Posthuman Blues

Musings for airports (with apologies to Brian Eno)

Contrary to popular belief, "cyberspace" isn't what you see on your computer screen. It's an abstract realm, impossible to observe directly: the "space" between two individuals (human or machine) gabbing on a network. In the nuts-and-bolts world of meatspace, airports (and, for that matter, airplanes themselves) fulfill the role of cyberspace; they're liminal shortcuts, precision-engineered "cheats" in the fabric of waking existence with the ability (on a map, at least) to whisk you back in time or, as if by miracle, to the moment of your departure.

That's why I like airports. In an airport, alienation is not only tolerated -- it's actively encouraged.