English 1101
Dr. Chuck Tryon
Paper 2: Identity and Digital Reproduction

Context: During the second unit in English 1101, we will be discussing the changes in concepts and images of identity "after" the development and popularization of cyberspace. In order to address these issues, we will look at a variety of cultural texts, including essays by Sherry Turkle, Julian Dibble, and Claudia Springer, as well as films such as Strange Days and Terminator 2 or Blade Runner. We will most certainly observe that definitions of self, gender, ethnicity, and family (among other categories) become confused.

Assignment: Your assignment will be to produce a 1200-1500 word (4-5 page) essay on a film, television show, novel, graphic novel, or other cultural text that engages with the problem of "identity," in relationship to technology. You may focus specifically on relationships between identity and cyberspace/artificial realities (Strange Days, The Matrix, eXistenZ, The Thirteenth Floor, Neuromancer, Johnny Mnemonic, Virtuousity, The Truman Show, Dark City) or you might consider texts that deal with other scientific issues such as cloning or genetic engineering (Gattaca, Species, Multiplicity, Junior, Blade Runner, Terminator, T2, Alien(s)).

Once you have selected a text, you should identify one of the "problems" that the text addresses. In this context, it is important to remember that each of these texts addresses multiple problems. For example, Terminator 2 deals with definitions of what it means to be human (is the cyborg a human?) but also addresses definitions of family (is the cyborg, regardless of "its" status as machine, a good father? By extension, what is a "good" father?). After you have identified the problem, determine what stance the text takes on the problem and then take your own position in relationship to the text. In other words, you will operate under the assumption that Terminator 2, whether consciously or unconsciously, articulates an argument or thesis about family. You will then decide whether or not you agree with that thesis.

In order to support your point, you should use vivid examples from the text that you are describing. If you work with film, it would be important to use both visual and verbal examples to support your point. You might, for example, use the scene in T2, in which Sarah describes the Terminator in terms that we often associate with fatherhood. You might also talk about John's behavior before he meets the Terminator. However, as you watch the film, you might ask one of several questions. Why is it necessary that John have a father? What is the film saying about fathers (or single mothers) through its characterization of John? In this sense, you can begin to see that popular culture texts always have a "politics," even if it is not articulated consciously, as a "platform." It will then be your goal to identify the politics of a given text and articulate your relationship to it.

Suggestions: Generally, I would suggest that you focus on texts that you feel comfortable criticizing. If Terminator is your favorite film, it might be difficult to look at it with a critical eye. You should also watch films and TV shows, or read books and comics, with an eye toward issues that you are concerned about. If, for example, you are concerned about gender representation, then focus on how male/female relationships are portrayed. Do any of the films that you've encountered reinforce "normative" gender practices? You might also ask, for example, whether a film like Strange Days reinforces racial stereotypes or challenges them. I would suggest trying to avoid some clichéd arguments, such as whether or not cloning or genetic engineering is ethical. Often, these arguments tend to follow stereotypical logic, and they frequently rely on positions of faith or belief (which, however valuable to you as a belief system, are not arguable-that's why it's called faith). Instead, try reading the texts "against the grain." Look for a subtext or assumption that the producers of the text had. As always, if you have any questions, ASK!

Requirements: This paper should fulfill the expectations laid out in the Form and Content Guidelines given out at the beginning of the semester. It should be 1200-1500 words. All students are required to participate in the peer response workshop, and drafts are due at the beginning of class on the date due. I will also require that students submit a one-page abstract of their paper for a workshop activity.