Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Cyborg Manifesto
In this article Haraway focuses a lot of her argument on the characteristics of a cyborg in a scientific culture and how masculinity is more present. A lot of the article talks about how some of the characteristics if not most are very masculine rather than feminist. She is trying to give a female perspective on the subject. Her manifesto for contemporary conversations on gender and digital media is related in this article to other articles we have already gone over such as the video game article and the Chicano article. She is trying to support a social feminist movement by pointing out the stereotype women are still being put in today through our scientific culture. I think throughout the past women have come a long way but I don't think it is perfect yet because there are still very ignerant men that view women as weaker and that is very sad.
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4 comments:
Chris,
Do you think her argument made in the 1980's is still valid today? How has radical and social feminism affected your generation? Do you think the world is less biased?
Your point that her cyborg depiction is based on a masculine construct as seen through a woman's point of view is interesting. I hadn't thought of that.
As an Information Technology Specialist, I have never been made to feel lessor than my male counterparts, yet in my division at work there are only three women in a department of 20+ men. When we have a position open, mostly men apply.
If your comment that "women have come a long way" meant that women have been given more opportunities by men to excel in careers traditionally held by men - I totally agree. As far as ignorance goes, there are equally as many women as men that believe that women should not compete for certain jobs. When I was growing up it was assumed that if I worked outside the home, I would have to be a secretary, teacher or nurse, certainly not a someone interested in computers or management.
People laud the fact that there are women welders, yet how many people have the same respect for a male nurse working at a Hospice center? Feminists raise the question of gender roles and expectations of men and women. I think one the greatest feminists today is Sarah Palin's husband.
I respect you for understanding that in regards to at least science, men and women can compete equally. Keep showing others that we are all gifted in different ways and no one is superior to another. That is one of the gifts you share with others.
I thought you made a very thought provoking post!
I can see thought this article that it is pointing in a women's view of masculinity, I didn't really look at it that way when I was reading but I think that is an excellent point. I like that you also agreed that women have worked hard to be looked at as equals and many times we are still not given the opportunities we have worked hard for.
Hey Chris,
I have to start with a quote you had so I don't forget. You said, "She is trying to support a social feminist movement by pointing out the stereotype women are still being put in today through our scientific culture". I thought that was great; as well as very true. It may have been the professor but someone in class mocked the all too common saying that exists online, "Wow, you're really good/smart for a girl" Which I think ties into this idea that you brought up in your post.
Chris~
What are some of the characteristics that you are talking about when you say they are masculine rather than feminist? I think it is interesting how everyone has their own perspectives of this piece and everyone talks about a different aspect of the article in their blogs.
I am glad that you and Ryan both feel that it is sad that there are still men out their who view women as the weaker sex.
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