Ghosts in our Shells

We're all Ghosts in our Shells.
I realise that'll mean nothing to most of you. Ghost in the Shell is a Japanese thing, manga and anime. You might have heard about or seen the hack job of a live action version starring Scarlett Johannson 2 years ago.


My point is a philosophical one that underpins Ghost in the Shell - that we're souls (Ghosts) in our bodies (Shells). And in that sci-fi world it's about what that can mean in terms of artificial bodies. The manga and anime discuss some of what that means for human identity, what it is to exist without a flesh and blood body. But, surprisingly, gender is barely mentioned.
The premise of Ghost in the Shell would mean that TG people (who could afford it presumably) could instantly switch genders.
So, divorced from our Shells what makes us 'us'? Clearly TG people would say they have a ghost that's in the wrong shell.
I don't have conclusions. Only questions.
I reject the socialised gendering we all suffer. And I believe that we can transcend any biological barriers. Humanity has proven that time and again. So my soul, me, my ghost... I don't think that has a gender. And so when it comes to living a life, I go with my biological gender most of the time, and I like being a man, though mostly I don't think about it. Then there are the times when I want something different. Something that's labelled 'female'.
My ghost doesn't see why not. Why this should be an issue.
It's just a shame that our ghosts are poured into one of two types of body.
Erm, that's it.

I understand people feel they are in the wrong body or want to change the body in just a second.

For me, I don't feel like I'm in the wrong body. But since I'm a crossdresser, I'm sad I can't freely wear woman clothes without consequences.

I don't need to change my body, but I want the society change about that

The really big eyes in the anime characters just creeps me out I can't watch it.

Ghost in the Shell doesn't do the big eye thing.
I agree it's creepy.

I get the concept of the ghost in the shell tho'.

Deep Thoughts with Abbiedrake! I have some of the same feelings about soul versus body, and the only way so far to confirm our questions is to complete the journey. I have faith that we are more than just these shells or in some other sci-fi shows "sleeves". There are so many philosophical questions that arise from the theories or the concepts that we could somehow separate our "soul" or "consciousness" from our bodies, and put them elsewhere. I do tend to agree with the idea that our soul has no gender and that we move onto something completely different once our bodies give out.

My personal opinion is that what transcends all of this is Love and that Love is an attribute that comes from the "ghost" as you call it. If you strip away at all of the social, psychological and even philosophical stuff we deal with and our society throws at us, the only common thing left is Love.

As for gender and the soul, I do have to acknowledge however this desire and need to express my femininity is something that has great depth and meaning for me. One could almost describe the feelings as being that when I am expressing myself as female, as right with my soul........ This kind of discussion does tend to bring up more questions than answers but I refer you back to my very first statement, I truly believe that we all will get the answers to these questions and more, once the journey ends.

An Altered Carbon refenece. Cool. I love that book and for once the TV version wasn't too shonky.

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Also check out the first new Black Mirror episode on Netflix 'Striking Vipers'.
It's an examination of our identity outside our 'shells', including fluidity of gender and sexuality in virtual reality.
I know it's a cliche to say Black Mirror is 10 mins into the future but this episode really is.

I believe the term for what ghost in the shell deals with is "post humanism".

I've often thought what it might be like to freely upload and download my consciousness from one body to another. To be able to dive into an online space and inhabit a female Avatar. Or to be able to dive into an Avatar and freely customize it. Man how I'd love that world.

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Originally Posted by abbiedrake

We're all Ghosts in our Shells.
I realise that'll mean nothing to most of you. Ghost in the Shell is a Japanese thing, manga and anime. You might have heard about or seen the hack job of a live action version starring Scarlett Johannson 2 years ago.
. . .

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I've been a fan of the Ghost in Shell ever since the first time I saw it on Adult Swim.. Sure wish they'd produce more. Sigh..

With regard to the Live action movie. I enjoyed it. I was especially pleased they chose to focus on the Major's backstory and explain how she came to be instead of going off in a completely different direction, or doing some alternate version like the remake of Ghostbusters.

By sticking with the same group of characters and ethos, they have an opportunity to expand on it and make more movies without alienating their fan base.

To keep this post on topic, I too agree with your thoughts that my Ghost/Soul is in the wrong body.

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Originally Posted by Saikotsu

I believe the term for what ghost in the shell deals with is "post humanism".

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Quite so. And I think many of would revel in the freedom to actually embody a chosen gender, rather than attempting a passable presentation.

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[QUOTE=Chloe St Clair;4367979]I've been a fan of the Ghost in Shell ever since the first time I saw it on Adult Swim.. Sure wish they'd produce more. Sigh..

With regard to the Live action movie. I enjoyed it. I was especially pleased they chose to focus on the Major's backstory and explain how she came to be instead of going off in a completely different direction, or doing some alternate version like the remake of Ghostbusters.... /QUOTE]

Good news. Netflix are doing a 3rd series of Stand Alone Complex next year, called Stand Alone Complex 2045. If you haven't seen GitS:SAC you should. GitS: Arise is ok but not as good as SAC.
As for the live action movie... There was no philosophy just aping the visual beats of the anime.
I'm hoping 2045 will include some gender exploration...

Not all of us believe in ghosts, Abbie. Or, souls for that matter!:brolleyes:

However, when I want to switch genders? I simply slip on a "female shell". Mine is silicone and after I put it on, my "shell" is completely female from neck to ankles!:D
It goes on in 10 minutes, off in 3. Probably less than it takes to meditate about ghosts or shells!:heehee:

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Originally Posted by abbiedrake

Good news. Netflix are doing a 3rd series of Stand Alone Complex next year, called Stand Alone Complex 2045. If you haven't seen GitS:SAC you should. GitS: Arise is ok but not as good as SAC.
As for the live action movie... There was no philosophy just aping the visual beats of the anime.
I'm hoping 2045 will include some gender exploration...

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Outstanding News!

Now I'll have to rethink my decision to not get a Netflix account.

Hey Chloe They're also carrying the first two episodes of Ghost in the Shell: Arise, the prequel series. Just FYI.
Still the same themes of human identity though.