Voluntary amputation article

[Maureen]

Dear Angela,

> I can't help thinking that anyone who would voluntarily cut off any part
of
> their body must be slightly mad.

Does that include people who undergo elective plastic surgery?

>If other people with amputations think
> that their amputated limbs are attractive, then I'm happy for you.

Thanks.

> Personally I don't find them attractive, and would much rather have a
> complete body.

That's where we differ, Angela.  I think our bodies are perfectly complete,
but
the stigma attached to impairment leads people to feel otherwise.  IMO,
there's nothing inherently ugly about an amputated limb or, for that matter,
a body that shakes with cerebral palsy or is stiff with paralysis.

> 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.

That's an interesting point.  However, there's also no way to assess all the
people who have injured themselves trying to amputate their limbs in what is
made to look like an accident or have committed suicide or otherwise damaged
themselves because they feel so much shame about their desire.  Further, I
think it's important to consider that homosexuality was considered a
legitimate psychiatric disorder, subject to a variety of inhumane
treatments, until recently.

>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.

And I would rather a person have access to surgical technology than lie down
on a train track to sever his or her limbs.
>
> In response to your post, some people have identified themselves as
> perverts.

In my opinion, the only perverts are people who force sexual contact upon
others, physically or through coercion.

Take care,
Mo