Ghost in the Shell

Ghost in the Shell

Ghost in the Shell seems to provide an accurate example of Haraway’s theory of the non-

gendered being. Haraway believes humans are given roles based on their gender. She claims

characteristics are given based on gender identify what makes the person male or female.

Haraway claims based on society’s view of women are in the form of a cyborg. Certain forms of

technology are specifically catered to males and females.  If people were not associated with

characteristics based on gender, then their thought process would most likely be different from

the norm.  The natural differences between male and female are in mostly in the body and

reproduction.

  In Ghost in the Shell the main character is Kusunagi a cyborg with a human body and an

an independent thought process. The body itself is a female shell, while the brain in the body is

unknown.  Kusunagi displays dominant feminine and masculine traits throughout the film.

Wearing female clothing and is treated like a female by its peers. Chief Aramaki refers to

Kunsagani’s behavior as mood swings. Batou tends to look after Kunsanagi’s well being a lot

more even though Togosa is the weaker member of the group.  Kunsanagi is more aggressive

than its male co-workers, when chasing down criminals. A trait that is not feminine because

society deems females to be more passive. Kusanagi questions life and existence trying to find

answers to decipher, what actually makes it a human. The only answer Kunsanagi can come up

with is how the shell itself treated.

Kunsanagi interprets issues more logically without emotion, looking for the most

effective way to complete tasks, instead of by preference and comfort. Even though Kunsanagi

solves issues with logical thinking, the shell refuses to acknowledge methods based off of

comfort and preference. An example of this is when Kunsanagi tells, Togosa to use a certain type

of gun, when pursuing the garbage men. It still understands the point of view of preference and

comfort.  Kunsanagi breaks down existence physically and mentally, but struggles to find

identity within itself. 

The female shell appeals more to Kunsagani, because it relies more on speed and agility. 

Kunsanagi has no regard for shame, because the shell walks around naked. The shell is given a

cloaking device which allows the body to disappear when nude.  The male characters possess the

same cloaking technology, but can disappear with their clothes on.  The irony of Kunsanagi’s

cloaking technology is, the shell disappears while nude. The female body is used as a tool that is

meant to be seen. Kunsanagi’s body transforms into a much larger and muscular body showing a

physical masculine quality temporarily, when trying to tear apart the tank.  

2501 is also an unknown being in regards to sex. It claims humans have the option to die,

and what makes a person human are their memories. 2501 participates in a sexual activity with

Kunsanagi. Then, 2501 dies during the process or is released into the system. Kunsanagi carries

the offspring, and is given a new shell in the form of a young girl. The female shell serves the

functions of the female, while the mind still maintain unemotional logical thought process.