I have a lot of great interviews in the queue right now, from mild to wild, but I’m absolutely thrilled with the one that’s going up today, “One Hand Jason“, an interview which discusses Jason’s decision to amputate one of his hands in order to deal with what he had always perceived as a devastating birth defect — that is, being two-handed. Click through to read it now, and come on back here to comment (but please, read it before commenting).
Comments
260 responses to “One Hand Jason Interview Posted”
moddedbynature- thanks for sharing. that’s pretty cool.
and good interview, shannon. great topic
moddedbynature- thanks for sharing. that’s pretty cool.
and good interview, shannon. great topic
I find it every interesting that no one has thought to bring up the point I am about to make…
A lot of the language I hear coming from “Jason” is very, very similar to the language I hear coming from friends who are transgendered and considering transitioning to become their “correct” sex. Especially the part where he says, “As long as I can remember, having two hands was a defect in my body — something that was not meant to be. I don’t think I had any choice. My right hand just didn’t belong to my body…It was way clear that I had to get rid of my hand so that I could live.” Wow! Replace “hand” with “penis” or “vagina” and you pretty much have the sentiment of every trans person out there. Why can we, as a community, accept a trans person (I’m speaking in general here…as the significant other of a trans person, I am more than aware of the prejudices and difficulties that the transgendered community faces), but feel that a voluntary amputee is “sick” and “needs counseling”? I’ve read so many comments here from people that are disgusted with the “choice” this person made and it really, really mystifies me.
I find it every interesting that no one has thought to bring up the point I am about to make…
A lot of the language I hear coming from “Jason” is very, very similar to the language I hear coming from friends who are transgendered and considering transitioning to become their “correct” sex. Especially the part where he says, “As long as I can remember, having two hands was a defect in my body — something that was not meant to be. I don’t think I had any choice. My right hand just didn’t belong to my body…It was way clear that I had to get rid of my hand so that I could live.” Wow! Replace “hand” with “penis” or “vagina” and you pretty much have the sentiment of every trans person out there. Why can we, as a community, accept a trans person (I’m speaking in general here…as the significant other of a trans person, I am more than aware of the prejudices and difficulties that the transgendered community faces), but feel that a voluntary amputee is “sick” and “needs counseling”? I’ve read so many comments here from people that are disgusted with the “choice” this person made and it really, really mystifies me.
This makes me wonder how many people with amputated limbs actually did it for this reason.
Now Im going to wonder when I see people with missing fingers >.>
But I really like the fact he took his life into his own hands&&did what he needed to do to be normal.
Way to be = ]
This makes me wonder how many people with amputated limbs actually did it for this reason.
Now Im going to wonder when I see people with missing fingers >.>
But I really like the fact he took his life into his own hands&&did what he needed to do to be normal.
Way to be = ]
#77 gracefire – I linked in #52 to someone’s blog where she mentions that. Basically the idea is, both man and woman are “normal” standard ways of being, but the disabled person (or person missing a standard part, etc) is still considered “lesser,” subconciously, and so it becomes about voluntarily joining a “lesser” group that “normal” people would never want to join. Completely apart from anything to do with physical modification, you can see some similar talk around social groups.
I do think GID is probably the closest analogous situation I’ve heard of, FWIW.
Anyway, googling around the topic truly does bring up some fascinating reading.
#77 gracefire – I linked in #52 to someone’s blog where she mentions that. Basically the idea is, both man and woman are “normal” standard ways of being, but the disabled person (or person missing a standard part, etc) is still considered “lesser,” subconciously, and so it becomes about voluntarily joining a “lesser” group that “normal” people would never want to join. Completely apart from anything to do with physical modification, you can see some similar talk around social groups.
I do think GID is probably the closest analogous situation I’ve heard of, FWIW.
Anyway, googling around the topic truly does bring up some fascinating reading.
I found this interview really fascinating. The first time I ever became aware of BIID was when I read an interview in the Guardian g2 section with a woman who had such a strong desire to be a double amputee (both legs) that she sat with her legs in dry ice for literally hours waiting for them to become so frostbitten they would need to be amputated. She expressed similar sentiments to ‘Jason’, although if I remember correctly her partner knew about her BIID and was prepared to help her achieve her goal.
I find the comparison with gender reassignment surgery interesting. It seems to me that there is little difference in philosophical terms between having major surgery to have the body you feel you ought to in order to reassign your gender, and in order to remove a limb, etc. People who seek to transition need to go through rigorous processes to ensure they’re making the right choice, but the prevailing attitude is that, if transitioning will really make them happy, it’s what they should do. It seems like it could be a good model for peole with BIID.
I found this interview really fascinating. The first time I ever became aware of BIID was when I read an interview in the Guardian g2 section with a woman who had such a strong desire to be a double amputee (both legs) that she sat with her legs in dry ice for literally hours waiting for them to become so frostbitten they would need to be amputated. She expressed similar sentiments to ‘Jason’, although if I remember correctly her partner knew about her BIID and was prepared to help her achieve her goal.
I find the comparison with gender reassignment surgery interesting. It seems to me that there is little difference in philosophical terms between having major surgery to have the body you feel you ought to in order to reassign your gender, and in order to remove a limb, etc. People who seek to transition need to go through rigorous processes to ensure they’re making the right choice, but the prevailing attitude is that, if transitioning will really make them happy, it’s what they should do. It seems like it could be a good model for peole with BIID.
I definitely thought that the comparison to transgenderism was very interesting and appropriate. I also think that it would be interesting to see what would happen if doctors began allowing for a similar ‘transitioning’ for BIID folks. I wonder how many people would go down that road if it was available as opposed to the falsifying an accident road? Hmmm food for thought.
These voluntary amp interviews are always really interesting 🙂
I definitely thought that the comparison to transgenderism was very interesting and appropriate. I also think that it would be interesting to see what would happen if doctors began allowing for a similar ‘transitioning’ for BIID folks. I wonder how many people would go down that road if it was available as opposed to the falsifying an accident road? Hmmm food for thought.
These voluntary amp interviews are always really interesting 🙂
I think it’s sad that he had to fool his own friends and family…I couldn’t read the whole thing because for some reason amputations really put me off.
I think it’s sad that he had to fool his own friends and family…I couldn’t read the whole thing because for some reason amputations really put me off.
the only thing that remotely raised my eyebrows was that he allowed friends, family and others to raise money for his benefit. if the decision to modify his body and make it “right” was his and he made this choice on his own, who should other people be made responsible to help him pay for it? That’s beyond unethical. And while the ‘disorder’ may have parallels with GID those people who can and do choose to change their sex are made to go through enormous hoops(therapy, counseling, doctors, hormones) in order to achieve that goal. They cannot “lie” in order to get over on everybody. One is about embracing living an authentic life-the other seems to have been about NOT being authentic either before the ‘accident’ or after. I’m sorry but I’m not cheering here-its a huge ethical difference. I’m all for people owning and living comfortably in their bodies. but you gave up being able to play sax, let people worry about you immensely, needlessly….its not about the amputation its the dishonesty.
the only thing that remotely raised my eyebrows was that he allowed friends, family and others to raise money for his benefit. if the decision to modify his body and make it “right” was his and he made this choice on his own, who should other people be made responsible to help him pay for it? That’s beyond unethical. And while the ‘disorder’ may have parallels with GID those people who can and do choose to change their sex are made to go through enormous hoops(therapy, counseling, doctors, hormones) in order to achieve that goal. They cannot “lie” in order to get over on everybody. One is about embracing living an authentic life-the other seems to have been about NOT being authentic either before the ‘accident’ or after. I’m sorry but I’m not cheering here-its a huge ethical difference. I’m all for people owning and living comfortably in their bodies. but you gave up being able to play sax, let people worry about you immensely, needlessly….its not about the amputation its the dishonesty.
Before reading the article I was a little shaken that somebody would choose to remove a body part that i consider essential to everyday life. After reading it and thinking about it for a few hours, I understand where he is coming from and am definitely over my spook. I agree that the comparison between gender reassignment and BIID are interesting. Thank you for posting this article, it’s definitely going to change my view just a bit on amputees.
Before reading the article I was a little shaken that somebody would choose to remove a body part that i consider essential to everyday life. After reading it and thinking about it for a few hours, I understand where he is coming from and am definitely over my spook. I agree that the comparison between gender reassignment and BIID are interesting. Thank you for posting this article, it’s definitely going to change my view just a bit on amputees.
Im glad he is a more stable person, but it is really sad that he had to lie to achieve it. How can you hide something like that from your family? If you have BIID, shouldn’t your family know?
When I was 13 I wrecked a 4wheeler(ATV), which almost took my leg off mid calf and left me with a disfiguring scar. I lied to my parents about the accident because I didn’t want them to know it was my fault. People gave money to help with the medical bills, they prayed, sent flowers…all that. Because I felt so bad I had lied to everyone I ended up in a deep depression that lasted until I finally came clean and told everyone what happened. Yes people were mad and for a very long time my parents didn’t trust me, but I was no longer tormented by my lie.
Everything is fine now and my parents still love me.
I know that I don’t have BIID so my experience isn’t the same, but what I did learn is that if you love your parents you don’t lie to them about anything.
Im glad he is a more stable person, but it is really sad that he had to lie to achieve it. How can you hide something like that from your family? If you have BIID, shouldn’t your family know?
When I was 13 I wrecked a 4wheeler(ATV), which almost took my leg off mid calf and left me with a disfiguring scar. I lied to my parents about the accident because I didn’t want them to know it was my fault. People gave money to help with the medical bills, they prayed, sent flowers…all that. Because I felt so bad I had lied to everyone I ended up in a deep depression that lasted until I finally came clean and told everyone what happened. Yes people were mad and for a very long time my parents didn’t trust me, but I was no longer tormented by my lie.
Everything is fine now and my parents still love me.
I know that I don’t have BIID so my experience isn’t the same, but what I did learn is that if you love your parents you don’t lie to them about anything.
Seany Bwoy / starspring / Sade / etc.(and others) – A lot of people have to lie to their parents about their sexual orientation, and a lot of people who don’t lose their families and friends because of telling the truth. Being gay is significantly more “normal” than BIID, so I really don’t think we should fault Jason for hiding this.
I don’t see why he has an obligation to tell people around him, and since I highly doubt he asked anyone to raise money for him, I don’t think he needs to feel guilty about it. Also, I think it’s important to remember that this procedure was about HEALING, not some whim a la a tattoo, which is how it feels like it’s being treated in the comments on deception.
Seany Bwoy / starspring / Sade / etc.(and others) – A lot of people have to lie to their parents about their sexual orientation, and a lot of people who don’t lose their families and friends because of telling the truth. Being gay is significantly more “normal” than BIID, so I really don’t think we should fault Jason for hiding this.
I don’t see why he has an obligation to tell people around him, and since I highly doubt he asked anyone to raise money for him, I don’t think he needs to feel guilty about it. Also, I think it’s important to remember that this procedure was about HEALING, not some whim a la a tattoo, which is how it feels like it’s being treated in the comments on deception.
#83: I think the major difference between transgenderism and BIID is that trangenderism is considered an “acceptable” disorder by most psychological professionals. There are legitimate avenues for trans people to go through (no matter how rigorous the processes might be) to legitimately achieve what they feel they need to do. For people with BIID, there are no avenues other than “suck it up and deal with it” or “get counseling to ‘cure’ the disorder”. Maybe, as Megan (#81) said, if there had been legitimate avenues for him to pursue, then he would not have had to stage an “accident.” I’m usually not a “the ends justify the means” sort of person, but in this case, I believe did.
#83: I think the major difference between transgenderism and BIID is that trangenderism is considered an “acceptable” disorder by most psychological professionals. There are legitimate avenues for trans people to go through (no matter how rigorous the processes might be) to legitimately achieve what they feel they need to do. For people with BIID, there are no avenues other than “suck it up and deal with it” or “get counseling to ‘cure’ the disorder”. Maybe, as Megan (#81) said, if there had been legitimate avenues for him to pursue, then he would not have had to stage an “accident.” I’m usually not a “the ends justify the means” sort of person, but in this case, I believe did.
Why someone been an amputee concerns us so much? Is it because we simpatyze with the difficulties the amputee have to deal in his life? Or is it just because it is “not normal”?
I can’t stop thinking that this repulsion people feel for volunteer amputation has the same root of pity that they feel for accidental ones. And pity is not a good feeling.
Amputation brings a lot of hardness, but if someone decides that facing then is better then having the unwanted limb, how may we say that decision is wrong?
Why someone been an amputee concerns us so much? Is it because we simpatyze with the difficulties the amputee have to deal in his life? Or is it just because it is “not normal”?
I can’t stop thinking that this repulsion people feel for volunteer amputation has the same root of pity that they feel for accidental ones. And pity is not a good feeling.
Amputation brings a lot of hardness, but if someone decides that facing then is better then having the unwanted limb, how may we say that decision is wrong?
Shannon…I understand your points completely. I suppose I put more stock in lying to family than others. Thats just what my life has taught me.
I wasn’t saying he should feel guilty for people giving money and so on. He wanted to cut his hand off and he did, he didn’t want to be talked out of it and he wasn’t, he got what he wanted(which so many of us don’t)and thats good. He feels “right” with his new body and thats good. So many of us never live a fulfilled life, I hope he does.
I wanted to share a situation in which I almost became an amputee. In that situation, in a similar fashion to his, I lied to friends and family and it almost destroyed my life and the relationships with those people.
Now he is in a situation in which if he comes clean it will quite possibly destroy his relationship with his parents, friends and his new/old lover. This is obvious by the secrecy in the interview. If keeping that secret from those people doesn’t faze him than so be it and I hope he has a happy, healthy, fruitful life…he deserves that(as do the rest of us).
If I was gay, had BIID, wanted to become female, wanted to tattoo my face or anything I would tell my parents..I just wanted to express that.
Please don’t think I was faulting him for his body changing decision. I meant no disrespect to anyone, you included, in my comment.
Thank you, Shannon
Shannon…I understand your points completely. I suppose I put more stock in lying to family than others. Thats just what my life has taught me.
I wasn’t saying he should feel guilty for people giving money and so on. He wanted to cut his hand off and he did, he didn’t want to be talked out of it and he wasn’t, he got what he wanted(which so many of us don’t)and thats good. He feels “right” with his new body and thats good. So many of us never live a fulfilled life, I hope he does.
I wanted to share a situation in which I almost became an amputee. In that situation, in a similar fashion to his, I lied to friends and family and it almost destroyed my life and the relationships with those people.
Now he is in a situation in which if he comes clean it will quite possibly destroy his relationship with his parents, friends and his new/old lover. This is obvious by the secrecy in the interview. If keeping that secret from those people doesn’t faze him than so be it and I hope he has a happy, healthy, fruitful life…he deserves that(as do the rest of us).
If I was gay, had BIID, wanted to become female, wanted to tattoo my face or anything I would tell my parents..I just wanted to express that.
Please don’t think I was faulting him for his body changing decision. I meant no disrespect to anyone, you included, in my comment.
Thank you, Shannon
wow, there sure are a lot of BIG words being thrown around in the comments for this one! this was a great interview though, ‘jason’ did a great job explaining his rationale behind his amputation.
wow, there sure are a lot of BIG words being thrown around in the comments for this one! this was a great interview though, ‘jason’ did a great job explaining his rationale behind his amputation.
After reading it, I can only support moddoctor’s recomendation at #50.
Excelent article!
After reading it, I can only support moddoctor’s recomendation at #50.
Excelent article!
this was a very well done interview and thought-provoking read. I wish Jason all the best!
this was a very well done interview and thought-provoking read. I wish Jason all the best!
by not talking about it openly and honestly he may have ruled out some alternate forms of dealing with it, even if that was only to lessen the strain of dealing with the issue in his life and relationships. And just constantly comparing differing social stigmas to one another in an attempt to justify them rightly or wrong is lazyitis. the issue is truth, not whether hiding things from those we profess to care about is occasionally/maginal/ever good in the long run. I came out and was honest with people about who I was-not because I had a problem with it-it was everyone else who seemed so bothered-and yes there was a price to pay. Living an authentic life isn’t “free”. its a plate you either step up to or you don’t. Saying you did something in a dishonest manner-and are guilty enough about getting away with but not enough to be honest-doesn’t win many points with me. I never said he asked them to raise money on his behalf-but it would be gross to accept the money under those circumstances regardless whether he asked them or not. how about donating the money to a charity which handles people who become disabled involuntarily? Now THAT would seem to balance out the equation some what!
by not talking about it openly and honestly he may have ruled out some alternate forms of dealing with it, even if that was only to lessen the strain of dealing with the issue in his life and relationships. And just constantly comparing differing social stigmas to one another in an attempt to justify them rightly or wrong is lazyitis. the issue is truth, not whether hiding things from those we profess to care about is occasionally/maginal/ever good in the long run. I came out and was honest with people about who I was-not because I had a problem with it-it was everyone else who seemed so bothered-and yes there was a price to pay. Living an authentic life isn’t “free”. its a plate you either step up to or you don’t. Saying you did something in a dishonest manner-and are guilty enough about getting away with but not enough to be honest-doesn’t win many points with me. I never said he asked them to raise money on his behalf-but it would be gross to accept the money under those circumstances regardless whether he asked them or not. how about donating the money to a charity which handles people who become disabled involuntarily? Now THAT would seem to balance out the equation some what!
You know, it really doesn’t matter if I think someone “should” or “shouldn’t” do this. It’s not my life to live, in the end.
I did wonder if he was right-handed before the amp, and if so, how he dealt with retraining (I’m ambi, so I always wonder)
very interesting interview.
You know, it really doesn’t matter if I think someone “should” or “shouldn’t” do this. It’s not my life to live, in the end.
I did wonder if he was right-handed before the amp, and if so, how he dealt with retraining (I’m ambi, so I always wonder)
very interesting interview.
Interesting interview about elective amputation, I have a different take on it. What about “accepted” amputation?, this is a risk I considered and accepted when implanting my magnet. Although I felt the risk to be very very low I still gave it much thought. It’s definately not something I wanted to happen and I am very glad it didn’t but none the less I chose to deal with should it have happened. I’m sure everyone that has gotten some sort of implant has considered this risk due to infection or other complications. Even surface piercings can lead to infection which may in turn lead to amputation, the risk is low though.
Interesting interview about elective amputation, I have a different take on it. What about “accepted” amputation?, this is a risk I considered and accepted when implanting my magnet. Although I felt the risk to be very very low I still gave it much thought. It’s definately not something I wanted to happen and I am very glad it didn’t but none the less I chose to deal with should it have happened. I’m sure everyone that has gotten some sort of implant has considered this risk due to infection or other complications. Even surface piercings can lead to infection which may in turn lead to amputation, the risk is low though.
From the interview: “I’m a healthy, active dude, engaged in my community, who happens to be an amputee. Is that so bad?”
‘Nuff said! 🙂
From the interview: “I’m a healthy, active dude, engaged in my community, who happens to be an amputee. Is that so bad?”
‘Nuff said! 🙂
I’ve read most of the previous comments and still my usual viewing of what somebody want to do with their body stays strong. If it that important to you then by all means I shall not judge what you do to yourself, with a catch though. You should be able to support and take care of yourself without having to ask for outside assitance or have somone commited to assist you already before you do something that will permanently alter your ability to perfom neccesary life functions. Might be an unpopular sentiment or not but I really have no qualms with someone wanting to be a quadruple amputee or any variation thereof or inbetween if they can set up having themselves taken care of but if they can’t get bent other people should not have to foot the bill for a voluntary actions consequences thats a load of bull. That said one hand jasons wanting to keep what happened from friends and whomever else is between them and him and from the sound of it he is quite able to live perfectly fine by his own means and more power to him in that respect.
I’ve read most of the previous comments and still my usual viewing of what somebody want to do with their body stays strong. If it that important to you then by all means I shall not judge what you do to yourself, with a catch though. You should be able to support and take care of yourself without having to ask for outside assitance or have somone commited to assist you already before you do something that will permanently alter your ability to perfom neccesary life functions. Might be an unpopular sentiment or not but I really have no qualms with someone wanting to be a quadruple amputee or any variation thereof or inbetween if they can set up having themselves taken care of but if they can’t get bent other people should not have to foot the bill for a voluntary actions consequences thats a load of bull. That said one hand jasons wanting to keep what happened from friends and whomever else is between them and him and from the sound of it he is quite able to live perfectly fine by his own means and more power to him in that respect.
“who happens to be an amputee. Is that so bad?”
He doesn’t “happen” to be an amputee, he had an obsessive desire to become one and did the procedure himself. He is insulting those who genuinely “happen” to be amputees.
“who happens to be an amputee. Is that so bad?”
He doesn’t “happen” to be an amputee, he had an obsessive desire to become one and did the procedure himself. He is insulting those who genuinely “happen” to be amputees.
I’ve come back to comment a bunch of times now without actually saying anything, because I’m still trying to wrap my head around why I found this interview upsetting. I don’t profess to know a huge amount about body dysmorphism or gender dysmorphism, but I consider myself an advocate for those who identify with these issues. I guess what bugged me the most was how flippant “Jason” seemed to be about the feelings leading up to his self-amputation and the repercussions. I suppose it’s silly to get het up about just the tone of the interview, but yeah, it felt like he was being a bit self-congratulatory about it all in a way that really didn’t examine the intense issues that intersect here.
I’ve come back to comment a bunch of times now without actually saying anything, because I’m still trying to wrap my head around why I found this interview upsetting. I don’t profess to know a huge amount about body dysmorphism or gender dysmorphism, but I consider myself an advocate for those who identify with these issues. I guess what bugged me the most was how flippant “Jason” seemed to be about the feelings leading up to his self-amputation and the repercussions. I suppose it’s silly to get het up about just the tone of the interview, but yeah, it felt like he was being a bit self-congratulatory about it all in a way that really didn’t examine the intense issues that intersect here.
A question came: If he had told his family and close friends about his feelings about it, wouldn´t him have had some “help”?
As I said before, this can be a consequence of a past life.
Once he understands himself as a “body-integrity-disorder dude”, didn´t he ever wanted some help? or some support from those close to him? those from who he has to keep a secret? The same ones that paid for that and suffered for him.
Or he had always believed that people would never comprehend him?
A question came: If he had told his family and close friends about his feelings about it, wouldn´t him have had some “help”?
As I said before, this can be a consequence of a past life.
Once he understands himself as a “body-integrity-disorder dude”, didn´t he ever wanted some help? or some support from those close to him? those from who he has to keep a secret? The same ones that paid for that and suffered for him.
Or he had always believed that people would never comprehend him?