Unraveling Posthuman Identity in Blade Runner 2049: Anthropocentric Views and Empathetic Interplay

Author(s) : Anila Afzal

Abstract:

The rapid pace of development and integration of cybernetics and biotechnology into human life renders anthropocentric attempts increasingly absurd. By decentering the human as 'the subject', the cyberpunk genre, with its frequent employment of virtual reality, cybernetics, and artificial intelligence, engages in the construction of a fluid posthuman identity. The current study aims to investigate how Blade Runner 2049 handles the development of posthuman identity. In order to achieve this goal, the data have been analysed qualitatively through textual analysis using insights from Haraway's posthuman theory. The findings indicate that by rejecting the strict anthropocentric distinctions between human and nonhuman/replicant through the exploration of biological, psychological, and spiritual factors, the movie is at ease promoting a posthuman identity. Furthermore, it cautions against human experimentation with biotechnology that could result in the annihilation of humans by their own inventions.