{"id":203,"date":"2012-09-10T18:54:53","date_gmt":"2012-09-10T22:54:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.briancroxall.net\/lit-tech\/?p=203"},"modified":"2012-09-10T18:54:53","modified_gmt":"2012-09-10T22:54:53","slug":"self-destruction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.briancroxall.net\/lit-tech\/2012\/09\/10\/self-destruction\/","title":{"rendered":"Self-destruction"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this day in age, technological advancements are steadily on the rise. We have already landed on Mars, cloned animals, and created machines that are arguably smarter than humans, along with many other major scientific feats. The possibilities of what our society will be capable of achieving in the future seem endless. However, Gibson\u2019s novel suggests that these endless possibilities may hurt us in the long run. Case\u2019s world in Neuromancer<\/em> could be seen as an example of what our society could look like if we continue on this path of technological discovery. In this portion of the reading, we witness the self-destruction of two characters who have built their empires based on technological manipulation. I think that through these characters, Gibson is trying to send a message that this path could eventually lead to the self-destruction of our society.<\/p>\n

The first character to self-destruct is Ashpool. He is the founder of Tessier-Ashpool, a wealthy business responsible for building the space station, Freeside. Through his involvement in the company, it is clear that Ashpool is a technological genius and has made noteworthy achievements. However, our only encounter with Ashpool occurs while he is in the middle of committing suicide. Prior to this encounter, I imagined Tessier Ashpool to be a highly regarded, accomplished company. Gibson tarnishes this image when we meet Ashpool as Gibson seems to portray Ashpool as weak and pathetic.<\/p>\n

Similarly, the mastermind, Armitage, completely self-destructs before his death. Since the beginning of the novel, Armitage has been orchestrating elaborate crimes through cyberspace and manipulating people into doing his dirty work. However, Armitage has a psychological breakdown as his entire persona begins to unravel. It was shocking to see such a seemingly in control, powerful person transform into a vulnerable and unstable character.<\/p>\n

Why does Gibson choose to destroy the image of such influential and dominant characters in the technological world? These characters were consumed with science and technology but still seemed to be completely in control. However, their inner workings eventually unravel and they can no longer maintain their lifestyles. I think Gibson is drawing a parallel to the real world. For now, all seems to be under control, as new technology is developed everyday However, if we are not careful, technology could infiltrate all aspects of our lives and destroy our society.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In this day in age, technological advancements are steadily on the rise. We have already landed on Mars, cloned animals, and created machines that are arguably smarter than humans, along with many other major scientific feats. The possibilities of what our society will be capable of achieving in the future seem endless. However, Gibson\u2019s novel<\/p>\n