The Post is Female

Abstract

This paper examines the long-standing post-apocalyptic tradition of male posthuman representation throughout the timeline of the apocalyptic genre, from the time of the medieval knight up to the age of the modern superhero. As this paper argues, the gender dynamics in most posthuman
fictions traditionally emphasizes male ability and female inability. Despite this, there is emerging contemporary young adult literature that is giving voice to the self-actualized—instead of the sexually awakened—female posthuman. In doing so, this young adult series explores the importance of representing the genders equally in terms of their ability to prevent apocalypse and fight to save their world.