>Biology sets limits (that can be modified by technology whereas >Jim
technology is *not* neutral. it IS political. it is already part of the
definition of dominant cultural practices under capitalism just as science
is. the idealist discourse of biology versus culture or whether biology
sets limits or not is itself embedded in hidden normative assumptions.
Recently, you can see this so called "liberating aspects of technology"
advocated by geneticists who say that fetus's gender can be determined
(intervened) before it is born. Besides the stupidity of the argument,
this sort of reasoning is "politically dangerous". It reinforces
patriarchal practices by allowing parents to opt for males rather than
for females, since in the dominant culture, it is still considered to be
a "pride" to have a son.
another example. some african americans go under surgery to make their
skin whiter. technology, again, reinforces racism by imposing "white
man's biological and racial superiority" on african americans. Change your
color! look cool! and become like a civilized man!
Mine Doyran
Phd Student
Political Science SUNY/Albany
