When I posted his amputation photos last month, it raised quite a lot of conversation, so I’ve followed that up with an interview — click through to read that now and come back here to comment!
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Comments
472 responses to “Amputation Interview Posted”
moddoctor – It doesn’t make him any more of a burden to society than someone who, say, requires state-sponsored psychiatric treatment for depression. He’s had a couple of short visits for clean-up surgery; that’s far less of a toll on the system than someone who goes in for counseling every week or two because they have trouble dealing with their lives.
He’s also said (and I believe him) that he wants to be an ACTIVE amputee and that doing stuff is part of the fun. So I don’t think it’s at all fair to label him as a “burden”.
moddoctor – It doesn’t make him any more of a burden to society than someone who, say, requires state-sponsored psychiatric treatment for depression. He’s had a couple of short visits for clean-up surgery; that’s far less of a toll on the system than someone who goes in for counseling every week or two because they have trouble dealing with their lives.
He’s also said (and I believe him) that he wants to be an ACTIVE amputee and that doing stuff is part of the fun. So I don’t think it’s at all fair to label him as a “burden”.
Great interview, thanks both to Shannon and the interviewee.
It’s reasonably clear that he’s not some desperately tortured soul, although I would have liked the question asked (‘Are you a chronic depressive? No really, are you an emotional wreck half the time?’), just bringing an explicit answer to the doubters.
The issue of duplicity raised by Tinks is a real moral question; perhaps he shouldn’t be putting his wife through the pain. However, perhaps he’s causing less heartache (and maintaining a happy relationship) by keeping quiet; we don’t know the full story. Anyway, I believe that some ‘normal’ middle-aged men keep secrets from their wives… If I may venture a suggestion, I suspect that many people ‘feel’ something is wrong with this but know it’s not the amputation per se.
But what does ‘wrong’ mean?
Overall, amputation for many people seems one of those cases where it is important to observe the distiction between that which is ‘disgusting’ and that which is immoral. Those who consider themselves liberal cannot condemn victimless actions. However, people automatically react negatively on a visceral level to things that seriously contradict their own world-view, and shouldn’t feel bad about it (coprophillia anyone?).
When we grow up, associations about the world develop in our minds that stay with us forever. Some grow up one way, some another, but most in any culture grow up roughly the same. This affects everything from sexuality to food (and is not in any way ‘hardwired’, incidentally). I personally have a passionate dislike of Hawaiian pizza (cooked fruit is wrong), and heinz baked beans (sweet legumes are also just wrong). While they may seem trivial, these associations grow out of the same symbolic complex that defines my gender, spirituality, attitude to various forms of danger, and so on. This psychological process is very different from the philosophical question of morality.
All of the people who look at voluntary amputations, don’t like them, and complain about health service resorces, sanitary conditions, aesthetics, letting the side down in front of the ‘straight community’, or suggest that the guy is mentally ill need to give themselves a break. Either you are authoritarians (unlikely on Modblog), or you just think this is disgusting, and that’s OK because we all identify some perfectly acceptable things or concepts that are disgusting to us.
To paraphrase Voltaire, ‘I do not agree with your self-amptation/shit-eating/gay-sex/pink-suit/pineapple-pizza/etc. but I will defend to the death your right to chop/eat/shag/wear/cook it’.
Good luck to the guy, I say.
Great interview, thanks both to Shannon and the interviewee.
It’s reasonably clear that he’s not some desperately tortured soul, although I would have liked the question asked (‘Are you a chronic depressive? No really, are you an emotional wreck half the time?’), just bringing an explicit answer to the doubters.
The issue of duplicity raised by Tinks is a real moral question; perhaps he shouldn’t be putting his wife through the pain. However, perhaps he’s causing less heartache (and maintaining a happy relationship) by keeping quiet; we don’t know the full story. Anyway, I believe that some ‘normal’ middle-aged men keep secrets from their wives… If I may venture a suggestion, I suspect that many people ‘feel’ something is wrong with this but know it’s not the amputation per se.
But what does ‘wrong’ mean?
Overall, amputation for many people seems one of those cases where it is important to observe the distiction between that which is ‘disgusting’ and that which is immoral. Those who consider themselves liberal cannot condemn victimless actions. However, people automatically react negatively on a visceral level to things that seriously contradict their own world-view, and shouldn’t feel bad about it (coprophillia anyone?).
When we grow up, associations about the world develop in our minds that stay with us forever. Some grow up one way, some another, but most in any culture grow up roughly the same. This affects everything from sexuality to food (and is not in any way ‘hardwired’, incidentally). I personally have a passionate dislike of Hawaiian pizza (cooked fruit is wrong), and heinz baked beans (sweet legumes are also just wrong). While they may seem trivial, these associations grow out of the same symbolic complex that defines my gender, spirituality, attitude to various forms of danger, and so on. This psychological process is very different from the philosophical question of morality.
All of the people who look at voluntary amputations, don’t like them, and complain about health service resorces, sanitary conditions, aesthetics, letting the side down in front of the ‘straight community’, or suggest that the guy is mentally ill need to give themselves a break. Either you are authoritarians (unlikely on Modblog), or you just think this is disgusting, and that’s OK because we all identify some perfectly acceptable things or concepts that are disgusting to us.
To paraphrase Voltaire, ‘I do not agree with your self-amptation/shit-eating/gay-sex/pink-suit/pineapple-pizza/etc. but I will defend to the death your right to chop/eat/shag/wear/cook it’.
Good luck to the guy, I say.
I’ve been a BME reader for years. Shannon knows, I was there at the beginning. I’m sitting here, reading this interview and eating lunch. And I’m not the least bit queasy. I’m used to these sorts of things now. Thanks, Shannon.
I’ve been a BME reader for years. Shannon knows, I was there at the beginning. I’m sitting here, reading this interview and eating lunch. And I’m not the least bit queasy. I’m used to these sorts of things now. Thanks, Shannon.
Shannon,
There are significant distinctions between the activity level that a BKA and AKA can maintain. I’m quite serious at these being major distinguishing points on their own.
Further, there’s not a level of clarity from the interview of how once he achieves these goals he intends to function. Does he plan to obtain a prosthetic leg? Who is paying for that?
As a doctor, I live much of my life in the space where resource decisions are made. Amputees generally come to the front of the line for certain orthopedic support services that other injuries might not get priority for since walking is considered to be a significant life advantage.
This guy is absolutely within his rights to amputate his own leg, as far as I am concerned but I want to know how he will mitigate the impact on those around him, from immediate family to all of society.
Shannon,
There are significant distinctions between the activity level that a BKA and AKA can maintain. I’m quite serious at these being major distinguishing points on their own.
Further, there’s not a level of clarity from the interview of how once he achieves these goals he intends to function. Does he plan to obtain a prosthetic leg? Who is paying for that?
As a doctor, I live much of my life in the space where resource decisions are made. Amputees generally come to the front of the line for certain orthopedic support services that other injuries might not get priority for since walking is considered to be a significant life advantage.
This guy is absolutely within his rights to amputate his own leg, as far as I am concerned but I want to know how he will mitigate the impact on those around him, from immediate family to all of society.
amputation. at least its not crack…
FlamingFist
this way is better ha! “crack. at least is not amputation…. ” and the crack high is delicious !!!! i bet is much better then the high that he fells with his amputations.
amputation. at least its not crack…
FlamingFist
this way is better ha! “crack. at least is not amputation…. ” and the crack high is delicious !!!! i bet is much better then the high that he fells with his amputations.
It’s wrong for him to be dishonest about this with his wife. They’re an intimate partnership; she has a right to know. And if he’s practicing deception with his wife, I strongly suspect there’s an element of self-deception in his mind as well regarding his reasons for doing this.
It’s wrong for him to be dishonest about this with his wife. They’re an intimate partnership; she has a right to know. And if he’s practicing deception with his wife, I strongly suspect there’s an element of self-deception in his mind as well regarding his reasons for doing this.
Itai, I’ve got a sixth toe. Actually, I’ve got two of them – Twelve in total. At one point I even had eleven fingers.
Digit amputations were what initially drew me to BME. Pure curiosity about people who turned “normal” feet and fingers abnormal when I spent a good part of my early life coveting the normals. The other part trying to keep pesky doctors knives away from them!
(By the way, if anyone out there is a shoemaker. Please, take pity – it would be so nice to have pretty, girly shoes that come close to fitting!)
Itai, I’ve got a sixth toe. Actually, I’ve got two of them – Twelve in total. At one point I even had eleven fingers.
Digit amputations were what initially drew me to BME. Pure curiosity about people who turned “normal” feet and fingers abnormal when I spent a good part of my early life coveting the normals. The other part trying to keep pesky doctors knives away from them!
(By the way, if anyone out there is a shoemaker. Please, take pity – it would be so nice to have pretty, girly shoes that come close to fitting!)
This unfortunatly is something I really struggle with.
I’ve always maintained that a distinguishing line between “modification” and “mutilation” is the fact that your mods do NOT impede your ability to funtion as a human being.
I can understand at a base level why someone would be interested in amputation. you could say it’s really not much different from the fact that mods of a permanent nature are extremelly attractive to me. (very large stretched piercings, cartilage removal etc.) but for some reason i am finding it hard to hold the same attittude towards this.
In my opinion it just seems that the negatives outweigh the rewards. Obviously this person understands the pro and cons, and feels differently then I do, because he continues to do this…
but i can’t get over how… random it all seems. It comes across as a very unplanned and random series of procedures. I realize he has an end goal of a AKA.. but you would just think that a person would put more thought into something so important and durastic? I guess if the leg is going to be gone eventually, it won’t really matter.
I don’t know.. I’m just blabbering.
in the end: personally i just couldnt justify doing something to my body that would hinder my functionality is such a major way.
This unfortunatly is something I really struggle with.
I’ve always maintained that a distinguishing line between “modification” and “mutilation” is the fact that your mods do NOT impede your ability to funtion as a human being.
I can understand at a base level why someone would be interested in amputation. you could say it’s really not much different from the fact that mods of a permanent nature are extremelly attractive to me. (very large stretched piercings, cartilage removal etc.) but for some reason i am finding it hard to hold the same attittude towards this.
In my opinion it just seems that the negatives outweigh the rewards. Obviously this person understands the pro and cons, and feels differently then I do, because he continues to do this…
but i can’t get over how… random it all seems. It comes across as a very unplanned and random series of procedures. I realize he has an end goal of a AKA.. but you would just think that a person would put more thought into something so important and durastic? I guess if the leg is going to be gone eventually, it won’t really matter.
I don’t know.. I’m just blabbering.
in the end: personally i just couldnt justify doing something to my body that would hinder my functionality is such a major way.
If someone grew a third arm? Hells yeah that’d be seriously weird. More like miraculous.
It’d be weird enough everyone would research it to find out how to let all of us grow spare parts, I’m certain! It’s the holy grail of a lot of medicine now.
If someone grew a third arm? Hells yeah that’d be seriously weird. More like miraculous.
It’d be weird enough everyone would research it to find out how to let all of us grow spare parts, I’m certain! It’s the holy grail of a lot of medicine now.
my only issue with this, is, as others have said, that he’s lying to his wife about it. that, imo, is far more “wrong” than the amputations themselves. i can’t help but assume they don’t have a very good relationship. because either a) she’s not worried about him or b) she is and he doesn’t give a damn that he’s putting her through all the grief of worrying herself sick over her constantly injured husband.
my only issue with this, is, as others have said, that he’s lying to his wife about it. that, imo, is far more “wrong” than the amputations themselves. i can’t help but assume they don’t have a very good relationship. because either a) she’s not worried about him or b) she is and he doesn’t give a damn that he’s putting her through all the grief of worrying herself sick over her constantly injured husband.
I never really know how to respond when I see things like this. I know it is something that a grow adult of sound mind and body wants to do, just like those of us who want to pierce, tattoo, and scar our bodies..
But, sometimes I think people do go a bit far. I know I am not the person to say to someone else thats not right, because they are not doing it to me, or anyone else. They are doing it to themselves, and harming no one else. I have actually always been a bit scared of those who are amputees let alone one who are amputees by there own hands…
I have NEVER wanted to remove a part of my body…
Until I started my menses. I have Endometriosis, and am starting to show signs of being allergic, to the birth control I am on to control my Endo. Without the birth control, I will menstruate, the Endo will grow, and I will be in so much pain I will be unable to move. Since I started mine, I have wanted my ovaries and uterus removed.
I know that some will see me then as less of a women because of this, but to me it is what has to be done for me to be able to survive and be me. I guess is some ways that is the way people who choose to be amputees feel as well.
I never really know how to respond when I see things like this. I know it is something that a grow adult of sound mind and body wants to do, just like those of us who want to pierce, tattoo, and scar our bodies..
But, sometimes I think people do go a bit far. I know I am not the person to say to someone else thats not right, because they are not doing it to me, or anyone else. They are doing it to themselves, and harming no one else. I have actually always been a bit scared of those who are amputees let alone one who are amputees by there own hands…
I have NEVER wanted to remove a part of my body…
Until I started my menses. I have Endometriosis, and am starting to show signs of being allergic, to the birth control I am on to control my Endo. Without the birth control, I will menstruate, the Endo will grow, and I will be in so much pain I will be unable to move. Since I started mine, I have wanted my ovaries and uterus removed.
I know that some will see me then as less of a women because of this, but to me it is what has to be done for me to be able to survive and be me. I guess is some ways that is the way people who choose to be amputees feel as well.
I really want to cut off the tip of my little finger now…
And I mean that.
I really want to cut off the tip of my little finger now…
And I mean that.
I really think the whole think is unbeliveably sick.
I really think the whole think is unbeliveably sick.
The response to extreme posts are always the same. It’s so predictable. We’ve got:
Poster type 1: “I like body modification, but THIS is just DISGUSTING and he OBVIOUSLY needs psychiatric help.” Can’t the fascists just go away and leave us in peace?
Poster type 2: “Check me out, I looked at all the pictures and never winced once. I’m a proper hardcore Modblog reader, me, I’m so jaded and unshockable.” What is that supposed to add to the discussion? Nobody is impressed.
The response to extreme posts are always the same. It’s so predictable. We’ve got:
Poster type 1: “I like body modification, but THIS is just DISGUSTING and he OBVIOUSLY needs psychiatric help.” Can’t the fascists just go away and leave us in peace?
Poster type 2: “Check me out, I looked at all the pictures and never winced once. I’m a proper hardcore Modblog reader, me, I’m so jaded and unshockable.” What is that supposed to add to the discussion? Nobody is impressed.
The only thing about it that I find odd is that it’s not symmetrical. If my feet weren’t symmetrical it would annoy me.
The only thing about it that I find odd is that it’s not symmetrical. If my feet weren’t symmetrical it would annoy me.
Dear #39, I really can’t think of changing my opinion just to please you.
If that’s enough to make me a fascist, well, tomorrow I’ll race through my towncenter with a swastika drawn on my ass with a sharpie.
That said, I won’t do anything to stop this guy from doing whatever he wants, but I still firmly believe that the whole thing is crap.
The difference between modification and amputation is the same that divides decorating a wooden box with dremel, tools and colors and smashing it with a 3-ton hammer.
Although they both employ cutting and poking holes and whatever, they have nothing else in common.
Dear #39, I really can’t think of changing my opinion just to please you.
If that’s enough to make me a fascist, well, tomorrow I’ll race through my towncenter with a swastika drawn on my ass with a sharpie.
That said, I won’t do anything to stop this guy from doing whatever he wants, but I still firmly believe that the whole thing is crap.
The difference between modification and amputation is the same that divides decorating a wooden box with dremel, tools and colors and smashing it with a 3-ton hammer.
Although they both employ cutting and poking holes and whatever, they have nothing else in common.
haha @39
i totally agree, but you missed one.
poster type 3: whatever floats your boat but I wouldn’t do it!!!!1one
haha @39
i totally agree, but you missed one.
poster type 3: whatever floats your boat but I wouldn’t do it!!!!1one
I don’t understand how anyone could condemn what someone does to their own body. It does not effect you in the lest, why worry about it? Epically on a body mod website, as I’m sure quite a few of us have had to deal with similar comments, I know I have.
And about him being a “burden on society” There are millions of amputated and “disabled” people who live very productive lives.
I don’t understand how anyone could condemn what someone does to their own body. It does not effect you in the lest, why worry about it? Epically on a body mod website, as I’m sure quite a few of us have had to deal with similar comments, I know I have.
And about him being a “burden on society” There are millions of amputated and “disabled” people who live very productive lives.
Thanks for the interview Shannon. I thought it was very interesting and I can understand more why someone would do that. Once again I feel like i should respond to a few things that were said.
Moddoctor said the following and it almost makes me wonder what kind of doctor he is cause he doesnt seem to know a lot about amputees or the issues we really face.
“Here’s my problem with the whole thing. Personal freedoms not withstanding, pursuing an above-the-knee amputation (AKA) makes this man into a burden to society.”
How exactly does having one leg make him a burden to society? Having been born without both legs does that make me even more of a burden? I know more people who are burdens to society and they are able bodied. Please if you make a comment like this back it up because this is total bs.
“Is he going to want a prosthesis so that he can walk? Will he be planning to take advantage of handicapped access? ”
So what if he gets a prosthetic. he is allowed to, its in his rights. Prosthetics get put on ebay, should we not allow able-bodied people buy them from there for the novelty? Why does it matter how they lost a limb if they are going to pay for a limb. Take advantage of handicapped access? are you kidding me? I’m sure you walk through automatic doors. Your abled bodied so why are you taking advantage of handicapped access. That is a rediculous arguement.
” This is a man who is electing to never be able to run with his kids, ever. He’s opting to place himself into a highly stigmatized group that suffers from many disadvantages throughout life.”
If i can run competitively in races with 2 AK prosthetics why wouldnt he be able to run using one with his kids? The only disadvantages I tend to go though are when people underestimate me, think i cant do things. Sure things are harder to do but i wouldnt really consider them disadvantages, just part of life. Everyone faces some sort of this in their lives. And the only reason we are a “highly stigmatized group” are because of people like you who dont think we can do anything and consider us a burden. I can guarentee that i can do anything you can do and maybe even better.
“AKA will make everything more difficult. He won’t be able to drive even with a prosthetic without a significantly modified automobile, for instance. Stairs are extremely difficult for AKA amputees.”
I drive with 2 prosthetics and my car isnt modified. I dont need hand controls. and with his left leg being gone, he wont even have to have the break and gas pedals moved over since you use your right foot for those things. Stairs aren’t extremely difficult. I have no problems with them, then again i have had my whole life to adjust. Friends of mine who have become amps laer in life say that it was hard at first but like anything, with a lot of work and adjustment it gets easier and they get better at it.
” Below-the-knee makes life more challenging, AKA is an order of magnitude further along the difficulty scale in terms of interacting with the non-amputated world.”
I find this comment the funniest. Most of my friends are able-bodied. I have no problems interacting with the non-amputated world, i dont know any amputees that do. That is th most rediculous thing i have ever heard.
I am suprised a “doctor” would say this stuff. The people who have had the biggest faith in me and my abillities have been my doctors and they have always encouraged me. Never said I would be stigmatized my whole life, not be able to run or walk or drive a car or interact with non-amputees. Just like last time. If there is anything people have questions about or want to talk about anything said here feel free to e-mail me at [email protected].
Thanks for the interview Shannon. I thought it was very interesting and I can understand more why someone would do that. Once again I feel like i should respond to a few things that were said.
Moddoctor said the following and it almost makes me wonder what kind of doctor he is cause he doesnt seem to know a lot about amputees or the issues we really face.
“Here’s my problem with the whole thing. Personal freedoms not withstanding, pursuing an above-the-knee amputation (AKA) makes this man into a burden to society.”
How exactly does having one leg make him a burden to society? Having been born without both legs does that make me even more of a burden? I know more people who are burdens to society and they are able bodied. Please if you make a comment like this back it up because this is total bs.
“Is he going to want a prosthesis so that he can walk? Will he be planning to take advantage of handicapped access? ”
So what if he gets a prosthetic. he is allowed to, its in his rights. Prosthetics get put on ebay, should we not allow able-bodied people buy them from there for the novelty? Why does it matter how they lost a limb if they are going to pay for a limb. Take advantage of handicapped access? are you kidding me? I’m sure you walk through automatic doors. Your abled bodied so why are you taking advantage of handicapped access. That is a rediculous arguement.
” This is a man who is electing to never be able to run with his kids, ever. He’s opting to place himself into a highly stigmatized group that suffers from many disadvantages throughout life.”
If i can run competitively in races with 2 AK prosthetics why wouldnt he be able to run using one with his kids? The only disadvantages I tend to go though are when people underestimate me, think i cant do things. Sure things are harder to do but i wouldnt really consider them disadvantages, just part of life. Everyone faces some sort of this in their lives. And the only reason we are a “highly stigmatized group” are because of people like you who dont think we can do anything and consider us a burden. I can guarentee that i can do anything you can do and maybe even better.
“AKA will make everything more difficult. He won’t be able to drive even with a prosthetic without a significantly modified automobile, for instance. Stairs are extremely difficult for AKA amputees.”
I drive with 2 prosthetics and my car isnt modified. I dont need hand controls. and with his left leg being gone, he wont even have to have the break and gas pedals moved over since you use your right foot for those things. Stairs aren’t extremely difficult. I have no problems with them, then again i have had my whole life to adjust. Friends of mine who have become amps laer in life say that it was hard at first but like anything, with a lot of work and adjustment it gets easier and they get better at it.
” Below-the-knee makes life more challenging, AKA is an order of magnitude further along the difficulty scale in terms of interacting with the non-amputated world.”
I find this comment the funniest. Most of my friends are able-bodied. I have no problems interacting with the non-amputated world, i dont know any amputees that do. That is th most rediculous thing i have ever heard.
I am suprised a “doctor” would say this stuff. The people who have had the biggest faith in me and my abillities have been my doctors and they have always encouraged me. Never said I would be stigmatized my whole life, not be able to run or walk or drive a car or interact with non-amputees. Just like last time. If there is anything people have questions about or want to talk about anything said here feel free to e-mail me at [email protected].
“The difference between modification and amputation is the same that divides decorating a wooden box with dremel, tools and colors and smashing it with a 3-ton hammer.”
this is exactly what i think. thank you for finding the words that i had been looking for all this time
“The difference between modification and amputation is the same that divides decorating a wooden box with dremel, tools and colors and smashing it with a 3-ton hammer.”
this is exactly what i think. thank you for finding the words that i had been looking for all this time
I can deal with certain aspects of self amputees. What I can not deal with is hiding things the way that he is. His poor wife has no idea what is going on, yet he says he doesn’t care if people know? He is selfish and sick to keep these kinds of things from his wife, something that has such a profound impact on her, yet he is so selfish that he apparently can’t see it. Additionally to use his health insurance in such a way, well I call that being a theif. Do you know one of the reasons your health insurance premiums go up, because of the cost of the plan. I have no respect for someone that would for their own kicks and jollies lie to their wife and basically steal healthcare.
I can deal with certain aspects of self amputees. What I can not deal with is hiding things the way that he is. His poor wife has no idea what is going on, yet he says he doesn’t care if people know? He is selfish and sick to keep these kinds of things from his wife, something that has such a profound impact on her, yet he is so selfish that he apparently can’t see it. Additionally to use his health insurance in such a way, well I call that being a theif. Do you know one of the reasons your health insurance premiums go up, because of the cost of the plan. I have no respect for someone that would for their own kicks and jollies lie to their wife and basically steal healthcare.
I’m glas his last amputation healed up well! I was wondering what it would look like after the healing bits were over with.
More power to you, if this is your gratification.
I’m glas his last amputation healed up well! I was wondering what it would look like after the healing bits were over with.
More power to you, if this is your gratification.
The only problem I have with this is the fact that his wife does not know. Other than that, more power to him. It’s his body and he should be allowed to do whatever he wants with it. People get plastic surgery all the time to make themselves ‘feel whole’, to make the outside look like the inside, yet people disagree with this. Why? Because it isn’t as mainstream as breast implants and liposuction?? Because he’s removing something instead of implanting something? Because it isn’t a piece of pretty ink or shiny metal? People should be allowed to modify their body in way they want. It should be our right and our right alone to do whatever we want to with our bodies.
As a sidenote: Does anyone watch Nip/Tuck? There was a rerun on the other night that dealt with a man in his 40′s who was seeking a leg amputation. No one would do it for him, though he offered ridiculous amounts of money. In the end, he opted for shooting himself in the thigh so that it could be removed due to damage. Wouldn’t it be so much easier if people could just get the procedure done instead of causing more damage to themselves?
The only problem I have with this is the fact that his wife does not know. Other than that, more power to him. It’s his body and he should be allowed to do whatever he wants with it. People get plastic surgery all the time to make themselves ‘feel whole’, to make the outside look like the inside, yet people disagree with this. Why? Because it isn’t as mainstream as breast implants and liposuction?? Because he’s removing something instead of implanting something? Because it isn’t a piece of pretty ink or shiny metal? People should be allowed to modify their body in way they want. It should be our right and our right alone to do whatever we want to with our bodies.
As a sidenote: Does anyone watch Nip/Tuck? There was a rerun on the other night that dealt with a man in his 40′s who was seeking a leg amputation. No one would do it for him, though he offered ridiculous amounts of money. In the end, he opted for shooting himself in the thigh so that it could be removed due to damage. Wouldn’t it be so much easier if people could just get the procedure done instead of causing more damage to themselves?
In response to Shannon, aside from the various views regarding the beauty or ugliness of amputations, I think people think amputation is weird because it inhibits the ability of the body to function normally in a way that piercings and tattoos generally do not: if you remove your leg, you must rely on some type of equipment to enable you to move around, whether it’s crutches, a wheelchair or a prosthesis. Even removing fingers or toes inhibits normal functioning.
This interview really just leaves the same questions unanswered. How is this man not going to be a burden on the medical system? Even if he pays medical insurance premiums, it’s highly unlikely those paymens are sufficient to cover the treatment he requires when he induces infections to get doctors to amputate his various bits (in some ways, isn’t that a bit like committing suicide by cop?). Will he be paying for his prostheses and the other devices he’ll need to be able to function normally despite his disabilities? And how does he justify taking scarce resources away from those who become disabled unwillingly?
This interview disturbed me a lot more than any of the actual amputations he’s undergone. This is a person who seems not to have clearly thought through at least some of his amputations. He hasn’t told his partner about what he’s doing, letting her believe he’s worryingly accident prone or ill instead. And if he’s thought carefully about the care and devices he’ll need in the future to enable him to live normally, it doesn’t come across.
In response to Shannon, aside from the various views regarding the beauty or ugliness of amputations, I think people think amputation is weird because it inhibits the ability of the body to function normally in a way that piercings and tattoos generally do not: if you remove your leg, you must rely on some type of equipment to enable you to move around, whether it’s crutches, a wheelchair or a prosthesis. Even removing fingers or toes inhibits normal functioning.
This interview really just leaves the same questions unanswered. How is this man not going to be a burden on the medical system? Even if he pays medical insurance premiums, it’s highly unlikely those paymens are sufficient to cover the treatment he requires when he induces infections to get doctors to amputate his various bits (in some ways, isn’t that a bit like committing suicide by cop?). Will he be paying for his prostheses and the other devices he’ll need to be able to function normally despite his disabilities? And how does he justify taking scarce resources away from those who become disabled unwillingly?
This interview disturbed me a lot more than any of the actual amputations he’s undergone. This is a person who seems not to have clearly thought through at least some of his amputations. He hasn’t told his partner about what he’s doing, letting her believe he’s worryingly accident prone or ill instead. And if he’s thought carefully about the care and devices he’ll need in the future to enable him to live normally, it doesn’t come across.
Shannon and Shane,
“Having been born without both legs does that make me even more of a burden? ”
“It doesn’t make him any more of a burden to society than someone who, say, requires state-sponsored psychiatric treatment for depression.”
It is his CHOICE to do this. If he was born without legs or had depression it is hardly the same, as they are not self inflicted. He is chosing to make himself a burden to society and that is what I personally have a problem with. Why should my taxes pay for him to modify himself in this way, when there are people out there who have no choice in whether they have limbs or not? Personally I think he is being very selfish by taking money and resources away from these people, no matter how little the amount may be. I would much rather see my hard earned cash go on supporting people who deserve it.
Shannon and Shane,
“Having been born without both legs does that make me even more of a burden? ”
“It doesn’t make him any more of a burden to society than someone who, say, requires state-sponsored psychiatric treatment for depression.”
It is his CHOICE to do this. If he was born without legs or had depression it is hardly the same, as they are not self inflicted. He is chosing to make himself a burden to society and that is what I personally have a problem with. Why should my taxes pay for him to modify himself in this way, when there are people out there who have no choice in whether they have limbs or not? Personally I think he is being very selfish by taking money and resources away from these people, no matter how little the amount may be. I would much rather see my hard earned cash go on supporting people who deserve it.