Random Topic Challenge #1

Ok. So here we go. As promised, a Blog using the topic randomizer. I procrastinated this for two days due to my moping about being unemployed. More on that later.

The topic: Cyborgs

(Oh man. Ok, so this should be interesting.)

I am a self-proclaimed geek. So my knowledge of Cybernetics extends to the fantastical side of things. Superhuman strength, futuristic people selectively rebuilding themselves or parts of themselves. I think this concept started with the Bionic Woman back in the 70s, or maybe before that, I don't know. In the fantasy role-playing world, you can have Cybernetic anything. And I do mean anything. Go-go-gadget.... *ahem*


According to Dictionary.com a Cyborg is defined as "a person whose physiological functioning is aided by or dependent upon a mechanical or electronic device." So technically, anyone with a pacemaker is a Cyborg.

But let's just think about this for a minute here. Imagine, that if in the very near future breakthroughs in Cybernetic technology would allow people to ELECTIVELY change parts of their bodies? Amputees are currently benefiting from new arms and legs, even cybernetic hands built specifically to trigger off nerve synapses and work like a real hand.

But what if one could undergo elective surgery to have say, an arm amputated and replaced with a cybernetic arm for the purpose of being stronger, lifting more, or punching harder. If this became commonplace, what kinds of benefits would there be for those in the military? How about replaceable arms, terminator style, with different guns for attachments.

Sounds ... manly.

Perhaps Cybernetics could have their place on the domestic side of things. The common housewife could have 'bionic ears' installed so as to better hear their children from across the house, or even across the street. Or the private phone conversations of her husband. (Possible crisis averted.) It certainly brings a new meaning to the term "eyes in the back of her head."

After a slight bit of research (thank you Google) I stumbled across a man named Stelios Arcadiou, or better known as Stelarc, He is a performance artist from Australia who's entire show is based on cyborg additions to the human body.

His website for your viewing pleasure: http://www.stelarc.va.com.au/arcx.html

Stelarc's opinion is that our bodies are obsolete and that they should be modified to fit these modern times. (I'm sure Cher would agree.) is quoted in an interview as saying:

"I'm speculating on ways that individuals are not forced to, but may want to, redesign their bodies - given that the body has become profoundly obsolete in the intense information environment it has created… We shouldn't have a Frankensteinian fear of incorporating technology into the body, and we shouldn't consider our relationship to technology in a Faustian way - that we're somehow selling our soul because we're using these forbidden energies. My attitude is that technology is, and always has been, an appendage of the body."

Something tells me this Stelarc fellow might also be an atheist. That might be passing a harsh judgement on him, but in my experience, most people are taught to be happy with what God created for you. Like the many times Mom has said "If God intended you to have holes in your head, he'd have put them there!" when you asked to have your ears pierced. This outlook is especially true for those following Christian ideology, so to call God's greatest creation obsolete is bordering on blasphemy.

But we, as humans have been modifying our bodies for centuries. Tattoos, piercings, various contraptions that cinch our waists, lift our breasts and make us taller. It's as if we, as a species have some sort of deep-seated self loathing and we can't leave well enough alone. Granted, all creatures naturally gravitate toward the bigger, taller, stronger, smarter, more symmetrical; thus the need for mating and courtship rituals. It ensures survival of the fittest, good breeding and continuation of the species.

Humans however, are the only living things on the planet to actually modify themselves using external means and devices. So it's a bit like false advertising isn't it? When those that were not born with natural health strength and ability are made to have such through fabrication, it only ensures that their lives will be easier and more pleasant. The perfection they paid to obtain will not carry in through their genetics, thus the flaws that they fought so hard to rid themselves of endure through their lineage.

But that doesn't mean Cybernetics don't have their place. We've made wonderful advancements in technology and it's helped many live fuller more rewarding lives. But some might argue that we, as a society have grown too dependent on technology (that may be true) it is, nonetheless our nature to continue to invent, and move forward. Should we ever come to the point where elective cybernetics is commonplace, it will just have to be a personal decision every person will need to make for themselves.