idk it kinda looks cozy in there
This is about trans folks ain’t it
It’s about technological advancement and its augmentation of the human condition (think social media, phones, and the internet). There are people who resist these changes, often mislabelled as ‘luddites’ (the Luddites of the 19th century specifically opposed automation for its threat to jobs, but were reprehensive of all technology as a part of that).
This meme is just taking those who berate Luddites to their ultimate conclusion, which is a hive mind where all personal autonomy is lost, and it could be argued they cease to exist as a distinct individual. The flesh part of it is merely a means of making it more grotesque.
It’s 4chan. When it’s not transphobia, it’s racism.
I thought it was pretty obviously about the internet itself
Its the “what do you mean babies shouldn’t be integrated into the nexus from birth” and the “99.99% of individuals don’t regret integration” bits that make me suspicious. Also it being 4chan. It being about the internet also makes a lot of sense though and I hope that was the intent
Is there something behind this premise? I’m noticing it more and more lately, between Elden ring, ender lilies, assorted flesh and/or consciousness blobs in D&D, fullmetal alchemist, etc… Have there always been stories about horrific amalgamations of humanity pulled together in a state between malignant rage and maddening existential horror? Or is this a recent thought?
I believe it’s just a view of humanity eventually evolving towards a hive mind that’s a single consciousness.
It’s not really new. The concept exists in sci fi. First case seems to be in ‘The Human Termites’ in David H. Keller’s 1929 ‘Wonder Stories’ (according to Wikipedia). The specific idea of the flesh nexus is mostly just an evolution of that.
All things considered, that’s incredibly recent. It’s essentially modern folklore, and that’s absolutely fascinating to me. Thank you!
Basically exactly the plot to SOMA
When Day Breaks.
