In “Toward Embodied Virtuality” Katherine Hayles discusses her shifting perspective on dualism – the separation of body and mind. Hayles attributes this shift to the growing realization that we are creating intelligent machines and may someday become a population of cyborgs. Using this text as a framework, describe how the character Ash in the “Be Right Back” episode of Black Mirror, as well as the women in Stepford Wives, represent an embodied virtuality. Consider the gendered implications of these fictional portrayals.
As an extension activity if you have additional time, compare these two representations to the characters RUR and Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep.
Requirements:
- Include a strong thesis statement that expresses your opinion and outlines your argument.
- Use at least 2 quotes from the text in correct MLA format as evidence that support your opinion. (HINT: avoid floating quotes, and explain each quote in your own words)
- Organize your points thematically and logically.
- Use transitions that connect your ideas.
- Give specific examples and avoid generalizations.
- Use academic language and grammatically correct sentences.
Post this to the site using category “blog” and tag “Hayles” and “Virtuality” before class time on Thursday.