Voluntary amputation article

[Angela Snow]

Hi Mo

No, I do not find this article offensive.  Quite the reverse actually, I
thought it was very interesting.

I can't help thinking that anyone who would voluntarily cut off any part of
their body must be slightly mad.  If other people with amputations think
that their amputated limbs are attractive, then I'm happy for you.
Personally I don't find them attractive, and would much rather have a
complete body.  Clearly that's not an option, so I just have to get used to
what I've got now.

I think the author's argument that if you create a diagnosis, then more
cases will be identified, is very true.  For example, you only have to do a
little research to see the appalling damage done (to women in particular) by
the widespread "diagnosis" of hysteria, following Freud's  work.  I think
what he is saying is that creating a diagnosis is likely to legitimise
surgery to remove perfectly sound limbs.  Frankly, given the problems with
funding health care, the money would be better spent elsewhere.

In response to your post, some people have identified themselves as
perverts.  Perverts are not welcome on this list (and I don't care how long
you have been members), so whoever you are, you should try behaving like
civilised humans and remove yourselves without further comment.

cheersAngela Snow, Melbourne, Australia.
dbk, lbe, partial right hand
pneumococcal septicaemia 1995


----- Original Message -----
From: "Maureen" <cloudburst at prodigy.net>
To: "Amputee Information Network" <amp-l at u.washington.edu>
Sent: Monday, April 09, 2001 11:10 PM
Subject: Voluntary amputation article


> I would like to know if anyone finds this article as utterly offensive as
I
> do.
>
> http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/2000/12/elliott.htm
>