Through the eyes of the machine: rethinking humanity, language, and the societal status quo in The Murderbot Diaries

Engaging with social change and progress within public discourse often encounters resistance due to entrenched beliefs and ideological divides. Literature, particularly science fiction, provides a unique platform for contemplating societal transformation through the exploration of imaginary worlds and scenarios detached from the contemporary status quo. This article is centred around the philosophical potential of science fiction and the role of technology as a powerful metaphor for change and difference, focusing on Martha Wells’ series The Murderbot Diaries. The article delves into the role of Murderbot, a cyborg embodying an outsider perspective on human behaviour, as a metaphorical device for a deep questioning of the status quo. The article claims that through a queer reading, Murderbot’s familiarity with human social constructs, biases, and norms, juxtaposed with its status as an “outsider,” makes it a potent tool for societal critique. By analysing the portrayal of Murderbot’s queerness through the lens of queer theory and gender studies, this study examines its profound implications for understanding social norms. Additionally, the article explores how the portrayal of queer identity in The Murderbot Diaries strengthens the character's individuality and agency, thereby humanising it and questioning the very concept of humanity. The article aims to show that Murderbot’s queerness not only challenges conventional notions of binary gender and heteronormativity but also offers a critical perspective on the social processes at the source of these concepts. Furthermore, it posits queerness as an empowering alternative to conforming to the status quo. Through this analysis, the article contributes to a nuanced understanding of social change and identity within the context of speculative fiction, inviting a reconsideration of established paradigms and embracing diversity.