Mentally Ill In Geel

Reading about the community in Belgium that hosts and helps the mentally ill was uplifting. The general concept reminds me of the idea of "social disability" that we discussed in class. But here, instead of social climate worsening a disability, the public work to help those who need it. I think that more people need to develop this attitude of teamwork and helping others, it seems like many people today attempt to avoid all possible contact with others. This loneliness probably promotes mental and physical health issues, as mental illnesses seem to be proliferating. Whether it shows a greater level of acceptance of just willingness to help others, Geel is an example that many of us could learn something from.

DARPA's new prosthetic arm looks crazy! I have been researching biohacking for my final paper so this is similar to some of the things I have found. The robotic-prosthetic arm will be mind-controlled by a chip in the brain...this reminds me of an article I read about a young man who was paralyzed from the neck down after a diving accident; doctors implanted a chip in his brain and connected wires to his hand and after some training he was able to use motor skills in his hand. The medical advances that are being made recently keep blowing my mind. Human's keep making themselves more artificial.

BIID

Taking into consideration all of the body modifications we've covered so far this semester, Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID) seems the most inexplicable to me. In "Cutting Desire" Jessie Ellison states, "The desire to be disabled seems so bizarre and contrary to basic human instincts," which could not more accurately describe how this makes me feel. Why would someone choose to be disabled? Are people born with BIID? Or does it develop? How and/or why would a disorder like this develop? Most body modifications are implemented in order to improve bodily function or aesthetic, while BIID contrasts and almost goes against nature and evolution of our species.

Could BIID be subliminally implemented in someone's mind? Although we are far from having implemented accessible or inclusive design throughout the US, our society has created a culture in which amputees and/or disabled people often receive increased attention, compassion, sympathy, care, and catering. In our world of increased tolerance and understanding of all people, I believe children may be implicitly inspired to receive this special treatment that they would never experience if they grew up "normal." Especially because Ellison mentions, "They are most often white middle-aged males," I cannot help but think that the concept of white privilege carries a strong undercurrent. Can an act as simple as being identified as privileged implicitly cause someone to desire to be more "normal?" Or even sway them as far as developing the desire to become "less than normal?" Or is BIID simply the result of a neurological disorder or identity issue?

The overwhelming assertion by people with BIID is that there is no medication or psychotherapy capable of treating the disorder.  This suggests that they are truly dealing with an identity disorder comparable to gender identity disorder. If BIID remains as rare as it is today, it seems unlikely that much medical research will be done on it, leaving us still asking these questions. It also seems that people with the disorder even have some trouble describing it, besides a feeling of discontent with their body. Although I would like to argue that some sort of psychiatric treatment could be devised to treat BIID, the patients would argue otherwise. It is unfortunate that these people will not feel as if they have "righted" themselves unless they undergo some type of physical surgery. I can't see any other treatment options unless more people suffering are capable of portraying a better concept of how exactly BIID makes them feel.

Draft 1

     Health is the state of one's of total social, physical, and mental well-being. It is not merely being free from illness and injury, but is the summation of one's aspects of life. Considering how complex the human body is, there are an almost infinite number of states of health of which one could classify. Patrick Bateman from Mary Harron's American Psycho and Roxanne Edwards share certain qualities of health that make them appear healthy. Both have extremely fit bodies, although only one of them is a closet-psychopath.

             Roxanne Edwards may appear intimidating to some, but she exhibits many qualities of good health. She takes nourishing care of her body and her mind, professing in an interview with Dis Magazine, "I got more in touch with my mind, the more I got in touch with my body. One cannot be present without the other." Roxanne appears to be in a healthy mental state by displaying confidence, a blissful attitude, and the ability to inspire others, but I think the person she is most inspirational to is herself. Roxanne identifies as straight but confesses to finding enjoyment in flirting with anyone she finds attractive, no matter their sex. She has high standards when it comes to what type of body she looks for in someone else, but it seems that she has ease in finding partners, acknowledging that she is currently seeing quite a few different people. In addition to displaying high quality mental and social health, Roxanne is a renowned bodybuilder. She started later than most, at age 30, but claims that a woman's naturally lowering estrogen and intensifying testosterone levels helped her sculpt her body. She would advise any aspiring bodybuilder, "That this would probably be the best journey you'll ever take and the best thing that you'll ever do for yourself. Period." Roxanne notes that adults cannot assimilate a multivitamin pill, so she drinks a liquid multivitamin every morning along with supplemental vitamin C. She consumes milk thistle for her liver and cranberry 1000 for her urinary tract and as a blood cleanser. Roxanne is healthy because she manages to balance multiple aspects of her life.

            At first glance, Patrick Bateman looks healthy. He takes meticulous care of his body; almost seeming obsessed with his maintenance routine. Patrick stretches, works out, and employs several gels and moisturizers to take care of his skin. He disproportionately cares about his physical appearance and how others view him to the point that it causes him much stress and anxiety. Patrick is young, handsome, has a well-paying job, and is socially accepted by most, especially women. Despite Patrick's credentials, he has relationship troubles with nearly everyone he meets; whether it is a woman he's unsure about or a colleague he secretly wishes to take power over someday. When his current girlfriend, Evelyn, brings up the idea of getting married and having kids, he dismisses the idea by asking if her water is spiked and claiming he cannot get off work. She debates that Patrick's father owns the company and he can do what he pleases, even quit his job. Patrick only justifies working with a single intention, "Because I want to fit in." He seems accepted by his social clique, but doesn't seem to make strong personable connections with any other men, a couple of the guys he hangs out with call him a dork behind his back. Patrick's stress can only build so high before he has to release it somehow. American Psycho depicts Bateman murdering multiple people before breaking down and confessing in a voicemail to his lawyer. Though when confronted, his lawyer laughs and doesn't believe any of the crimes were committed, suggesting that maybe Patrick was dreaming. As the film concludes, it is not made clear whether or not Patrick has actually killed anyone, further suggesting that these violent sprees were just a figment of his imagination. After looking past his physically healthy body, it is obvious that Patrick does not have his life in balance and therefore is not healthy.

Blog Post #1

Shredded is the word that Roxanne Edwards uses to describe her physique. She is more than ripped or cut-up, but less than peeled. "Peeled is when you look at me and you can see right through me." She may not consider her body to be peeled yet, but her conscious sure is. The way she speaks in the interview sounds like she enjoys sharing her story, she has no shame, and endless confidence. I applaud her humbleness though, "In terms of superhuman, not so much. I'm just a more open version of a human." This level of openness allows us to understand her for what she is. I enjoy how she has "unshackled her handcuffs" because it allows us to really see her for what she is and makes it easy to accept her. It is easier to accept someone who is open about their feelings and emptions because those are things that make us human. Despite Roxanne's extreme dedication to her bodybuilding lifestyle, she does not view herself as greater than those who do not work out. I admire that she expresses her femininity the way she feels fit and encourages others to do the same. Roxanne is a model for being accepting of herself and all others despite any differences they may have. A quote from the essay, "Everywhere man makes himself a path; he ventures into all realms of the essent, of the overwhelming power, and in doing so he is flung out of all paths." I find this quote relatable to Roxanne's ideology that her body physique is an expression of her femininity because we are all born with a blank canvas to write and each of us, despite any influencing factors, ultimately has the power to create ourselves, to unshackle our own handcuffs and open up to the world around us. Roxanne started bodybuilding so she would look good naked and was now quoted, "bodybuilding is the best thing you can ever do for yourself." Her extreme body confidence has translated into her overall attitude towards life. The concept of the absence/rejection of ordinary/verbal language in bodybuilding is intriguing to me. I do not work out but often find myself absent of language, watching and listening to others speak; not to judge, accept, or reject them; but to observe and attempt to understand the differences between us all. Roxanne seems to be the opposite of myself; comfortable with flirting with anyone and showing off her body. Roxanne's extreme dedication to her body is apparent considering the long list of vitamins and body aids she consumes. This particular aspect of her life reminds me of the Patrick character we discussed from the film 'American Psycho,' who was equally as body-obsessed. Although both people are striving for perfection, they are still tremendously different. I waited until after listening to the interview to view the photos of Roxanne and I was still blown away by her physique. Her discipline is obvious and she looks extremely happy with herself. I consider myself as a straight male, and to me Patrick is more attractive than Roxanne. This just furthers the concept that everyone has their own idea of perfection.