How can we be sure?

Reflection on Chapter 8: Debate Over a Robot

            Per our last class meeting and the discussion on how someone cannot give 110% of the time if they are humans, I would like to disagree. As this is a reflection post, I am going to make a big statement, with an accusation and beginning sentences like “I think” and “I feel”. 

I feel like maybe we as a society are closer to a future with robots than we might assume. Yes, there is Siri, Google Home, and Alexa; but how we explain three-time Oscar winning actress Meryl Streep? Believe me, I know how it sounds, but just like Baley debating R. Daneel’s prowess and humanity, let’s look at the facts.

How is Meryl Streep so good at doing accents? Just like Daneel is built with a strong circuit embedded with an affection for justice, maybe Mamma Mia’s star was similarly built with a strong background in foreign accents, musical talent, anddance. How do we explain her ability to go from acting as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in Oscar winning film The Iron Ladyand somehow also finding breadth of ability to embody one of the main leads in cult classic Death Becomes Heropposite Bruce Willis and Goldie Hawn? Remember when Meryl Streep played a rabbi in full costume in Angels in Americain 2004? How about her rendition of Julia Child in Julie & Julia? How can we be so sure that robots are not among us with such a talented and fabulous actress truly giving us 110% of herself? Has Meryl Streep truly ever taken a bad photo?

Let’s look closer at the stats. With an honorary degree from Harvard University, 389 nominations (21 being Academy Awards, 23 being Golden Globes), and 156 wins. The numbers speak for themselves, but I’ll let you decide.

R. Meryl Streep attending the Golden Globes in 2017

(https://media.vanityfair.com/photos/586ea92c89153df71a074cad/master/pass/t-Meryl-Streep-First-Golden-Globes-Dress.jpg)