There is no such thing as a ‘natural’ or ‘normal’ body. Human bodies are extremely variable. They have always been modified, adapted and enhanced by different materials and processes.
Despite this continual transformation, there is a persistent idea of a normal or able body. Certain technologies perpetuate these ideals. A prosthetic arm, pacemaker or spectacles can be added to the body to enable it to do something that we expect it to be able to do.
Other extensions enhance the body’s capacity beyond its taken-for-granted functions. They can increase the status of the wearer or open the possibility of new kinds of relationships.
Technologies intended to augment or enhance the body often extend the body beyond its corporeal boundaries. They do not make the body ‘whole’, but add to it endlessly.
