Sigmund, Carl and Alfred

The consequences of choosing the wrong accessories.

The 'Fuel Monty'

'Powerpramming' and babies as exercise equipment

Not one, but two pet posts! 

Think YOU can hold your booze?

As usual, Mamacita has the color commentary, play by play and the post game analysis of our post, Disabilities, Sex And Politics. In a letter she made her thoughts known- and as usual, provided added clarity and food for thought.

Your post is, as always, well thought out and provacative.

I agree with your theory that we are what we are, and no manner of changing our bodies will change who and what we are, whether that change be purely cosmetic, radically identity-altering (which won't change the actual identity, just the vessel that contains it) or just sick (cutting off limbs, etc). Plastic surgery has its legitimate purposes (people who had accidents, tumors, genuinely horrific features, etc) but most of the time it's just somebody who wanted a prettier nose. If they've got the money, I say go for it, if that's what cranks their carcass. What a waste of money, though, that might have been used to truly help someone.

We are a society obsessed with vanity. Everybody wants to be beautiful. If genetics didn't do it, money will. And those without either, well, they'll just have to plod along, outcasts of the mirror-obsessed population. Sadly, this isn't a joke to them.

Much cosmetic surgery is done to offset the results of personal choices, ie liposuction, etc. A person chooses to indulge, and then that person chooses to remove the consequences of that indulgence via another indulgence. Neither requires any self-control on part of the out-of-control eater.

The irony for me is that if I had the money, I would go under the knife in a whipstitch. Sigh. Genetics did not give me the chin-line I would like to have, and the aging process has not been kind to my stretch marked middle. It doesn't really bother me unless I think about it (or get a glimpse, yikes) but if I had money to burn. . . . . .

And this attitude bothers me, too. My own attitude. Because most of the time, I fantasize about how, if I won the lottery, I'd share that money with everyone I knew who needed some, and I'd donate to all my charities, and build theatres and establish scholarships. . . . oh, and get some tucks.

The transgender thing strikes me as a cop-out, actually. Who among us is really completely satisfied with our body? Gorgeous movie stars, perfect even without the airbrush, are not satisfied. I don't think anybody can be objective about their own body; that's why we are all so obsessed with other people's bodies. Comparison-wise, I mean. Are there any statistics that give us a rundown on the satisfaction level of transgendered people? Are any of them sorry they had it done? Did it really change their lives that much? I don't know.

Does it all come down to sex? I mean, if a penis or a set of breasts is all that's keeping someone from being all that he/she can be, isn't that a pretty feeble excuse for failure? It seems petty, somehow. Cut it/them off, or graft it/them on, and suddenly everything is dandy? Somehow, I don't think it could be. Then again, maybe some people are just so shallow that a body part, removed or added, is all they need to be fulfilled. That's sad, too. It's got to be for the sex; otherwise, who else would even know?

This is why Mamacita is the kind of teacher you dream of, for your kids.

Mamacita asked about the percentage of transsexuals that were unhappy they had the surgery. To date, that number hovers at around 5%. In addition, some transsexuals change back. Those numbers will likely increase, as the availability of surgery and the culture of politicized sexuality encourages those with even the slightest proclivities to opt for surgery.

See this for a look at the reality, poltics and self indulgences of transsexualism.

Neo-neocon is one smart blogger. She more than most, has a the tremendous capacity and self discipline to examine, ponder and consider an issue before she opines. When she does, it's always a good read- and her remarks are more often than not, more than memorable. This post gives the reader pause- and a vantage point from which the reader can debate the merits of opposition to the war in Iraq.

Of course, all wars are hated by most thoughtful people, since they involve bloodshed and suffering. And havoc…

But I'm not talking primarily of that sort of generalized hatred of war, the type that's shared by both sides and applies to all wars. No, there seems to be something special about the war in Iraq and its aftermath…

it's not as though this is a war with especially high casualties on either side, at least as wars go; that first element of the definition of havoc–widespread destruction–has not occurred, not even in Iraq.

And it's not as though Saddam Hussein, whose regime was the original target of the war, is anybody's hero outside of Iraq–and even in Iraq his supporters were/are limited, although previously powerful and presently out for blood. So no, even most of those who hate this war find it difficult to get worked up into a lather of sympathy for Saddam, and they often remember to begin war critiques with the disclaimer: "Of course, Saddam was bad, but…"

Nor do I think hatred of this war stems mainly from the failure to find WMDs, although that likewise contributes. Once again, the hatred of this war predated that failure, so it can't be caused by it…

Read Neo's entire post- it's more than an eye opener and more than enough food for thought.

We are told that negative self image is a problem shared by many women and girls. In addition to a massive diet and weight management industry, there is an entire medical sub speciality, plastic surgery, that serves and fuels the obsession that increasing numbers of women (and a few men) have with their appearance. Sadly, that obsession seems to be a part of an ever growing number women at an ever earlier age.

Predictably- and fortunately- there are voices that are questioning and addressing the obsession. There is much information and increasing counseling opportunities available to young women where body image, self worth and what is increasingly being regarded as self mutilation, can be discussed.

Clearly, self worth should not be tied to body image. We are more than the sum of our parts. Those that are physically challenged are no less valuable to society than those who are not. To believe otherwise is to believe in the values of a darker and more evil society.

We have a passing familiarity with a wonderful, beautiful woman who has been blessed by a more than perfect child that has severe disabilities. We cannot provide details, even general ones, because our relationship with this woman is cordial and no more. That said, we know she is blessed because she is a woman of wonderful character and kindness. She sees her child as a blessing and she attributes much of her joy and appreciation of all life has to offer, to him. The value of her child to her- and consequently, her value to the rest of us- has little to do with appearances and physical capabilities.

If we know that we are more than the sum total of our parts and we know that our identity and worth are not measured by physical attributes, why are we so cavalier about the phenomena of transsexualism? Why is transsexualism celebrated? Read the rest of this entry »