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.
