Assignment #8
Watch, reflect and discuss your takeaways from Lucy McRae and Neil Harbisson’s TED Talks as well as the Prototype: The Making Of film from Channel 4. Detail your reflection on each of the videos by referring to the following questions:
- What was the purpose of watching these TED talks?
- What did you learn from each talk?
- What is your take on each of the talks?
Reflections:
The purpose of watching these TED talks was to expose us to the feats people have already been achieving in the realm of physical extensions. From swallowable perfume that changes your scent from the inside to previously SciFi-movie-only cyborg technology, these videos introduced us to the possibilities of physical extensions.
Lucy McRae – How Can Technology Transform The Human Body?
Lucy McRae’s major basis for creativity is the connection between the human body and technology. According to McRae, she wanted to explore the blurring between biology and technology. Through this TED Talk, I was reaffirmed that having a dream and putting work into it can actually come true. As simple as it sounds, it is difficult to know where the glass ceiling is and if you will ever reach it. Furthermore, I learned about how much of an impact technology can have on the human body, through form and shape, as well as the limitations that we perceive to be there. For example, one concept I never knew possible was the “electronic tattoo;” the tattoo was changeable through touch. However, nothing lives in a vacuum. I am interested to see the ramifications of such technology. Take the tattoo for example, how safe is it to actually use? How much testing has occurred for it to be available to the public if it ever would be?
Neil Harbisson – I Listen To Color
I have seen this TED Talk before, and I still have the same reaction to it; amazement followed by discomfort and skepticism. The amazement comes from the significant leap in technology that was achieved. The fact that one can translate one state of being, seeing color, into another, hearing sound, and then use human ingenuity to create art just fascinates me. Harbisson has a unique point of view in life that shapes his art. I admire that. However, I soon became skeptical when he began to encourage cyborg technology to alter human life. I find that the incorporation of cybernetic technology in humans violates our body’s natural state. I understand from a linear and “progress” based point of view that this is the next step, but what are the ramifications of such technology? How, as a species, will we change? Will it be for the better, perhaps towards some Utopian super world? From my tone, it’s obvious that I don’t think this is the case.
Channel 4 – Prototype: The Making Of
Not only did I find this to be inspirational but I found it to be technically interesting. My overall opinion of this story is, interestingly, in juxtaposition to my thoughts on “I listen to color.” Firstly, the aspect I found inspirational was that Modesta turned her “weakness” into a strength. She embraced it rather than shunned it, which allowed her the strength to push through and be on the path towards her aspirations. Secondly, the beautification of Modesta’s prosthetic legs also interested me. I find it interesting how a purely functional piece was transformed into something so elegant and expressive. Lastly, the reason why I am so in favor of this story is because of its message. It is not necessarily asking anyone to change who they are but to accept who they are and use that as a strength. This is the difference between my perception of “I listen to color” and ” Prototype: The Making Of.”
