The modified body described in the article "Exit Meat" by Mischa Peters obviously goes beyond implants and a new nose, but the advancements are so profound. Molly, the bodyguard who has vision beyond human capability and knives that retract in and out of her hands, has what we would now consider "superhero" powers. The price she had to pay to become advanced and equipped for her profession was something she obviously was willing to pay. Despite that, the need for prostitution is highly objectionable. To become superhuman shouldn't require stooping down to such a low human activity. A true "superhero" would find ethical and productive ways to raise the money so that it can hold true to the "superhero" stereotype. However, in the end, I believe living with the best technology possible so as to perform her job adequately and productively, it is worth it.
Friday, October 2, 2009
The Modified Body
As we walk through the streets of Ann Arbor, there is such a diverse crowd to examine. People of different races, ethnicities, heights, weights, etc. However, did you ever think that some of those people could have been MEDICALLY (and there for technologically) altered? Would you think that the girl sitting next to you has breast implants? How about the guy next to you; did he have rhinoplasty? We're already inching toward being technologically advanced. Although no operation actually places a technological device inside the body, it takes technology to enhance the body. I truly don't find it to be so far fetched that we would be willing to alter our bodies further than bigger breasts or more shapely noses.
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I enjoyed reading your post because the modified body would not be my choice. It was very interesting to read your reasoning for chosing this body, and I do agree with some of your arguments. It is true that we do already modify our bodies, and although it is not the type of modification that Peters was specifically talking about, it is a form of scientific modification. The possibility of modifying our bodies to create a body that is more useful and helpful to our lives is exciting and tempting. It offers us so many new possibilities of what we could do with out lives. However, if these possibilities were available to everyone wouldn't we be in the same position that we are in now? If we could all adapt our bodies to better assist us in what we want to do, then no one would have any advantage. For example, even with Molly's new advantages, she would not have any advantage if she were up against thieves who also had superhuman vision and retractable knives. What if they ever had superhuman hearing and incredible speed? Then she would even be at a disadvantage. Where would we stop? There would be no advantages to modifying our bodies if everyone else can do the same thing and more. The modifications would not end until we were no longer human.
ReplyDeleteYour post is very interesting. When many people consider these different body types they think of drastic changes almost taking away the human factor; however, your argument bases itself upon the fact that we already have these advancements in small portions. The article does go above and beyond the ideas we currently dwell upon in typical society. These technical advantages would be a very good upgrade as long as they are used for the right purposes. It would be hard to manage the upgrades and keep a check that the enhancements were not in the wrong hands.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sara that we are already on our way, as humans, to a world full of technologically altered bodies. Medical procedures by which people transform themselves are abundant--and I see no reason why those who view such surgery as okay would turn up their noses at inserting technology into their bodies. We are moving, bit by bit, to a world where technological body-altering may be an accepted practice.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this piece, however I did find fault in one statement: "no operation actually places a technological device inside the body." Pacemakers are placed inside the body inorder to make sure the heart doesn't miss a beat, or cochlear implants are placed inside the body to help people hear. There are several examples that show technology inside the body. Regardless, great piece of writing.
ReplyDeleteTo name another piece of technology placed inside the body, cochlear implants help the deaf to hear. But I see your point, there are many minor modifications all around us. We are already a well-modified population. It is even probably safe to say that the majority of people's cosmetic modifications are becoming more and more acceptable in today's society.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting how you put technological modification in a different sense. It really is true that augmentations to the body are technological advancements even though one would never think about them that way. Although you believe that it is not far fetched to think people today the modified body goes beyond just surgical operations. It would scare most people to become something almost other than human.
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