lavalife? How are they displayed? What presumptions does this display make about both the people reading these profiles and those users who made them?

Trying different age ranges, different gender combinations and so on confirmed a majority heterosexual users and generally same age ranges were taken into consideration. The male age category of 18-25 were generally a majority of body type fit whereas the age category of 49-54 were body type average. Age categories of 18-24, 25-34 generally cited in the religion category non- religious whereas males in the 49-54 age range were more inclined to state some type of religion.

3. How much of the 'identity' that we can see for the lavalife is restricted by the overall design of the website? What changes would you suggest in order to 'improve' the sorts of identity lavalife users can construct?

Changes could be made to the categories which could allow for diversity and honesty in anyones identity. Its presumptious to say that the majority of users are of white origin. White can mean anything, white allows for a diversity of descendantry's therefore are the users racist in their concept of the type of people they would like to meet? There did not appear to be an answer 'black' to the category of origin rather users cited, 'mixed' or many combinations of descendantry.

4. Are any of the websites you've visited inherently racist? Why or why not?

Kali Tal quotes "The unbearable whiteness of being" which defines a category question in any of the sites visisted, when users are asked which origin they are. The majority of users cited, white - a few were mixed and some had several origins of descent. The origin category impacted with the ideology that the majority of users were white. Whether this incited ideas of racism or not would merely be up to the individual.

Tutorial week 7: Self.info II Racing Markers of Difference

2006-09-07T10:29:00.000+08:00

Tutorial Week 7
Reading: Menu-Driven Identities: making race happen online
Lisa Nakamura

This reading in particular was interesting in that it provided a whole new take on how race occurs online. It opposes the notion that the internet is democratic and free from identity constraints and points out that race plays a major role in how we navigate through the internet especially using portals. Nakamura argues that web portals assume the user’s race and ethnicity through certain choices it gives them. For example, there is no choice for white/European as it is assumed to be a default option, and one cannot choose to be of mixed or hybrid race/identity as one can only choose one topic at a time.

Nakamura goes on to discuss the gross under-representation of minority groups both as users and as creators and designers of the internet. She describes a digital divide as certain cultural groups do not have access to the internet in the same way as white-middle class people do. An interesting quote she included form Bill Clinton was “Does the web look like America?”1) Due to the vast majority of internet users and designers being white and male it is interesting to think that the internet does not really give a true sense of multicultural America.

Nakamura also points out in her article that the first thing people do when they ‘log on’ to the internet is check their emails. She explains how it is here where one will find a truer sense of racial hybridity as jokes can often make a person identify themselves with some of the characteristics mentioned.

In my opinion the article is useful to gain a broader understanding of identity online (particularly race) and that it makes some interesting points however, particularly now with online blogs and communities I think it is easier to determine your own identity online and engage in discussion which relate to you rather than following one portal's path.

1) Nakamura, Lisa. “Menu-Driven Identities: Making Race Happen Online.” Cybertypes: Race, Ethnicity and Identity on the Internet. London and New York: Routledge, 2002 pg.107

Menu-Driven Identity Workshop

2006-09-06T23:06:00.000+08:00

hey ho bloggers . . .

Q3
For the purpose of reasearch only, I created an account with the Lavalife online dating network.
In the 'profile' section I was required to identify: my gender, my age, my height, my body type, my ethnic background, my language and my religion. Having answered the questions, my identity is effectively broken down into these parts - i am a sum of gender, age, height . . . etc . . .
The advantage of this proces is that the demographics of the network are pliable - I can search for everyone, for example, of a certain height or everyone who has chosen an east indian ''ethnic background''. It reminds me alot of Lisa Nakamura's observation in 'Menu-Driven Identities' that the need for ''precisely targeted demographic data, strategic advertising campaigns, and 'tribal marketing' . . . also drives the selections available in the ethnicity interface''. I don't think lavalife is selling people's details to corporations, but I think there is a similar dynamic with users (i.e. corporations) pitching themselves (i.e. their product) at a certain demographic of users (i.e. consumers).

Menu choices (i.e. the logic of either/or rather than and/or) are used to define identity because they are good at organising masses of people. No one can slip between the cracks. That is why on lavalife my gender is male or female, my race is white or black or hispanic . . . (there is a 'mixed' and an 'other' category, but it is not specific as to which races are mixed and anyway the choices are sidelined by the ten other race choices).

So what about the ''unclickable, hyphenated, hybrid, messy kinds of racial, gendered and sexual identit[ies]''? They (and in a sense we are all messy identities tidied up by the logic of menu-driven identities and the like) cannot fit into the current design of the website. How could the site be 'improved?'. The simple, obvious answer is to repace menu selections for race, sex, religion with boxes which you may tick for the races, etc. you feel are part of your identity. Better still, instead of menus or boxes, have an empty box where you can describe yourself without having to reference race, religion . . . (of course this would cause havoc with the filing system).

Q4
The Second Life MMORPG has six 'behaviours' that must be avoided on pain of suspension or expulsion. The first is 'intolerance' - including intolerance of other races. The outward liberalism sits uneasily with the inherent racism found in the users' choice of avatars. One can choose between (each has a male counterpart) 'Girl next door', 'city chic', 'harajuku' (?), 'cybergoth', 'furry' and 'night club'. All the avatars are white, even the 'furry' fox/mouse creature.

Given Second Life's explicit policy on racism, it seems the choice of avatars is an example of web content being tailored to white users unconsciously because those who built the interface have little contact with non-white minority groups. Then again, the lack of a single non-white is quite an oversight . . . I imagine the majority of users and potential users (i.e. those with the time, money and high enough connection speed) are white, middle class american in their teens / early twenties. The all-white avatars may be a meditated strategy to target this market.

Menu-Driven Identity Workshop Response

2006-09-06T17:02:00.000+08:00

Which categories are available for users to choose from when signing up for Hotmail, Yahoo! Mail or in order to use the Second Life gameworld? What presumptions do these categories make about users, and what does the absence of certain categories of identity say?

Generally, for the three signups, the user is asked the most common questions – name, email etc. However, the Yahoo! Mail signup asked for gender, language and job description. These are categories which were absent from the other two and which could easily be made up. The third site asked for correct information as to the email address and date of birth but asked the user to make up a name. I guess sites such as these presume that the user has an email, and that the user would provide correct, true information to the categories. The Yahoo! Mail site seemed to reflect changes in presumptions about internet users in general. Kali Tal commented in the 1990’s about the presumption of internet users to be white, middle class, male and western. These sites, to a certain extent, seem to reflect changes in such presumptions.

What sort of 'identities' are visible in the profiles on Lavalife? How are they displayed? What presumptions does this display make about both the people reading these profiles and those users who made them?

The first thing I noticed about the Lavalife site is that the questions asked were quite basic – age, users gender and gender of individual they are searching for and postcode. I was quite amazed that people expect to find someone compatible or even the ‘love of their life’ through such basic information. I found the display of the site to be like searching through the Auto Trader for the perfect car, or the job lists in the Saturday paper. Users are listed, ‘essential’ information is given – star sign, whether they smoke or drink, religion and body type. In terms of presumptions about those using the site and those posted on the site, both are possibly presumed to be ‘running’ out of time top find the perfect partner and thus display or layout of this site is designed to provide a simple, easy to manoeuvre site where people can skim through potential partners from the first page to the “next twelve”.

Rachelle's Webliography

2006-09-06T15:27:00.000+08:00

Critical Annotated Webliography

Critically assess Donna Haraway’s assertion that ‘by the late 20th century our time, a mythic time, we re all chimeras, theorized and fabricated hybrids of machine and organism. In short, we are cyborgs’.

The term cyborg is used to designate an organise which adds to or enhances it’s abilities by using technology. Cyborgs are frequently portrayed with a mixture of organic and mechanical (synthetic) parts. The idea that machines can contribute to the liberation is something feminists and women should consider. Haraway writes ‘Up till now (once upon a time) female embodiment seemed given, organic, necessary and female embodiment seemed to mean skill in mothering and its metaphoric extensions. Only by being out of place could we take intense pleasure in machines an then with excuses that this was organic activity after all, appropriate to females. Machines are the creation of the human being and therefore are a replication of ourselves
Kanzru, Hari ‘You are a Cyborg’ in Wired 5.02 (February 1997)
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/5.02/ffharaway.html (accessed 24 August 2006)

This is article provides a great starting point in the analysis of Donna Haraway’s theories and the term cyborg. Kanzru breaks down Haraway’s complex and dense ideas into a more simplistic view that is easy to understand. It also draws on the further explanations that Harkaway put forward in a previous interview. This article is a good starting point as part of the difficulty in the question is examining Haraway’s ideas which can seem intimidating and too academically dense for comprehension Kanzru breaks them down and allows one to wrap their mind around the fundamental concepts of Haraway’s work.

Danielle Devoss, “Rereading Cyborg (?) Women: The Visual Rhetoric of Images of Cyborg (and Cyber) Bodies on the World Wide Web”, Cyber Psychology and Behavior, vol.3 no. 5, (2000) pp. 835-845. http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1089/10949310050191818

This article offers what the former did not. Deyoss writes about the concept of a cyborg within a purely feminist context and female perspective and furthers the base of knowledge of Haraway’s ideas that was acquired from the former article with a more thorough definition of the term cyborg. It focuses on the cyborg as an image, a visual representation and offers examples of the representation of the female cyborg. The source uses Haraway’s own work as well as other theorists to further explore the arguments and perspectives on the existence of the cyborg within society.

Haraway, Donna, "A Cyborg Manifesto: Science, Technology, and Socialist-Feminism in the Late Twentieth Century," in Simians, Cyborgs and Women: The Reinvention of Nature (New York; Routledge, 1991), pp.149-181.
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/HPS/Haraway/CyborgManifesto.html (accessed 24 August 2006)

When answering a question on Haraway’s ideas it is important not only to understand the fundamental concepts but perhaps also to go back to the original source itself. Despite Haraway’s own writing being largely out of reach in terms of understanding, it is still important to gain a direct sense and more importantly direct evidence of the original theorist and her definitions of what a cyborg it. This source is an extract from a book that concentrates on cyborgs in a feminist context. The extract further explains and justifies Haraway’s ideas giving very detailed explanations. It examines the relationship between human and machine straight from the source, a relationship whose analysis is an integral part of this question. It also places her ideas in their inherently political context and encourages thought not only of the implications for the individual cyborg but also the political implications of a society of cyborgs. It is important to support this reading however with others as it is not understandable without supportive reading.

Borer, Michael I ‘The Cyborgian Self: Towards a Critical Social Theory of Cyberspace’ in Reconstruction (17pp.) 2002.
http://reconstruction.eserver.org/023/borer.htm (accessed 26th August 2006)

This source rather than concentrating purely on Haraway’s work explores the subject as the semi-discipline it’s become. It’s a comprehensive work examining the social theory that has emerged from the concept of the cyborg. It examines the cyborg within the construction of culture and the construction of social and personal identity. It is fundamentally a source that attempts to unravel the interactivity between the organic human and the cyborgian condition. It allows the transcendence of the "either/or" logic of technophobes and technophiles, as well as the "either/or" logic of the modernity/post modernity debate. This source would help in answering the question within a holistic view but does not examine Haraway’s work independently in any great detail.

Potts, Annie ‘Cyborg Masculinity in the Viagra Era’ in Sexualities, Evolution and Gender April 2005, Vol. 7 (1)
http://journalsonline.tandf.co.uk/(qmwx2q452i4vqmzhfpkx5jir)/app/home/contribution.asp?referrer=parent&backto=searcharticlesresults,5,446 (accessed 26th August 2006)

In the last sentence of Haraway’s Cyborg Manifesto she describes the cyborg as a goddess making it to be predominately considered as inherently female. Pott’s puts across a contesting view examining the masculinity in the cyborg in the form of a case study group of men on the sexual enhancement drug of Viagra. With every feminist reading one must consider the opposing masculine reading to gain a well-rounded argument. Pott’s argument provides a seeming unusual masculine reading of the cyborg.

Sunden, Jenny ‘What happened to Difference in Cyberspace? The (Re)turn of the She-Cyborg’ in Feminist Media Studies July 2002 Vol.1 (2)
http://journalsonline.tandf.co.uk/(r4w5ttuvt5plykuvbdrxdg55)/app/home/contribution.asp?referrer=parent&backto=issue,5,10;journal,16,17;linkingpublicationresults,1:107939,1
(Accessed 27th August 2006)
This article examines the difference of gender identity in cyberspace, an obvious direct link to Haraway’s work and one f her own main interests. Sunden examines Haraway’s work as part of her study into gendered identity within a cyber-setting. It is a useful article to examine when you consider the gender discourse within a cyber setting. Does gender difference exist in cyberspace? Sunden not only examines Haraway’s thoughts on this issue but also furthers the argument on her own accord.

When considering the existence of the cyborg identity it is important to also consider the realms of identity itself. More particularly considering Haraway’s assertion that the cyborg is a goddess, gendered identity. Her assertion of a cyborgs status as feminine has led to the exploration of the feminist cyber identity. The question has led to the examination of widespread social theory of the subject and in more narrow terms the concept of identity and its existence in the cyber world. The definition of a cyborg as a uniting of organic human (if there is such a thing in the 21st century) and machine has eventuated as one of the most debated topics in technoscience and cultural studies. The reality of the concept has made it worthy of such examination.

Workshop 4 on WebCT this week only

2006-09-05T15:32:00.000+08:00

Some fantastic webliographies posted - well done!
Just to let you know that this week's Workshop IV is online on WebCT and will only be available for this week. It's on time release and disappears at the end of the week, so do get on and do it while you can.
Alison

Jess's Webliography

2006-09-02T20:38:00.000+08:00

Q1) Critically assess Donna Haraway’s assertion that ‘By the late twentieth century, our time, a mythic time, we are all chimeras, theorized and fabricated hybrids of machine and organism. In short, we are cyborgs’.

In order to address the question, I considered the terms cyborg, chimera and hybrid. A combination of human and machine, had technology reached the point at the end of the last century when the line between human and machine could become blurred? I began to search for documents about both types of cyborg and the ways they exist in today’s society. I looked in mainstream media outlets, online journals and sites dedicated to exploration of technologies.

The introduction and first chapter of Michael Chorost’s book about his experiences of becoming and been a cyborg, was very topical and interesting. When faced with the prospect of getting a cochlear implant Chorost realised “getting the implant would make me, in the most literal sense, a cyborg” (Chorost, 2005). Chorost is a present day cyborg and his experiences are very interesting when considering the role of the cyborg in modern day society. I like the way he discusses becoming joined to a computer rather than surrounded by them like he had previously been “I have long lived a life surrounded by computers…now the computer will go inside my body, literally woven into my flesh, in my head” (Chotost, 2005).

I also find his anxieties about becoming a cyborg an interesting commentary on what may be anxieties common to society as a whole “It really is a computer. It’s cold, angular, and digital, yet it’s going to be embedded in my flesh, which is warm squishy, and wet- how is that even possible?”

Alyssa Ford’s article examines opinions from either side of the transhumanist debate. She defines transhuman as “short for transitional human, refers to the day when our species will be a blend of biology and machine” (Ford, 2005). The article discusses how transhumans (or cyborgs) are already part of present day life, “with our contact lenses, artificial heart valves, and cell phones, we're already cyborgs anyway” and explains how research in areas such as nanotechnology is taking the cyborg to the next level.

'From Cyborgs to Cyberbodies: The Evolution of the concept of Techno-body in Modern Medicine' studies the terms cyborg and cyberbody with a focus on “the ways in which the introduction of technologies in modern medicine is changing collective notions on the body” (Gaggioli, Vettorello & Viva, 2003). The authors discuss the past century’s new and emerging technologies in medicine such as biomedical imaging, biomedicine, immunology and pharmacology. They also explore the origins of the term cyborg in the 1960s when the term was coined by Nathan S. Kline as an abbreviation of ‘cybernetic organism’ which is useful for providing background information in the essay. It also discusses society’s anxieties about cyborgs, considering why people fear the cyborg.

Michel Marriott's article is about Cameron Clapp who lost both of his legs and his right arm in an accident. Clapp now walks on robotic legs, Marriott suggests that “he epitomizes a new generation of people who are not only embracing all types of breakthrough technologies but also incorporating them into their bodies” (Marriott, 2005). I thought this was an interesting cyborg case to consider, as Clapp is literally part human and part machine. As Marriott comments, people such as Clapp have led to “the line that has long separated human beings from the machines that assist them…blurring as complex technologies become a visible part of people who depend on them”(Marriott, 2005).

I was also interested in the way that the article explores what the next step in artificial limbs could be, including the fact that “major universities like Carnegie Mellon and the University of California at Berkeley, as well as companies and the U.S. military, are exploring ways in which people can be enhanced by strapping themselves into wearable robotics, or exoskeletons.” (Marriott, 2005)

This Time magazine article by Claudia Wallis is about an American family who are participating in an anthropological study about modern family life. I found it relevant to the question when considering the metaphorical cyborg, who, rather than being a literal amalgamation of human and machine, uses machines so regularly that they are almost considered a body part. This article focuses on the twin children in the Cox family, who use various machines, including computers, iPods, mobile phones whilst simultaneously carrying out non-mechanical aspects of their lives. Piers, one of the twins comments that “when I talk to my best friend Eloy, he'll have one earpiece [of his iPod] in and one out.” And his sister explains that “If a friend thinks she's not getting my full attention, I just make it very clear that she is, even though I'm also listening to music.”(Wallis, 2006) the machine and the human coexist.

The article discusses this dependent link with technology “students [at Stanford University]"can't go the few minutes between their 10 o'clock and 11 o'clock classes without talking on their cell phones. It seems to me that there's almost a discomfort with not being stimulated"” (Wallis, 2006)

This article 'I want to be a Cyborg' is written by Reading University professor Kevin Warwick. Warwick has taken the cyborg concept well and truly out of science fiction, he believes that “humans can evolve into cyborgs - part human, part machine. "Surely," I hear you say, "this is all science fiction." Well, think again” (Warwick, 2000) and has been adding mechanical parts to his own body since 1998.

I found Warwick’s discussion about his motivation behind becoming a cyborg very interesting, he seemed to focus on the need to beat machines in the evolutionary development “One realistic alternative to the hand of evolution patting humans on the back in an "it's been nice knowing you" way, is for humans to themselves link up much more closely with the circuitry being created” (Warwick, 2000)

Medically there are people who literally have mechanised components; artificial/robotic limbs, pacemakers, cochlear implants, these people are cyborgs according to Haraway’s definition “a cybernetic organism, a hybrid of machine and organism.”

I think the term cyborg could also be interpreted as a person who is so connected to technological machines that they are metaphorically a cyborg. They are not literally a fusion of biology and machine, but a significant portion of their being relies on machines.

I would address the essay by using the above sources to explore both types of cyborg in today’s society and examine the notion that although we may not all be cyborgs, there are certainly cyborg’s in our society in increasing numbers and various forms.

REFERENCES
Chorost, Michael, “Book Excerpt from- ‘Rebuilt: How Becoming Part Computer Made Me More Human’” http://www.michaelchorost.com/docs/Chorost-Chapter1ofRebuilforgeneraldistribution.pdf, 02/06/05, 22/08/06

Ford, Alyssa, “Humanity: The Remix- Is building a better human the key to utopia or the world’s most dangerous idea?” http://www.utne.com/cgi-bin/udt/im.display.printable?client.id=utne&story.id=11638, May/June 2005, 21/08/06

Gaggioli, Andrea, Vettorello, Marco & Viva, Guiseppe “From Cyborgs to Cyberbodies: The Evolution of the Concept of Techno-Body in Modern Medicine” http://www.psychnology.org/File/PSYCHNOLOGY_JOURNAL_1_2_GAGGIOLI.pdf, 2003, 22/08/06

Marriott, Michel, “Getting a leg up, thanks to robotic limbs” http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/06/21/business/legs.php, 21/06/05, 21/08/06

Wallis, Claudia, “The Multitasking Generation”, http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1174696-1,00.html, 19/03/06, 20/08/06

Warwick, Kevin, “I want to be a cyborg” http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,3954989,00.html, 26/01/00, 21/08/06

James' Webliography

2006-09-01T11:38:00.000+08:00

‘From Frankenstein to the Visible Human Project, the body is continually reinterpreted as a
limit to what it means to be human.’ Discuss critically.

* * *
First, I considered the issues bound up in the question and wrote them as dot points:

• The distinction between humanity and technology; self and other; subject and object.
• The body’s membrane as a signifier of this barrier - its penetration by implants is highly
symbolic.
• The shift from understanding the body as a divine creation of mysterious mechanisms, to
understanding it as an ‘organic machine’ to be engineered by diet, drugs, or surgery.
• The parallel shift from conceiving technology as ‘dead’ instrumentality, to becoming ‘organic’,
autonomous and conscious.
• Technological bodies such as the posthuman, the cyborg, the disembodied computer
user, Jernigan of the Visible Human Project as hybrids of humanity and technology; self
and other; subject and object, and other dichotomies.

I set out to find online sources relevant to one or more of the issues. I began by searching
for the articles of the handful of men and women I knew who wrote on the subject.

Katherine Hayles is the author of How We Became Posthuman; virtual bodies in cybernetics,
literature and informatics. The prologue to the book is available online.2 It is useful
for understanding the idea of posthumanism by one of the subject’s leading theorists. According
to Hayles, intelligence is not an entity distinct from the body. Human intelligence is
bound to the human body so that augmenting the body with technology affects one’s humanity,
makes one ‘posthuman’. The prologue is clearly written, though it takes a few
readings to get a grasp of its ideas.

On the same website is an interview with Hayles and Albert Borgmann.3 The interview is
useful as it makes obvious how commonplace it is to be posthuman. Using a microwave,
a digital watch, or a modern car is a splicing of human and machine intelligence - augmenting
to become posthuman. Hayles’s comments were more useful than Borgmann’s.4
He insists on a sharp delineation of ‘reality’ and ‘cyberspace’ that seems outdated and reactionary compared to Hayles’s blurring of boundaries.

Hayles’s prologue mentions Hans Moravec, whose article, ‘When will computer hardware
match the human brain?’, I found online.5 Moravec is a strong proponent of the idea that
human intelligence can be cleaved cleanly from the body. Unlike Hayles, he believes intelligence
is an informational pattern distinct from its substrates. Artificial intelligence, Moravec argues, will be of the same type as human intelligence. His article is a fascinating
study of past attempts at creating artificial intelligence, with the processing power of various
computers compared to the brain of a worm, a spider, a lizard, and so on. The article
focuses on the technology of AI, much of which is not directly relevant to answering the
question. However, Moravec’s article is useful as an insight into a vision of humanity that
treats the body as irrelevant.

Stelarc is a performance artist who believes our biological bodies are obsolete. Unlike Moravec,
however, he conceives intelligence as embodied. In an interview with the online
journal CTHEORY, he argues that ‘our philosophies are fundamentally bound with our
physiology’.6 He advocates technical augmentation of the body to discover new philosophies.
For Stelarc, the body contains no mystery or essential humanity. It is an ‘impersonal’,
‘evolutionary’, ‘objective’ structure to be redesigned and renovated. Stelarc does
not have the academic authority of Hayles and Donna Harraway, but his ideas are well
grounded in theory plus they have the freshness and impetus of having been acted on.
His subject is the interface of the body and technology, which is very relevant to the question.

Robert Pepperell’s article ‘Posthumans and Extended Experience’ is an excellent analysis
of the history of blurring of boundaries between human and technology, human and animal,
human and object, that characterises the shift to the posthuman subject.7 Five centuries
of exceptionalism, (the idea that humans are special and unique in the universe), is
coming to an end:
‘Xenotransplantation, artificial consciousness and intelligence, synthetic
replication, biotechnical integration and cloning tend to erode the distinction between
humans and animals, humans and machines, humans and the environment, or humans
and other humans’.
The article is clearly written and deals directly with the question of what it means to be
human, and the role of the body in this meaning. Pepperell’s distinction between embodied
(Hayles) and disembodied (Moravec) posthumans suggests this is an important division
in posthuman schools of thought.

Nick Bostrom’s article ‘Transhumanism: The World’s Most Dangerous Idea?’ discusses the
political implications of transhumanism in the 21st century.8 Bostrom argues against Francis
Fukuyama’s concern that a blurring of the border of humanity will lead to disregard of
human rights and inequality. The article adds a political dimension to the exploration of the
limits of what it means to be human.

With the benefit of research I understand the field of posthumans/transhumans/cyborgs
well enough to progress past a few dot points to the outline of an argument. The body is in
the midst of reinterpretation. Advances in our knowledge of computing and genetics have
begun a process of blurring of the body, of the self, of what it means to be human. Humanity’s
exceptionalism is being replaced by ‘inclusionism’, where the boundaries of the
body and the self merge with the natural and technological worlds. The reinterpretiation
does not discard the body; rather, it is elevated from the dumb flesh of Cartesian dualism
to being a formative part of one’s identity.

My argument would draw on all the sources listed above. The Hayle’s prologue and interview
are useful as introductions to the subject, but would be less useful in writing the essay.
Moravec’s article and Stelarc’s interview are valuable insights into the dreams and visions
of two men actually experimenting with posthumanism. The Pepperell article is the
ideal source; it would be very useful. The Bostrom article may supply a paragraph on the
political implications of posthumanism.

1 Chicago, University of Chicago Press, 1999.
2 Hayles, N. Katherine, 'How we became posthuman', Prologue,, 1999, accessed on 27/08/20063
3 The University of Chicago Press, ‘An interview/dialogue with Albert Borgmann and N. Katherine Hayles onhumans and machines’, , 1999, accessed on 27/08/2006
4 Borgmann is the author of Holding on to Reality; the Nature of Information at the Turn of the Millenium, Chicago, University of Chicago Press, 1999.
5 Moravec, Hans, ‘When will computer hardware match the human brain?’,, 1997, accessed on 28/08/06
6 Atzori, Paolo and Woolford, Kirk, ‘Extended-Body: Interview with Stelarc’,, 1995, accessed on 28/08/2006.
7 Pepperel, Robert, ‘Posthumans and Extended Experience’, ,2005, accessed on 28/08/06.
8 Bostrom, Nick, ‘Transhumanism, The World’s Most Dangerous Idea?’,, 2004, accessed on 28/08/2006.

Cyber-Stalking

2006-08-31T10:47:00.000+08:00

Anna M's Tutorial Reading Introduction

A Brief Review on Alison Adam's Article "Cyberstalking: Gender and Computer Ethics"

Alison Adam’s article outlines how the recent crime of cyber-stalking is relevant to gender and communication and information technologies. Throughout her article she applies feminist ethics to an analysis of this crime. By way of introduction to the issue, Adam’s looks into the experience of gender on the internet. It is apparent through this article that the internet is yet another sit for gender power imbalances to be experienced. She highlights the difference in men and women’s computer usage and access and the manner in which the sexes approach communication and information technology.

Feminist ethics “embrace attempts to rethink and revise...traditional ethics which devalue the moral experience of women.” In her article Adam’s suggest that by employing gender-equal ethics there is a greater chance of “non-sexist moral principles, policies and practices.” She uses this approach to look at the ways in which the internet employs traditional morals and therefore allows for gender injustice.

So what about the actual crime? Cyber-stalking is often thought of as new version of an old crime. However as Adam’s article outlines, using three case studies, there are several elements that separate cyber-stalking from traditional stalking.
- The stalking (in 2/3 cases) was not from a scorned lover or admirer, rather as a result of women speaking publicly on the internet about gender injustices
- In all cases the victim’s persona was assumed by the perpetrator and the victims personal details were divulged in sex chat rooms attracting unwanted attention and apprehension from a number of parties.
- In the three cases the women or their families traced the perpetrator via the internet – does this suggest that the law fails to provide adequate solutions or protection from this growing crime?

However, like physical stalking the perpetrator is almost always male and the victim female. Adam’s outlines, that an understanding of this trend is extremely important. One of the huge problems with cyber-stalking is that unlike conventional physical stalking it is much easier for the perpetrator to remain anonymous

In order to find out a little more about the Australian view of Cyber-stalking a searched for some relevant articles. I found the Australian Institute of Criminology’s article “Cyberstalking” extremely useful in providing definitions and legal approaches in Australia. If you are interested in this then I suggest you take a look, it is only a short article yet it had lots of good information. It was written in 2000 so it is important to remember that since then there have been several prosecutions for cyber-stalking in Australian courts.

Melissa's Webliography

2006-08-30T18:19:00.000+08:00

Critical Annotated Webliography

Gender and Technology

"Critically assess the ways in which gender identity is embedded (or not) in the cultural construction of information and communication technologies"

Introduction

My first step in locating online sources was to search the Arts website for online journals, and I came across a webpage listing online resources for the Centre of Women’s Studies. This page led me to a few sources. I also tried searching Wired Magazine, but unfortunately, the operation would time out before the search could finish. I then used the search engine Google Scholar. Although I encountered many broken links and articles with restricted access, persistence enabled me to find relevant sources for my webliography, allowing me to conclude my research.

Critical Analysis of Sources

Bergman and Zoonen’s article accounts for the gendered nature of the Internet, using structural and cultural factors. I found these explanations both useful and easy to understand. The article also acknowledges individual agency (something which many authors fail to consider) by asserting that some women choose to reject technology. It also offers an original perspective by looking at women who do not seem to experience barriers to the Internet, unlike most articles which focus on women’s absence or inferior position online. The only problem with this article is that it seems slightly dated. It provides a figure of about twenty per cent to represent the percentage of women online, which is very low compared to figures that have been cited in more recent articles.

Jenson et al.’s article asserts that the gendered division of labour is the basis upon which men have been able to hold a dominant position in the technological arena. It also makes the point that our lives are permeated by an almost invisible gendered structure. I found these to be helpful concepts in explaining the gendered nature of information and communication technologies (ICTs). The only problem with this paper is that because only part of it is relevant, the significant points are not explored in as much detail as they could be.

Lawley’s explanation of technological determinism is helpful and her rejection of the idea seems logical. Lawley also asserts that ICTs can be used as a forum to destabilise gender boundaries. However, this proposition seems hopeful. In Jenson et al.’s article, hopes to radically change gender structures in the technological arena were found to be unrealistic.

The main proposition of Herring’s article is that technology has reproduced society’s gender inequalities and I found that she made this point strongly by using computer-mediated communication (CMC) as an example. She also asserts that although some consider gender to be invisible when using CMC, users unconsciously give off signals of their gender identity. Her argument is convincing and is backed up with examples. The only criticism I can make is that she disregards the possibility of successfully hiding one’s gender identity when using CMC, a possibility which is acknowledged by Lawley.

In his article, Bimber attempts to account for the difference in Internet access and use between men and women and his discussion of the gendered nature of the Internet is informative. The only problem with this article is that it is scientific in its style, but the theory and discussion sections of the paper are valuable.

Niombo’s article is essentially an interview with the author of “The Gender Digital Divide in Francophone Africa: A Harsh Reality”. The main faults with this article are that it is not academic in nature and it is written in a journalistic style. However, its value lies in that it gives an African view point about the gendered nature of ICTs, as oppose to a Western one. I would use it in my essay as a supplementary source to show that similar arguments have come out of Africa and the West.

Conclusion

I would argue that gender identity is embedded in the cultural construction of ICTs, because they have been constructed as a masculine domain. I would assert this using the Internet and CMC as examples. I would argue that the ‘masculinisation’ of technology has its roots in the gendered division of labour and the gendered structure of Western society [1]. I would also reject the notion of technological determinism, as Lawley does [2]. However, I would build upon her argument, by adding that cooking technologies, such as microwaves [3], were created by men but are considered feminine, meaning that ICTs are not inherently gendered, but are culturally constructed in that way. I would then use Niombo’s article to show that this is not just a Western construct [4]. I would then argue that the Internet embodies male values, its content favours men and that socioeconomic factors contribute to the gender gap on the Internet [5]. However, unlike Bimber, I would argue that gender and socioeconomic status are linked, rather than isolated, factors. I would also consider the role that agency plays in Internet access and use. However, I would argue that choices are made within a structural and cultural context, coming back to the idea that ICTs have been culturally constructed as gendered.

Footnotes

[1] Jennifer Jenson, Suzanne De Castell & Mary Bryson, “‘Girl Talk’: Gender, Equity, and Identity Discourses in a School-Based Computer Culture,” Women’s Studies International Forum 26.6 (2003). http://educ.ubc.ca/faculty/bryson/pdf/wmst.pdf (accessed 24/8/06).

[2] Elizabeth Lane Lawley, “Computers and the Communication of Gender,” ITCS (April 1993). http://www.itcs.com/elawley/gender.html (accessed 24/8/06).

[3] J. Carlton Gallawa, “Who invented microwaves?” Microtech (2005). http://gallawa.com/microtech/history.html (accessed 27/8/06).

[4] Sylvie Niombo, “Will Women Really Benefit from the Digital Revolution?” Gender IT.org (18 July 2006). http://www.genderit.org/en/index.shtml?w=a&x=94795 (accessed 24/8/06).

[5] Bruce Bimber, “Measuring the Gender Gap,” Social Science Quarterly 81.3 (September 2000). http://www-personal.si.umich.edu/~rfrost/courses/SI110/readings/DigiDivide/Bimber_on_DigiDivide.pdf (accessed 24/8/06).

Bibliography

Webliography Sources

Bergman, Simone & van Zoonen, Liesbet, “Fishing with False Teeth: Women, Gender and the Internet,” Razón Y Palabra (November-January 1997-98). http://www.cem.itesm.mx/dacs/publicaciones/logos/anteriores/n9/cities2.htm (accessed 25/8/06).

Bimber, Bruce, “Measuring the Gender Gap,” Social Science Quarterly 81.3 (September 2000). http://www-personal.si.umich.edu/~rfrost/courses/SI110/readings/DigiDivide/Bimber_on_DigiDivide.pdf (accessed 24/8/06).

Herring, Susan C., “Gender and Power in Online Communication,” Indiana University (October 2001). http://rkcsi.indiana.edu/archive/CSI/WP/WP01-05B.html (accessed 24/8/06).

Jenson, Jennifer, De Castell, Suzanne & Bryson, Mary, “‘Girl Talk’: Gender, Equity, and Identity Discourses in a School-Based Computer Culture,” Women’s Studies International Forum 26.6 (2003). http://educ.ubc.ca/faculty/bryson/pdf/wmst.pdf (accessed 24/8/06).

Lawley, Elizabeth Lane, “Computers and the Communication of Gender,” ITCS (April 1993). http://www.itcs.com/elawley/gender.html (accessed 24/8/06).

Niombo, Sylvie, “Will Women Really Benefit from the Digital Revolution?” Gender IT.org (18 July 2006). http://www.genderit.org/en/index.shtml?w=a&x=94795 (accessed 24/8/06).

Supplementary Source

Gallawa, J. Carlton, “Who invented microwaves?” Microtech (2005). http://gallawa.com/microtech/history.html (accessed 27/8/06).

Research Resources

Google Scholar: http://scholar.google.com.

University of Western Australia (UWA) Arts Faculty Homepage: http://www.arts.uwa.edu.au.

UWA Centre for Women’s Studies: Web Resources: http://www.chloe.uwa.edu.au/resources.

Wired Magazine: http://www.wired.com/wired.

Michelle's Webliography

2006-08-30T16:32:00.000+08:00

"From Frankenstein to the Visible Human Project, the body is continually reinterpreted as a limit to what it means to be human." Discuss critically.

After assessing the question, I arrived tentatively at a direction for which my discussion would take. Because we are constantly alternating our bodies with technology and moving closer to Haraway’s definition of cyborg, we implicitly place it as the limit of what it means to be human, the limit of which is continually reinterpreted as we continually alternate. I visited the recommended search engines, Google Scholar being particularly useful, and research the key ideas within my discussion point. The readings I found helped me to further refine my discussion point.

1. Ingrid Richardson and Carly Harper’s paper argued against the idea of cyberspace formulated by William Gibson in his science fiction novel, Neuromancer (1984). I found it particularly useful in expanding my original discussion stance. Richardson and Harper first explained how the Gibsonian cyberspace was based on (neo)Cartesian metaphysics: that is, the idea of the mind and body as separable entities. They introduced phenomology, as through Merleau-Ponty and Heidegger, the former of which proved very useful to me. According to Maurice Merleau-Ponty, in basic terms, the corporeal body is essential for perceptive and sensory experience. However, the body does not simply hold a causal link with perception, rather there is an “undivided possession”; the body and the self as a whole (an outright rejection of the Cartesian theory). This theory would provide a fantastic basis for me to argue that the body is the limit to being human, as perception, sense and experience would otherwise be impossible. It is particularly interesting that the paper progressed to note that though the body is essential, there is often confusion between what is purely physical (existing outside the virtual world) and the nature of a body (which may exist in virtual space).

2. Jason Suriano’s essay introduced the theories of Anne Balsamo to me: the virtual world is a way in which bodies may shift manifestations. This alongside with Suriano’s own view that the virtual body image is associated with human and computer interaction, allowed me to acknowledge the idea that cyberspace existed as a “place, as real as the work and play conducted ‘in’ it”. I would use this concept in association with that presented in Richardson and Harper’s paper, where there exists a need for distinction between the purely physical and the ‘body’.

3. Ariel Fuenzalida’s article was, initially, largely biased and irrelevant to me. It made several references of Shelley’s Frankenstein (1816) and the origins of the science of eugenics to teratology (art of creating monsters), but it was not till it made the connection of afore mentioned references to the cyborg that I found it useful. Fuenzalida established the idea of morphing and transforming the body (as in Frankenstein and eugenics) as an attempt of creating a superior human. With reference to Haraway’s manifesto (1985), she specifies that the cyborg distorts the boundaries between humans and machines; technology allows variations of the physical self and in that way, the human body is constantly redefined. There is an example of bodybuilders which facilitates my argument, where bodybuilding is an attempt to “[reassert] the validity of human brawn in an age of intelligent machines”. My essay would argue that it is impossible for humans to compete with the technological world in any other way than to augment our bodies, become cyborgs, because our bodies is what defines, and in this way limits humans.

4. Andy Miah’s paper demonstrates the presence of transhuman technology is society today. I found particularly relevant the argument that fantastical technologies often delude society; transhuman technology does not go beyond humanity, merely alters it. Miah questions whether transhumanist ideals are reflected solely bodily transformation, as through medical technology which seeks (so far) to repair the body, cosmetic surgery which enhances, and in the sporting industry where there is a constant need to transcend potential performance. This paper was useful in allowing me to see more examples of how the body is the limit of what it means to be human, by limit meaning definition, and how this limit is continually reinterpreted by technology over time. I found Miah’s approach confusing at first but essential and informative in its detail.

5. Chris Hables Gray’s paper provided many examples of the cyborg form. This was illustrated through developments and usages of technology in war, beauty, death and reproduction. For my purposes I would extract the base implication that these are examples of how human bodies are again continually redefined in order to meet the standard determined by modern technoscience and the cyber world. Despite the abundance of examples provided, the most notable drawback of this paper was its lack of deeper analysis of these particular examples.

6. Jonathon Marshall in his article makes the distinction of ‘online’ and ‘offline’ bodies, and the relationship of them which I found relevant to my essay. Through examples and quotes from participants of a mailing list, Cybermind, Marshall theorises that online identity and what he terms, ‘asence’ (absence and presence) is defined through communication. Therefore moods and physicalities of an offline body is attributed to the online body (hostility in flamewars; netsex) in order to redefine boundaries and limits. There is a necessity to convert what exists in cyberspace to what exists in the ‘real world’. I would use this to argue that there appears to be a need in humans to retain a ‘body’ regardless of virtuality or reality. A concept which proved interesting was the mention of the idea of a cyborg as an extension used to cross boundaries between human and machines. It referred to the ‘sandpile’ problem where it asks: if we continually integrate machines with our bodies, when do we stop being human? The only issue with Marshall’s article is a lack of clear structure and flow on the topics discussed.

After analysing and absorbing the readings above, I found myself looking at my original discussion point and including within it the distinction between that which is purely physical and the idea and nature of a ‘body’ (Richardson and Harper), reinforced by papers and articles by Suriano and Marshall. This proved immensely useful with locating more precise and interesting premises for my research, the result of which included the continual exertion and transcendence of the physical human body (Fuenzalida) and transhumanist ideals (Miah). Further examples were given by Gray in his paper regarding the postmodern cyborg.

The Webliography Challenge: Question 4

2006-08-30T15:49:00.000+08:00

Critical Annotated Webliography

“From Frankenstein to the Visible Human Project, the body is continually reinterpreted as a limit to what it means to be human.”

The reinterpretation of the body is not a new concept, however the development of the Visible Human Project (VHP), has propelled the range of limitations on the body into digital culture, where distinctions between what it means to be human (real) and representations of the body (virtual reality) collide. In looking at various online sources, I have uncovered multiple perspectives on the limitations of the body that will all be useful in the analysis of how the body is continually reinterpreted as a limit to what it means to be human.

Available on the US National Library of Medicine, Birth of Frankenstein [1] offers an interesting look into the assessment of limitations of the body and what it meant to be human in the eighteenth and nineteenth century. This page outlines various scientific practices in operation, placing emphasis on popular notions that the dead body could be reanimated and brought back to life. Although notably brief in content and analysis, this site offers an introduction to the concept of resurrection and immortality from as early as the 1700’s, representing the human body as a point for stimulating strong emotion, whilst expressing the fragility of life and what it means to be human.

The Visible Human Project: Informatic Bodies and Posthuman Medicine [2], written by Catherine Waldby is partly made available online through excerpts published by Routledge. In chapter three ‘Theatres of Violence’, Waldby implicates the limitations of the body and what it means to be human, through representing the Visible Human Project (VHP) as just another apparatus for technology. More specifically, positioning the VHP as a “biomedical discipline that relies on the bodies of the less valuable and those deemed less human to act as a model technology or experimental object”. The excerpts are relatively easy to follow and make some good points regarding the body as a site of virtual spectacle, transparent, public and limited in what it means to be human by definition as natural and organic.

Carol Meyers is a PhD in English Literature from Emory University. Her review of Anne Balsamo’s “Technologies of the gendered body: Reading Cyborg women” [3]
provides an insight into the result of new biotechnologies that ‘merge the biological with the technological, through reconceptualizing the human body as a new “techno-body”’. She condenses Balsamo’s argument by quoting and paraphrasing, sometimes to great extent, which at times weakens the flow of her argument. Meyers outlines each chapter of the book, offering an easy to follow outline of central themes such as surveillance/invasion of the female body, virtual reality (bodies in a virtual space), redefining the female body through physical alteration and the representation and reinterpretation of public bodies. Although this article is great as a starting point for understanding key themes regarding the reinterpretation of the body, it lacks the depth of the original article, often skimming over important issues. Moreover, it reads almost like a brief summary or abstract without great substance.

Krista Scott [4] reflects on issues raised in Donna Harraway’s "A Cyborg Manifesto: Science, Technology, and Socialist-Feminism in the Late Twentieth Century". This essay is well written and easier to understand than Harraway’s original article. It is substantiated by various quotes and links to other academic sources that provide to be very useful. It is a critical essay that evaluates Harraway’s claims that we are all hybrids of machine and organism, and explores the transgression of various dichotomies such as organism and machine, nature and culture, and organic and inorganic. Moreover, the article redefines what we perceive to be natural (human) through the exploration of Harraway’s cyborg.

In Waldby’s article, Revenants: The Visible Human Project and the Digital Uncanny [5], she suggests that the VHP in conjunction with cyber discourse has produced an “ambiguous bodily and ontological space, a new form of bodily being”. She describes the reanimation of life in more detail within this article, whilst emphasizing the processes of multiplicity and simulation through the publicly available human body. This article is far easier to read than The Visible Human Project: Informatic Bodies and Posthuman Medicine, with comparatively less jargon. Revenants offers a clearer history of the VHP, in addition to commenting on the virtualised post-natural life (immortality) of the digital body. Moreover, Waldby substantiates her claims using philosophical theory and critical analysis, which strengthens the flow and content of the argument.

University professor Eugene Thacker [6] has created a webpage that tracks the events and implications of the VHP. Thacker offers a very different insight compared with Waldby, as he questions the representation of the body. “Is the cadaver a body? Is the body a cadaver? … A body that is lifeless but animated”. The article is written in a clear and coherent format with subheadings, making it user friendly. The list of references at the end also provides a wide range of sources for further investigation into the subject. Thacker’s interpretation of the VHP also makes reference to the work of Bataille’s Impossible, which explores various limits, such as limits of the body, limits of rational comprehension, and limits of death. Despite overlapping with information from other sources, this piece is on the whole well written and well substantiated.

In exploring the progressions from Frankenstein to the VHP, digital culture provides the premise to investigate new ways of representing the body. The websites that I have discovered would all be extremely helpful with the construction of an essay related to this topic and also gave me an insight into how we view the body in an information age. I think the process of creating a webliography has been beneficial in broadening my research techniques over the Internet and has helped me critically assess the credibility of each source.

Bibliography

U.S. National Library of Medicine. ‘Frankenstein: Birth of Frankenstein’ (February 2002). http://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/frankenstein/frank_birth.html (accessed 24 August 2006). 

Catherine Waldby, “The Visible Human Project: Informatic Bodies and Posthuman Medicine” Routledge UK (2000).
http://books.google.com/books?id=queDwq2Ac-YC&pg=PA52&lpg=PA54&dq=The+visible+human+project&sig=vWYsiAxkssm15tWavLV6ex6qtco (accessed 24 August 2006).

Carol Meyers, “Carol Meyers Professional: Anne Balsamo. Technologies of the Gendered Body: Reading Cyborg Women. Durham, NC: Duke, 1996” (February 1996). http://prometheus.cc.emory.edu/cfm/academic/balsamo.html (accessed 24 august 2006).

Krista Scott, “Haraway, Donna. "A Cyborg Manifesto: Science, Technology, and Socialist-Feminism in the Late Twentieth Century". Simians, Cyborgs, and Women. New York: Routledge, 1991” (1997). http://www.stumptuous.com/comps/cyborg.html (accessed 24 August 2006)

Catherine Waldby, “Revenants: The Visible Human Project and the Digital Uncanny” (30 August 1996). http://wwwmcc.murdoch.edu.au/ReadingRoom/VID/Uncanny.html (accessed 24 August 2006).

Eugene Thacker, “Lacerations: The Visible Human Project, Impossible Anatomies, and the Loss of Corporeal Comprehension,” Culture Machine (02 March 2001). http://culturemachine.tees.ac.uk/Cmach/Backissues/j003/Articles/Thacker/Impossible.htm (accessed 24 August 2006).

Caela's Webliography

2006-08-29T15:26:00.000+08:00

Critically assess Donna Haraway’s assertion that ‘By the late twentieth century, our time, a mythic time, we are all chimeras, theorized and fabricated hybrids of machine and organism. In short, we are Cyborgs’.

Finding sources to utilise in the construction of an essay is a one of the most important and time consuming tasks. The main focus of finding articles and sources is ensuring that they focus on the ideas being investigated and that they are credible. Especially with the lack of restrictions that exists on placing information and opinions on the internet, credibility and relevance are two very essential aspects. Journals and articles such as those found in magazines such as Wired are very useful in terms of content and relevance. In terms of sourcing articles regarding this essay question, it was useful to research the terms and ideas behind Haraway’s quote. Such prior research meant that searching on the internet was a lot more simple and distinguishing between the helpful and the not so helpful information was a lot easier.

David Ellis. ‘Haraway on our Cyborg Society’ (Spring 2005) http://www.cyberartsweb.org/cpace/cyborg/ellis9.html

David Ellis’s article related to Donna Haraway’s suggestion that we are cyborgs. Technology is seen as a means of changing our identity and sense of self throughout our lives. Ellis argues that ‘self is a social construct that does not depend on body’, a concept that to a certain degree alters the way in which we view the notion of the cyborg. Also, Ellis makes the connection between the cyborg and that aspect of society in which identity is constantly changing, especially with the ever-changing presence and developmnent of technology. Ellis’s article is clearly logically wirtten and full of intriguing ideas. Approaching the notion of the cyborg through looking at technology and its impact on identity is extremely interesting.

Chris Hables Gray. ‘Manfred Clynes & the Cyborg,’ (1999) http://www.routledge-ny.com/ref/cyborgcitizen/cycitpgs/clynes.html

Chris Hables’ article on Cyborgs and their situation within society was well worth reading. Hables writes that the cyborg is the result of a fusion between man and machine, and that the conceptualization of the human body as a cyborg is becoming more and more common. Hables’ article is one of the most concise and succinct articles I have found. He provides a history of the cyborg, beginning with the basics and moves toward the more complex ideas. Positioning the notion of the cyborg within history, he refers to Manfred Clynes, the person to link the reality of the organic body with the idea of cybernetics, what is called the cyborg. The background information provided drew me to the timeline in which the idea of the cyborg has travelled along and the potentials that exist for the cyborg in the future. Similar to Krista Scott’s article, Hables claims that many humans are now literally cyborgs, referring to vaccinations and artificial limbs. This article provides some very helpful background information and opinions that support many of Haraway’s opinions and information found in her ‘Manifesto’.

Hari Kunzru. ‘You Are Cyborg’, Wired Magazine, 5.02, (Feburary 1997) http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/5.02/ffharaway_pr.html

Hari Kunzru’s article provided vast amounts of interesting information regarding cyborgs, and Donna Haraway’s opinions on such topics. At times, the way the article was written, the language used and the unnecessary content detracted from the ideas that the article attempted to address. Kunzru highlighted the shift in general thinking of humans, as ‘nodes on networks’ rather than ‘individuals isolated from the “world”.’ He clarified the intricate ideas associated with the cyborg, including the opinion that modern life brings with it the strong and reliant relationship and between humans and technology. It is about everyday life, everything we as humans encounter, not just “how many bits of silicon you have under your skin.” Kunzru’s understanding of what constitutes a cyborg aligned with Haraway’s ideas, and highlighted an aspect of what it means to be a cyborg that I had failed to see. He reflected on the history and development of the cyborg over the years, as both technology and attitudes have changed, something that seemed to mimic other changes that have occurred in history as technologies have progressed.

Jessica Santone. ‘Cyborg’ (Winter 2003) http://www.chicagoschoolmediatheory.net/glossary2004/cyborg.htm

Jessica Santone’s article provides a concise summary of the history of the cyborg and the influence that the cyborg has on perceptions of technology. She draws on the history of cybernetics and the presence of such figures as Manfred Clynes in the 1960’s to highlight the growth and advancement of the notion of the cyborg. Once again, the relationship between humans and technology is emphasised. Santone indicates the tension between the binaries of opinion, those who believe that such advancement in technology and the cyborg is a positive thing for society, and those who argue that is simply draws attention to the way in which technology has spun out of control, such a contrast that I had both failed to see and found extremely intriguing. Santone writes in a very clear manner, supporting claims and opinions with references from other authors on the subject such as Clynes and Hawaway. Also, she puts emphasise on the fact that ‘cyborg humans’ improve their abilities and potential through technology.

Krista Scott. ‘The Cyborg, the Scientist, the Feminist, and Her Critic’ (1997) http://www.stumptuous.com/cyborg.html

Krista Scott’s article regarding Haraway’s thoughts and opinions on cyborgs and nature was somewhat revealing. Scott focuses on Haraway’s notion of what is considered natural and the difference that exists between those things that have the appearance of ‘naturalness’ and the new networks that have appeared, and the impact such ideas have on the notion of the Cyborg. The distinctions between the two notions were very remarkable, and something that for me, supported Haraway’s notion of the cyborg. Scott claims that the “merger” between civilization and nature gives us the cyborg. The link between humans and machinery/technology was quite an obvious one, however one which I had failed to notice. I guess this link is quite literal; humans using ‘machines’ such as pacemakers, hearing aids and artificial limbs. Also, Scott reflects on a substantial amount of Haraway’s ideas in an interesting and informative way. Writing in a clear and concise manner, she focussed on Haraway’s themes and ideas of the cyborg, supporting comments with direct quotations from Haraway’s book ‘A Cyborg Manifesto’ and providing the reader with summaries of the complex ideas presented.

Chris Thorp. ‘How the Concept of the Cyborg has Changed Human Perception’ (2000) http://brmovie.com/Analysis/Concept_of_the_Cyborg.htm
Chris Thorp’s article provides another viewpoint on the notion of the cyborg and what it means to be human. Different from other articles regarding cyborgs, Thorp focuses on the imaginary world of fictional cyborgs and how these images blur the boundaries of what it means to be human. Thorp argues that the distinguishing feature that makes a human humane is the brain and ability to show emotion. In stark contrast to other authors such as Scott and Hables, Thorp believes that considering those who have had vaccinations or artificial limbs cyborgs is far too general – something I am unsure as to where I stand. Thorp writes in a very interesting manner, however he spends a substantial amount of time explaining cyborg worlds such as movies and spends less time talking about what makes humans cyborgs. Finally, one of Thorp’s ending ideas, that possibly provided me with the most to think about, is rather than asking when do humans become cyborgs, ask “when do we lose our humanity”.

Haraway’s claim that “in short we are cyborgs” seems to be supported by various authors and critics of the notion. With recent developments in technology, the prospect of humans as cyborgs is becoming more and more possible. The instability of notions of the natural and the unnatural proves to show that such notions of naturalness are questionable in modern society, especially with the progress in technology. Haraway’s belief that due to modern life the relationship between humans and technology has become hugely reliant highlights the idea that the notion of the cyborg is directly related to everyday life, and the dependence on machines has already created a cyborg in all of us.

Anna M's Webliography

2006-08-29T13:26:00.000+08:00

"From Frankenstein to the Visible Human Project, the body is continually reinterpreted as a limit to what it means to be human." Discuss Critically.

From Mary Shelley’s science fiction novel Frankenstein to the preservation of Joseph Jernigan online, through the Visible Human Project, I feel that society has always been fascinated by pushing the boundaries of being human. Throughout history, western society’s knowledge of the body has continually, even exponentially, increased. This is particularly apparent in the field of medicine. Having rarely used the internet for finding resources, I initially found this task somewhat daunting. I discovered however, that as I began reading online sources the aims of my research became clearer and the terms of my discussion defined themselves. Many of my initial readings, while not becoming the focus of this Webliography, grounded my knowledge in this area which then directed me to the online resources I will be reviewing.

Judy Wajcman’s journal article [1] provided me with some good grounding in supporting the notion of continually redefining humanity as technology progresses. Her section “Technology as Culture” in particular captured this idea. Wajcman began this section by citing Donna Haraway and from discussing her ideas on the Cyborg went on to explain that nowadays “bodies are made and remade through science and technology.”[2] This article also included some interesting points raised by various feminist writers regarding the idea that “virtual people or selves can exist in cyberspace, with no necessary link to a physical body.”[3] This would be useful in my discussion of how cyberspace has allowed people to exist without their bodies. Wajcman’s arcticle seemed to be very credible in an academic sense. It was reinforced with many sources and examples. While most of the article was focused on gender in technology, which was interesting but not strictly relevant, I found that several sections were a good starting point in developing my argument.

Taylor’s article [4] had some extremely useful points regarding the idea of living through a virtual domain. Taylor explained how when communicating online “users do not simply have one body and one identity,”[5] rather are able to project a new self into the cyberworld. He discusses the experience of have two bodies “a corporeal one and a digital one”[6] and this would be useful in discussing how online technology has pushed the boundaries of physical existence. Taylor also examines the effect of anonymity online and the effect this has on an ‘online life.’ While much of this article was focused around research I still extracted several highly relevant points.

It seems that with the continuing advances of technology and science, the body has become a site which can be represented beyond the physical realm. I found Catherine Waldby’s article [7] useful as it gave me a good understanding of the Visible Human Project. Having read some of her other work I knew that this source was reliable and she has a good knowledge in this field. Her article centered on the how the VHP made it possible to move the body into a digital identity and personally directed me to question ideas of immortality through cyberspace. Waldby’s article also prompted me to consider the ethical reactions to biomedical advances, which in turn caused me to look into this in my further research.

During my research I realised that while there is a continual reinterpretation of what it is to be human, the momentum of these ideologies is hindered by ethical and moral standards. I found that this was an extremely interesting aspect to research as there are many views on biomedical science ethics. I noticed a reference to Nick Bostrom early on and decided to research his works. His article “In Defence of Posthuman dignity” [8] outlined the debate between Transhumanists and Bioconservatives. He reviewed the three main concerns of those against biomedical advances and reasoned logically against them. Bostrom’s article left me with the conclusion that pursuits of knowledge about the body did not compromise human and posthuman dignity, rather it complemented both. While this argument was extremely persuasive it is important to note that Bostrom argues from a Transhumanist background and there is a definite element of bias. Bostrom’s website also contained many other interesting articles that would have been useful for this topic.

While the mission statement for the Institute of Ethics and Emerging Technologies [9] was only brief, I felt that this was useful in demonstrating the ethical side of biomedical progress. This source acknowledged that technological development “will allow human beings to transcend the limitations of the human body”[10] and absolved to be “a center for voices arguing for a responsible, constructive approach to emerging human enhancement technologies.” This group, which includes Bostrom, has dedicated itself to supporting advances, while ensuring they are safe. This website also had links to many relevant articles. I would use this type of source to demonstrate the differing views on biomedicine. I feel that this website also highlights the fact that society is indeed divided over these issues and hence the necessity of institutions such as these.

Looking at Egbert Schroten’s article [11] raised some interesting points regarding the ethics of using non-human organs in medicine and the religious complications of prolonging life. This article could further demonstrate the ethical dilemmas of current technological advances. One part focused solely on biblical law and ‘playing God.’ While this is clearly a religious point of view, I felt that this could not be discounted as quality research. Searching online enabled me to access many different views, not just strictly academic ones, and I believe this helps reinforce the argument, that while there is reinterpretation of being human, ethical, religious and moral boundaries still have control over science.

After conducting this research I feel that there can be no doubt that the progression of technology has caused a continual reinterpretation of the limits of humanity. The focus of my discussion would be on how online worlds and biomedical science have forced this progression. I would also be interested in looking closely at how, despite this obvious ‘border pushing,’ moral and ethical considerations have kept a social rein on these developments from getting out of control. From Shelley’s musings over existence to the Visible Human Project and beyond there seems to be a clear longing to continue to redefine the limits of being human as technology continues to discover, achieve and enlighten.

[1] Wajcman, Judy, ‘Reflections on Gender and Technology Studies: In What State is the Arts?’ Social Studies of Science, 30/3, (June 2006) pp 447-464
http://www.jstor.org/view/03063127/ap010101/01a00050/0?frame=noframe&userID=825f8033@uwa.edu.au/01cce4403500501da1524&dpi=3&config=jstor (accessed 15th August 2006)
[2] Ibid, p 456
[3] Ibid, p 457
[4] Taylor, T.L, ‘Life in Virtual Worlds: Plural Existence, Multimodalities, and Other Online Research Challenges’, American Behavioral Scientist, 43/3, (November/December 1999) pp 436-449
http://abs.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/43/3/436 (accessed 19th August 2006)
[5] Ibid p 439
[6] Ibid p 439
[7]Waldby, Catherine, ‘Revenants: The Visible Human Project and the Digital Uncanny’, (30th August 1996)
http://wwwmcc.murdoch.edu.au/ReadingRoom/VID/Uncanny.html (accessed 19th August 2006)
[8] Bostrom, Nick, ‘In Defence of Posthuman Dignity’, Bioethics, 19/3, pp. 202-214 (2005)
http://www.nickbostrom.com/ethics/dignity.html (accessed 22nd August 2006)
[9] The Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies Official Website http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/mission (accessed 22nd August 2006)
[10] Ibid
[11] Schroten Egbert, ‘Xenotransplantation and Moral Theology’ (15 December 2001)
http://www.vetscite.org/publish/articles/000036/index.html (accessed 25th August 2006)

Katie Marshman's Webliography

2006-08-28T21:05:00.000+08:00

Introduction
For this project, I began as I usually would – choosing the key words from the topic and entering them into a Google search in order of importance. In this case, my search was for ‘cyborg Haraway “twentieth century”’. I found that this gave me plenty of sites to explore, but I opened my search to simply ‘cyborg Haraway’ for a more general discussion of cyborgs. I had anticipated there being naysayers, but the only articles I found discussed and propagated her argument. After the fifth article, I realised that I would like to review the concept in relation to Darwinism, and so added that to my search. It was difficult to find a relevant site, the relevant sites were of a higher quality, but far more scarce.

Webliography
“Reading Notes for Donna Haraway's ‘A Cyborg Manifesto’”[1]
Senft is from a feminist background, and so finding the scientific sections may require some sifting. Nonetheless, she delivers her interpretation of Haraway’s text in a simple and easy to understand manner, which is a blessing once the terms and concepts become befuddling.
The text is relatively free of bias, and divides up the Cyborg Manifesto into its basic points and then gives an explanation of the ‘dot points’. As a student, this makes the text easy to skim and pick out important facts, as it is similar to my own annotation style.

“Cyborg: Some Definitions, Descriptions, and [sic]Exemplications”[2]
The page is remarkably useful, as it discusses the question asked for the essay. It is a well structured argument, and so is easy to read and useful for referencing. There are also many links available from this page, a subset of a discourse on Haraway’s Cyborg Manifesto. In this sense, it more useful if viewed as part of a whole; a thread in an information web. This particular page is part of a subdirectory regarding cyborgs in cyberpunk and science fiction, which to me suggests that the site was created for students of a very similar subject to that which we are studying.

“Cyborg Futures: Cyborgs, Cyberpunk and the future of the body”[3]
This is a paper comparing Haraway and Gibson’s perceptions of cyborgs in relation to society. It provides a more theoretical or fiction based analysis of the concepts, and Haraway’s manifesto is used in relation to fiction, as opposed to real life, on which the essay should focus.
It does, however, make the connection between the virtual and physical self, with reference to Sherry Turkle’s work. For me, it raised the point that a dependence or ‘connection’ with technology/computers could equate to a cyborg characteristic.
Overall, it is an interesting page to read, perhaps for one’s own personal interest rather than this particular essay, but it’s an easy read and can help with understanding the topic ‘around the edges’.

“Satyrs, Frankenstein, Machine Men, Cyborgs”[4]
This page does not directly deal with the question of cyborgs in relation to Haraway, but is useful for considering exactly what it is to be human. It discusses various representations of ‘humanness’ in mythology and stories. It is interesting to see arguments through ‘fiction’ (here including mythology as fiction) as to the importance of what it is to be human.
As far as I was concerned, the article could easily stand to be longer. The author raises the topic of Darwinism and Freud, but does not continue in his exploration in these terms.

“Destination: Cyborg”[5]
This site is extremely helpful. It describes examples of cyborgs in the late twentieth century; ones that relate to cyborgs as Haraway defines them, and those which would more commonly consider to be cyborgs. The article deals with the growing tendency for humans to rely on technology, and the interrelations between human thought and artificial intelligence. The author argues that humans are more like computers than previously thought, which makes the assimilation of biological and artificial intelligence easily within the reach of the norm. As he states “the burden of proof is falling less on the mental-state functionalists and more on the [sic]skeptics”.

“Understanding the Postmodern Cyborg”[6]
This is an article written by a historian fascinated by the developing role of the cyborg up to Postmodern society. As with the other articles I have found, he agrees with the notion that we are cyborgs, and increasing our cybernetic parts with the aid of new technologies. He discusses the possible future of the cyborg and, although not explicitly, reinforces Haraway’s argument (as I understand it).
It is a very long article, but there is no wasted space. Gray discusses Postmodernism, the cyborg, the role of the cyborg in Postmodernism, cyberculture and broaches the topic of genetics. It is a useful article, but the authors personal enthusiasm could be perceived as bias and so should be read with a critical eye.

“A Cyborg Manifesto”[7]
It seems pointless to write an essay on a paper without making some reference to it, or indeed, even reading it. This is Haraway’s own page, with a copy of her (in)famous paper.
Despite being the basis for the essay question, I can’t help but wonder how dated the other ideas within the text are. If other ideas of cyborg have prevailed, and why they may have changed. It seems more obvious now, fifteen years later that her assertions were correct, but are more correct now, if such a thing is possible. The advent of cyber-communities and cyber-culture raise the issue of a mental cyborg; where the meeting of technology and biology is invisible by any measurement.

Conclusion
Donna Haraway’s assertion that “…we are cyborgs” seemed at first peculiar, if not ridiculous. Upon further examination of her meaning, the human race does indeed seem to be increasingly more commonly ‘cyborgs’. Our physical bodies are being supplanted by technological advances, with spectacles, organ transplants, bone reconstruction, contacts to change eye-colour, hair dye, dentures – a never ending supply of cosmetic and medical improvements. As a species, we are also becoming increasingly dependant on technology in our daily lives. Automobiles, computers, mobile phones, email, traffic lights etc. are all examples of how technology has become as important to us as food and water. What is more, is that each generation is increasingly technologically proficient. It seems that along with physically adopting technological features, we are adapting ourselves to technology. We are physically and mentally becoming a race of cyborgs.

[1] Theresa M. Senft, “Reading Notes for Donna Haraway's ‘A Cyborg Manifesto’”, (October 2001).
http://www.echonyc.com/~janedoe/writing/manifesto.html, (accessed 27/08/2006)
[2] George P. Landow, “Cyborg: Some Definitions, Descriptions, and [sic]Exemplications”, (April 2005) .
http://www.scholars.nus.edu.sg/cpace///cyborg/definition.html, (accessed 27/08/2006)
[3] Daniel Pimley, “Cyborg Futures: Cyborgs, Cyberpunk and the future of the body” (2003).
http://www.pimley.net/documents/cyborgfutures.pdf, (accessed 27/08/2006)

[4] “Satyrs, Frankenstein, Machine Men, Cyborgs”, World-Information.Org, (2005).
http://world-information.org/wio/infostructure/100437611777/100438658891/?ic=100446325035, (accessed 27/08/2006)
[5] George Dvorsky, “Destination: Cyborg”, Better Humans, (February 2003).
http://archives.betterhumans.com/Columns/Column/tabid/79/Column/309/Default.aspx, (accessed 27/08/2006)
[6] Chris Hables Gray, “Understanding the Postmodern Cyborg”.
http://www.routledge-ny.com/ref/cyborgcitizen/cycitpgs/future.html, (accessed 27/08/2006)
[7] Donna Haraway, “A Cyborg Manifesto: Science, Technology, and Socialist-Feminism in the Late Twentieth Century”, Simians, Cyborgs and Women: The Reinvention of Nature (1991), Routledge, New York, pp.149-181.
http://www.egs.edu/faculty/haraway/haraway-a-cyborg-manifesto.html, (accessed 27/08/2006)

Sophie's Webliography

2006-08-28T19:50:00.000+08:00

Guiding question: Critically assess the ways in which gender identity is embedded (or not) in the cultural construction of information and communication technologies.

The process of finding online resources for this topic was somewhat difficult. I started out using Google Scholar to locate academic articles published on the internet, however the vast majority of the articles I found through this search engine were restricted-access, that is, they required that I be a member of the publishing alumni, or that I subscribe financially to the site, to be able to read the articles. In contrast to this were the many sites created by non-academics which were equally unsuited to the assignment despite addressing the topic. More helpful was the link on the unit’s blog to the Online Journalism Review, which provided me with one of my sources. Several youth-oriented studies on gender identity in blogs and other communication programs (specifically, LiveJournal and MySpace) were cited in otherwise irrelevant online articles; by following link after link from irrelevant websites I found a few useful and topical summaries of these studies. Eventually I searched technology-focused websites rather than those that address gender issues, and this was a surprisingly fruitful area: online technology journals seem currently to be preoccupied with the identities of their audience. I found seven relevant and useful articles in total; while I read through quite a few more; they appeared to rehash the information which is presented in a clear and concise manner in the following articles.

“Women Turned off by Technology’s ‘Geeky’ Image”, Jo Best, IT Pro, (4 June 2004), http://management.silicon.com/itpro/0,39024675,39121108,00.htm , (accessed 24 August 2006).
This article, in a conversational magazine-style, discusses the way IT is viewed by women. In doing so it lists the ways society typically views gender identities in relation to technology. This is extremely helpful when answering the guiding question; it is a simple summary of an official report and so provides generalizations that could easily be used as supporting evidence.

“Identity Production in a Networked Culture: Why Youth Heart MySpace”, Danah Boyd, (19 February 2006, http://danah.org/papers/AAAS2006.html , (accessed 23 August 2006).
Danah Boyd has published a transcript of a speech she gave to the American Association for the Advancement of Science on the use of MySpace in teenager’s social identities. Her speech does not explore the way we construct gender through and as a part of communication technology, however, it does investigate the appeal of technology to youth sub-cultures, and is valuable because of the detailed examination of identity on the internet.

“Women at Tech Conferences: Look Beyond Tokenism”, Amy Gahran, Contentious, (8 February 2006), http://contentious.com/archives/2005/08/02/women-at-tech-conferences-tokenism-comment-scoble , (accessed 24 August 2006).
This provides an insider’s view of issues of women’s inclusion in technology events. It is an important perspective because it is not an outsider drawing conclusions from a popular view of the industry, it is someone from within the field relating personal experiences that act as one example of gender constructions within the world of information and communication technologies.

“Gender, Identity, and Language Use in Teenage Blogs", D. A. Huffaker, and S. L. Calvert, (2005), Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, http://jcmc.indiana.edu/vol10/issue2/huffaker.html , (accessed 21 August 2006).
This article draws contrasts between constructions of gender in relation to technology, and the reality of the gender, sexuality and modes of self-expression of young computer-users – in this study, bloggers. It provides relevant statistics and analysis of research done on LiveJournal bloggers, and would be the most crucial article in my argument about the way we view gender and technology. This study dispels several myths about gender on the internet, finding that (at least in youth-oriented sites) male and female bloggers are equally represented, and in fact there is a far greater tolerance for individuality and non-stereotypical gender types in online communities. Homosexual communities are far more numerous and voiced online than they are in ‘real’ societies, and various gender distinctions just don’t seem to apply to online groups. One example of this is the way that young men are far more likely to use emoticons (pictures that express simple emotion) in their online journals than young women are. In short, while some gender stereotypes expected of internet users can be seen as accurate (men are more aggressive in online communication, for example), not all constructions of technology are correct in their assumptions of gender within networks.

“A Problem with the Free Pie, and Debian Women”, Nick Montfort, (22 November, 2005), Grand Text Auto, http://grandtextauto.gatech.edu/2005/11/22/debian-women/ , (accessed 24 August 2006).
This is Montfort’s discussion of a speech by Hanna Wallach about women’s involvement in software development. Though parts of this discussion were too technical for me to understand, and it was clearly written for those working in the field of information technology, it provided interesting and useful statistics. One figure that is closely linked to cultural constructions of technology is that in America, most boys own their own computer by the age of fifteen, while girls own one at the age of twenty on average. This could be explained away by ideas of teenage boys being more interested in computers than girls are, but that explanation is not supported by the statistics on who is doing what online. What this shows is that girls who are interested in technology have much less chance of owning a computer than boys do, and so are disadvantaged and less likely to pursue careers in technology development.

“Tech-savvy Women Seek Support in Classroom and Newsroom”, Cindy Royal, (14 April 2005), Online Journalism Review, http://www.ojr.org/ojr/stories/041304royal/index.cfm , (accessed 24 August 2006).
This article highlights some alarming trends, including the decreasing percentage of female IT professionals. Its solution is not to focus on women, but to make IT skill courses more widely available so that it is not the technological elite who alone have the power to be heard.

“Gender and Inclusion Policies for the Information Society", Knut H. Sorensen, (April 2004), Strategies of Inclusion: Gender and the Information Society, http://www.rcss.ed.ac.uk/sigis/public/deliverables/D07/2 , (accessed 23 August 2006).
According to this report, the gender imbalance in the use of information and communication technologies is not due to a difference in access to the physical tools, but is instead a result of a lack of skills necessary to operate the equipment. It also refers to “the image problem”, which is the fact that IT appears to be fairly unappealing for women and is viewed as a men’s industry. This report includes useful information on policies currently recommended as ways to attract women to the field of technology, and this is yet another view on gender’s role in our construction of technology.

In answering this essay question I would draw on the articles I found to support my assertion that gender is indeed part of the identity embedded in cultural constructions of information and communication technologies. Many of these pieces directly refer to an image technology users have in society, and gender plays a great role in this, with the geeky single male techie having long been seen as the primary, if not the only, computer user. However, experts within the field are quick to point out that not all the cultural constructions of gender within the IT field hold true, with just as many women using technology for recreational purposes as men do. The true disparity lies in the ownership and development of the technologies, and this is one aspect that is generally skimmed over in an outsider’s view of the industry.

Webliograhpy by Kylie Vaughan

2006-08-28T07:43:00.000+08:00

Self.Net: Identity in the Digital Age
Critical Annotated Webliography

Critically assess Donna Haraway’s assertion that ‘By the late twentieth century, our time, a mythic time, we are all chimeras, theorized and fabricated hybrids of machine and organism. In short, we are cyborgs’.

Upon reading the question I decided that the best way to begin searching for online sources was to try to find an excerpt of Donna Haraway’s ‘Cyborg Manifesto’ so that I could better understand the context of the question. I began my search in the Wired Magazine site where I could search both the magazine itself and outside web sources which are linked with the site. This led me to finding a credible site which contained an excerpt of the Manifesto. After gaining a considerable amount of information on the subject I then proceeded to navigate my way through links from the Wired Site, to university sites and even sites dedicated to the discussion of cyborgs in a postmodern world. I filtered through many articles, essays, interviews and reports trying to find information which critically argued either for or against Haraway’s cyborg theory (although I was surprised to find that no site I went to argued against her ideas). I found that the best way of finding credible sources was not through online search engines or databases but rather through links with other sites. In my opinion one could find more information regarding a particular topic through a network of other websites rather than a search engine which simply gives you an often enormous number of sites which contain the keywords. The following webliography contains the six best sites that I could find which would be useful in answering the given question on Donna Haraway’s cyborg theory.

Braidotti, Rosi. “Cyberfeminism with a Difference”. (July 1996).
http://www.let.uu.nl/womens_studies/rosi/cyberfem.htm (accessed 22/08/06)
This article is quite different to others in that it does not just focus on the cyborg idea. It goes into great depth describing postmodernism and post-human bodies and is quite feminist orientated. It is an interesting discussion including examples of well known celebrities as being cyborgs. It would be particularly helpful in providing a more feminist and political view on the cyborg theory. I thought it provided an interesting argument about postmodernity and how technology is linked with culture which in the end produces cyborgs as technology penetrates culture ever more.

Haraway, Donna. "A Cyborg Manifesto: Science, Technology, and Socialist-Feminism in the Late Twentieth Century," in Simians, Cyborgs and Women: The Reinvention of Nature (1991) pp.149-181, http://www.stanford.edu/dept/HPS/Haraway/CyborgManifesto.html (accessed 20/08/06)
I have found this source to be extremely useful for providing me with a bit of background knowledge of Haraway’s Manifesto so that I was able to understand more fully her ideas about the cyborg. It outlined in great detail her ideas about gender and how all humans in this era are essentially cyborgs. I think it is necessary to consult Donna Haraway’s manifesto when answering this question and this particular site contains an excerpt which is important in portraying the main idea of her book. It details the modern relationship we have as humans with modern technology and how, essentially the technology we use everyday is an extension of ourselves, hence we are cyborgs.

Irvine, Martin. “The Cyborg: Postmodern Icon for the Digital age”. (February 1999).
http://www.georgetown.edu/faculty/irvinem/technoculture/cyborgy/cyborgology.html
(accessed 22/08/06)
Irvine discusses the cyborg idea by using modern examples in literature and film. It would be useful in gaining a better understanding of examples of clear and distinct cyborgs in our everyday life (although not in ‘real’ life we read/hear/about/watch them). He goes into great detail about the idea of the body as being perishable, organic and susceptible to corruption and disease. Irvine suggests that humans strive for immortality and that the cyborg combines the machine with the organism in order to cheat death. Although a short article it is interesting to see how the cyborg is actually perceived in modern culture even to the point where we still see the typical ‘cyborg’ as having mechanical components to it.

Kunzru, Hari. “You Are Cyborg,” Wired 5.02 (February 1997). http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/5.02/ffharaway.html (accessed 20/08/06).
This particular article I found to be quite interesting because it took a more simplistic view of Haraway’s ideas of all humans as being hybrids of machines and organism. I found it very easy to read and it thoroughly explained in an interesting way why Haraway argues that we are all cyborgs and her reasoning behind it. The article was written after an interview with her so it also includes pieces of information about how she was during the interview. Because the article was interview based it gives the reader a clear synopsis of the main ideas of Haraway’s Manifesto and answers common questions that the everyday person would have about the cyborg.

Mizrach, Steve. “The Ethics of the Cyborg”.
http://www.fiu.edu/%7Emizrachs/cyborg-ethics.html. (accessed 22/08/06)
This article would be particularly useful in asking those questions about where the cyborg should stop, whether certain ethics are being violated and when technology penetrating everyday human life will go too far. It is interesting to compare this article with the other articles in that it has a completely different angle to it; rather than simply state that the cyborg exists in modern society it acknowledges the fact and questions whether it is a good thing. Another positive point about this article is that it does recognise the positive outcomes of the cyborg and does not simply give a one sided argument. I think when approaching this question it is important to include all sides of it and this article would be very helpful in providing information.

Warwick, Kevin. “Cyborg 1.0,” Wired 8.02 (February 2000).
http://wired.lycos.com/wired/archive/8.02/warwick.html (accessed 19/08/06)
This article was very interesting and would be quite useful in answering the essay topic. Warwick discusses how he conducted experiments with implanting silicon chips into his body and performed certain actions (for example turning lights on) via signals transmitting to his computer. This article would be very useful in giving a clear example of a cyborg in everyday life although it is a somewhat extreme case. I think that this would be valuable in proving Haraway’s assertion that we are all cyborgs as it is a perfect case of the human body being a hybrid of organism and machine.

The assertion that in modern times we are all cyborgs, that is ‘hybrids of machine and organism’, does indeed have merit as we move further into the technological future. To say that all humans in some way or another are connected to technology in every day of our lives is a controversial thought which conjures ideas of robots and machines. However, when the term ‘technology’ is broken down into meaning anything from make-up to mobile phones to even the medicine we take, one can recognise that, at least in the western world, we are all linked to technology in some way in our everyday life and are therefore cyborgs. It is important, however, that both the positives and negatives are presented in the argument as there are certain ethics involved which bring into question when technology goes too far in altering our selves and our bodies. One needs to question whether or not the cyborg is a new identity in the ‘digital age’ and if there is a limit to which technology can be connected to us before we begin to lose our humanity. For now, at least, the cyborg is a term rarely used in everyday life and thought to be a creature made up of machines and possessing robot-like qualities. It will be interesting to see how technology will integrate itself into our lives even more and if the typical science fiction idea of the cyborg will become a reality.

internet research = death

2006-08-21T21:29:00.000+08:00

hey everyone,
i've spent over TWENTY HOURS trying (and failing!) to find articles for the webliography. everything is either restricted-access (in which case we can't use it) or along the lines of "i love donna haraway soooooooo much" (in which case it won't really contribute much to my assignment).
is anyone having similar problems? any tips for search engines? i've tried the UWA journals alison mentioned in her post and i didn't find anything particularly relevant...
<3 sophie.
PS - i've tried google scholar and every single relevant article requires an account with the site, which means we can't use the articles at all. any other clues? this assignment is breaking my spirit...

Webliographise

2006-08-17T16:38:00.000+08:00

Hi all,
Just wanted to clarify the requirements for your first assignment, the webliography.
Because this is a webliography, all components of the bibliography must be available online. This means that they should have a url that you can directly link to when you put your webliography on this weblog. This means that conventional academic journal articles that you access through JSTOR or Supersearch can generally NOT be used, because the user has to go through a process of authentification through the library. Don’t dismay, however, as there are many online academic journals, and e-books as well. The Faculty of Arts even has 2! Limina, and Outskirts (in which Tama published his paper on the Borg in Star Trek).
The point is for you to be research savvy online, and also to make that research accessible to everyone else reading the blog.
So, think about the forum in which you’re writing (a publicly available blog, and as an item for assessment), as well as the unit outcomes being assessed, namely:
Develop and expand critical research skills through a deepened understanding and familiarity with both online sources and conventional print sources Express research findings and ideas logically, coherently and convincingly in both oral and written forms, the latter in both print and digital formats Develop a critical, annotated Webliography. And don’t forget that you get to comment on 2 people’s Webliogs, and yours may well be commented on too – so make it engaging!
All the best!
Alison

Wired Self III Lecture Links

2006-08-16T12:40:00.000+08:00

Hello Self.Netizens. As I promised, I've put up a blog post with all the links I mentioned in today's lecture here: The Wired Self III: The Wired Everyday - Weblogs. There may be other posts of use/interest (or perhaps procrastination value) in my blog as well, so feel free to explore.

Happy blogging!

yhalothar blogger!

2006-08-15T14:19:00.000+08:00

'Sup bloggerville?

Gotta say, this setup is kinda different from LJ.

I don't really have a 'favourite website', but Homestar Runner is pretty cool. As someone else mentioned, Kitten War is a good pickmeup, too.

I love flash animation, my favourite atm is this, but there are some pretty cool toons here, too.

Look forward to seeing how this whole adventure goes for you all ;)

introductory post

2006-08-15T14:13:00.000+08:00

hey everyone,
i vote that you get into webcomics... the very best is questionable content
<3 sophie

2006-08-15T13:30:00.000+08:00

Hello to all the Thursday 2pmers.

I have never done this before, I generally just talk to people. I have never used the internet for chatting, dating, finding a husband or forwarding emails in order to send 15c for each fwd to some poor starving child who has had its feet chewed off by a goat. Although those stories do stab at my heart and I do feel bad when I delete them. Sadly my favourite website is probably whitepages.com.au This is useful as I do not have a phone book. I then use this webpage to find out phone numbers and so can ring people up and talk to them. Call me old fashioned. Here is a little poem,

I'm in self.net identity,
I'm not really into computers you see
I'm in the Mac lab,
My blog's looking shab
So that's all you will hear (read?) from me

I am looking forward to reading some of your blogs. See you all on Thursday.

Blog on.
Anna M
(Colour...All Right)

introducing me and my website

2006-08-15T13:22:00.000+08:00

dear blog people,

hope everyones having a good time blogging lol.

i dont have a particular site i like more or less than others, but click here anyway for an interesting read. its the blog of joseph edward duncan III, a convicted sex offender. its a little disturbing, a little sad.

see u all tomorrow!

Blogger baby Steps

2006-08-15T13:18:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone,

This is my first ever blog! I guess I'm a little confused about how it all works but I'm sure I'll work it out. One of my favourite sites is EBAY, an excuse to buy lots of things from around the world.

Caela

I can never think of anything to write here

2006-08-15T13:14:00.000+08:00

Hey Everyone,
My name is Jess and this is my first blog. My favourite website would probably be hotmail because I use it the most or Vogue Australia

2006-08-15T13:10:00.000+08:00

Hi my name is Rachelle. I've never used a blog before and I'm interested to see what the fuss is all about. One of my favourite sites is the albino blacksheep flash site- which has lots of entertaining flash animations on it
See you in the tutorials.

Thats Blog-tastic!

2006-08-14T15:35:00.000+08:00

Hey tute pals,

Hope everyone is well...Just wanted to say hello and let you all know that my favourite webstite is www.kittenwars.com?? HA well not actually, but it does help pass the time during long uneventful breaks at uni. On this very exciting website you can take part in various kitten battles and even register your own kitty online! Ok so i figure that this may not appeal to everyone, and not eveyone has a cute kitty named parsley or pow pow (very ugly fluffy little creature who has won 1345 battles (57%) lost 777 (33%) and drawn 221 (9%)), but i'm sure it'll entertain you all the same.

Take care, and i'll see you on Thursday!

2006-08-14T15:34:00.000+08:00

hello bloggers . . .
my name is james, i haven't met you but i will on thursday. there isn't a site where i spend a whole lot of time, i don't spend much time on the net. but to show i can do hyperlinks my favourite site is mail.yahoo.com

this tutorial is my first with a blog. i think it makes for some good discussions

see you thursday . . .

Hi from Melissa!

2006-08-14T13:24:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone,

Howz it going? I've never blogged before ... so this should be an interesting exercise.

... About my favourite website. Well, I don't really have one but let's just say it's Google coz I always use google when I need to find anything on the net.

Cya later,
Melissa

Greetings from Kylie

2006-08-14T13:16:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone!
My name is Kylie Vaughan and I am in the Thursday 2pm tutorial. My favourite website is hotmail because it's the only one I use everyday and I can keep in touch with my friends.

welcome

2006-08-10T21:22:00.000+08:00

This is the weblog for the Thursday 2pm tutorial group for the UWA 2006 unit Self.net: identity in the digital age.
If you're not doing the weblog workshop in the Mac Studio ensure you pick up a copy of the Blogging Guide anyway as it has listed all the required posts you need to make during this semester. It's available on WebCT or in the English corridor of the Arts building.
happy posting,
Alison