"Sad Girl Mannikins": Techno-Orientalism and the Asian Female Cyborg in Contemporary North American Science Fiction

Abstract

[Abstract] This Master’s Thesis explores the figure of the cyborg in contemporary North American science fiction through the critical lens of techno-Orientalism. Focusing on four texts—Larisa Lai’s “Rachel” (2004), Paolo Bacigalupi’s The Windup Girl (2009), Ken Liu’s “Good Hunting” (2012) and “The Regular” (2014)—, this study analyzes intersections of race, gender, and posthuman identity. Additionally, it traces a narrative and discursive history of the cyborg demonstrating how this hybrid figure reflects and interrogates the sociocultural conditions in which it is conceived. The theoretical framework draws on techno-Orientalist criticism, particularly the works of Betsy Huang, Stephen Hong Sohn, David S. Roh, Lisa Nakamura, and Toshiya Ueno. It is further informed by feminist and posthumanist theory, particularly the works of Donna Haraway and Rosi Braidotti. This MA thesis is organized in three sections: a general exploration of the relationship between science fiction, race, and alternative futurisms; a theoretical overview and historical timeline of the cyborg; and four close reading analyses of the selected texts, all of which center the Asian female cyborg. Finally, this dissertation argues that these transformative texts reveal and challenge the persistence of techno-Orientalism within dominant sf. By doing so, they acknowledge its legacy while simultaneously resisting and overcoming stereotypes, contributing to the construction of more inclusive imaginary futures.