In Chapter 5, Graham references Kaku’s envision of “every individual would in theory be able to possess a software program containing their own personal genome sequence, perhaps on CD-ROM” (Graham 118). This predicted use of a CD is one of many instances when current reality has already surpassed predictions from only the past decade. For example, in Minority Report the clear discs used to view the precogs’ visions of crimes or in Elysium having to use a cord to connect to Max’s stored information. In modern day, this could all be accessed wirelessly using the cloud, Bluetooth, etc. What do these faults say about posthuman predictions, if even the minor details are already far surpassing predicted advancements in technology?
ENGL 360 | Future Perfect Human
Prof. Myra Seaman | Fall 2016
Remnants of previous technologies left behind in media such as these suggest that human’s connection to and interaction with technology is shifting rapidly, and that the concept of the posthuman must be reconfigured to remain relevant. Graham wrote on the posthuman in 2002, but how much has technology changed in the past fourteen years? For instance, the Galactica’s saving grace was that its computers were not networked like the rest of the fleet’s. This might seem reasonable at first, but consider that the most prolific computer network today is the Internet. We, here in America, live in a world where the Internet is central to our society, but fourteen years ago it was conceivable to run a (fictional) society without it. As our technology has advanced, we have become more reliant on it, whether for scheduling our lives, keeping up with friends, or simply being aware of what is happening in the world. Does this make us cyborgs? Are we so integrated with technology that we are now posthumous ourselves? I think that an article or perspective on our current situation would be fascinating to read, and perhaps point to a different conclusion than Hayles or Graham arrive at.
I agree with Hannah, technology is shifting more rapidly in this day than it ever has. We are constantly bombarded with new technology, from the newest versions of our phones, computers, even the ways we access games and music have changed in a short period of time. We are so connected to the world via the internet that the idea of a ship in the future not having it seems laughable. I think the idea of not predicting the future of technology as a fault is a little bit demeaning, as technology has changed in ways that no one could have possibly been prepared for (and that in some instances we are STILL not prepared for). I also think that the idea of there being a cord to connect the unit in Max’s head to the computer isn’t all that laughable, because it is implied that they are using out of date tech (which, if I were making a unit for the first time that connected to my brain I’d want to make sure someone couldn’t walk by and just hack into it, making the need for a wire more plausible). We can see this in Carlyle and Delacourt, as they are able to upload and download info without the need for wires using only a small ear unit (which is completely unsafe if the ability to steal info in today’s time via a phone and a computer program is still available/upgraded in Elysium).