I don't what you are driving at here, whether this is double double sarcasm
or what, but I think the Abominable Mr Shakespeare makes a valid point.
My reaction to this outrageous misuse of medicine was to call to mind the
infamous bonsai kitten hoax, which had the FBI investigating the alleged
(fortunately spoofed) cruelty of breeding Kittens in jars so that they would
not grow.
I do not see that Ashley's parents are doing anything else but creating a
bonsai human here.
Convenience of caring be damned, when I was engaged in caring, my own
welfare came second, indeed you could not call it caring if that had been
other than the case.
You can accuse me of not having empathy if you like, cos you would be in
good company there in the false construction of my difference.
Where does the line stop, genital mutilation called female circumcision is a
long established practice in some parts of the world, others call that
barbaric, now to be opposed to the one, yet support the kind of mutilation
being perpetrated not for Ashley's good but that of her parents and no doubt
the pay cheque of the medics involved, is as barbaric as anything practised
in the third world. Some things are just wrong and that is all there is to
it and I am not too sure that some of Tom Shakespeares examples have not
been practiced at some time or another outside of our ken.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: The Disability-Research Discussion List [mailto:DISABILITY-
> [log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of BJ Kitchin
> Sent: 08 January 2007 19:45
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Parents blog to defend decision to stunt daughter's growth
>
> I almost dare not comment, clearly I risk being besmirched by what may be
> perceived as having a less sympathetic view to the negative issues of
> embodiment and social construction of disability then that of Mr.
> Shakespeare. However, in describing disabled children I fail to see any
> empathy for anyone of any make or stature (other then himself) in Mr.
> Shakespeare's communication here:
> http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/columnists/tom/201106_index.shtml.
>
> It seems driven by sarcasm, which is hard to get past.
>
> That we struggle to live with others because of our distaste for the
> burden
> of it is a universal condition (my view). Perhaps it is too difficult for
> a
> lot of us to see past our own bias's and quiet the clamoring of our own
> perspective long enough to appreciate the perspectives of another (Which
> seems fundamental to dismantling any ideas that do hurt us or those we
> care
> about or could care about). Isn't it our perspectives that move us to
> action? Unless I am able to see your perspective as meaningful to you I am
> in no position to understand your action/inaction. Seems simple enough
> yet
> nearly impossible to achieve universally.
>
> Using our wit to communicate sarcastically about such important issues
> feels
> disabling and part of the problem. By that I mean, if we are interested
> in
> the ability to see all people, regardless of ability, as worth caring
> about.
>
> Mr. Shakespeare seams to assume that those involved in Ashley's life are
> somehow flawed. Maybe they don't drool, limp, or grind their teeth
> involuntarily but they are nonetheless burdensome and need fixing because
> of
> their ideas. If I understand Mr. Shakespeare's implication correctly the
> ideas of the ethicists and parents involved in Ashley's case are
> deficient.
> Apparently these ideas are deficient enough to warrant his and
> accordingly
> our scorn. I wonder if Mr. Shakespeare's sentiment detracts from his
> argument because it is exclusive, meaning one needs to be on the RIGHT
> side
> of it to be worthy of respect. If we stand behind arguments such as these
> and try to further the cause of inclusion and rights of the disabled
> person
> it seems hypocritical. Searching for greater meaning becomes hypocrisy
> when
> the action harms others intentionally.
>
> BJ - Orono - USA
>
> ________________End of message______________________
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