Getting Used to Hideousness

We have learned to accept differences in appearance caused by nature or by accident. And we are getting better about appreciating the diversity of bodily expression that modern society has brought. But all this is only the beginning.

... Complete entry

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)  on  11/30  at  11:29 PM

Any other readers out there thinking of the "The Twilight Zone" episode called: Eye of the Beholder?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMev5QQxs00

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)  on  12/01  at  01:44 PM

Quote – "The point is that we have learned to accept differences in appearance caused by nature or by accident. And we are getting better about appreciating the diversity of bodily expression that modern society has brought."

As always there is a flip side to this argument – what if "when full-scale morphological freedom arrives" – we instead become bigoted and elitist? Look at how size zero models have affected the way teenagers view themselves, with dire consequences in some cases, (suicide). Look at the affect actors and musicians and sports and tattoos have afflicted society today – do you know anybody that does not have a tattoo – or two? Why do folks get tattoos? Do they feel they are missing something? Are they in need to define themselves by enhancing their identity? (You know where my argument goes from here concerning self identity.. as always!). The sad thing is that most folks end up getting the same tattoos in the same places – thus my point regarding fashions and trends, and peer influences.

When we see our idols and hero's strive for the body wonderful, and they can readily afford to transform themselves, how does this all affect the have-nots? "We" need to be careful and remember the lessons you so readily observe regarding prejudices and judgements and diversity. And "we" need to remember to pass these ethical lessons to new generations, the generation that will be at the forefront and in receipt of these advances in technology and medicine and enhancement. "We" have learned the values of acceptance, (almost), let's not wash it all down the drain with shortsighted technologies and fluorescent tattoos.

Off course – why should an amputee go without a limb replacement if one can be readily provided either mechanically, (cyborg augmentation), or even biologically? Why should disabilities such as blindness or deafness not be overcome if at all possible?

So what if I decide I want to augment myself with giant mechanical arms like Doc Octopus? Or opt for two sets of eyes, and no nose? Will you shun me? – Or are there indeed limits to what we can define what it is to be human?

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)  on  12/01  at  03:33 PM

"The sad thing is that most folks end up getting the same tattoos in the same places – thus my point regarding fashions and trends, and peer influences."

CygnusX1 is so right. We should acknowledge that we are often copying others in one way or another. We should ensure that the people we are emulating are people of substance, not /substances/.

Posted by Marzio Balducci  on  12/03  at  06:16 PM

i hope that in the future the energy and knowledge resulted abundancy will help our self-sufficency in a sort of freedom from social needings and useless dependencies

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)  on  12/17  at  12:24 AM

i have also encountered few of these people.These people are not seen differently anymore. It's great to see that we people have learned to accept differences in appearance caused by nature or by accident.

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)  on  12/17  at  02:55 PM

Colin, in your first sentence, did you mean to say "few" or "a few"? Just curious.
Also, did you mean to include "by choice" in your last sentence?

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)  on  12/19  at  04:49 AM

I want to augment myself with giant mechanical arms like Doc Octopus? Or opt for two sets of eyes, and no nose? Will you shun me? – Or are there indeed limits to what we can define what it is to be human.

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