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Jesse Walker takes a last look at the late David Reimer, the infant guinea pig of sexology.
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|5.25.04 @ 3:26AM|#
I enjoyed the article, but find the header in H&R fairly tasteless, given the subject matter.
Jeff Clothier|5.25.04 @ 3:32AM|#
Paul,
You are familiar with the song from Monty Python's "Meaning of LIfe?" I agree, it's tasteless in this context, but apt, and I have to admit, darkly humorous.
|5.25.04 @ 3:39AM|#
Yes, I'm well aware of the song and can quote the whole thing. Well, *almost* the whole thing. I don't think the heading is grossly outrageous, but *is* tasteless, especially when dealing with someone's suicide.
|5.25.04 @ 3:41AM|#
That meets the definition of child abuse, if not outright torture, for a child to be subjected to that in his formative years.
Sometimes H&R headlines are in poor taste, but at least it's not the NY Post.
|5.25.04 @ 3:43AM|#
That meets the definition of child abuse, if not outright torture, for a child to be subjected to that in his formative years.
Sometimes H&R headlines are in poor taste, but at least it's not the NY Post.
|5.25.04 @ 3:50AM|#
My prayers go out to Reiner.
However, Dr. Reiner proves that communist or fascist, authoritarians are evil assholes.
|5.25.04 @ 5:16AM|#
In the nature nurture debate I believe the most interesting fact being left out is the fact that this poor man's twin brother also committed suicide. Thus, eventhough his brother was not horribly disfigured he too committed suicide.
Also, I have watched several tv shows on the subject of transgenered indiviguals and while it is clear that today the best thing to do for the child is to fix any immediate medical problem (ie make sure the kid can pee without pain) and leave any cosmetic surgery for later when the child or by then young adult can make a hopefully well informed decision.
Yet, frequently these articles imply a form of child abuse committed by parents or doctors. I truly feel for these parents, they are trying to make what they believe to be the best decisions for their children. I honestly don't believe that parents go out of their way to damage their children. For example, many of our parents forced us to be members of the "clean plate" club and as a partial result obesity is rampant in this country. Given the limited knowledge and resources of individuals, I think it is a mistake to blame the parents for some of these decisions.
I do not however excuse these "researchers." One of the most important realization to come out of science in the past couple of decades is the fact that "hard" sciences as well as the "soft" sciences are rife with the exact same biases. Thus, it seems clear that only over long period of time, with good peer review and, replication of studies can the science win out over the pseudo science.
Regards
Joe
|5.25.04 @ 5:34AM|#
In the nature nurture debate I believe the most interesting fact being left out is the fact that this poor man's twin brother also committed suicide. Thus, eventhough his brother was not horribly disfigured he too committed suicide.
Also, I have watched several tv shows on the subject of transgenered indiviguals and while it is clear that today the best thing to do for the child is to fix any immediate medical problem (ie make sure the kid can pee without pain) and leave any cosmetic surgery for later when the child or by then young adult can make a hopefully well informed decision.
Yet, frequently these articles imply a form of child abuse committed by parents or doctors. I truly feel for these parents, they are trying to make what they believe to be the best decisions for their children. I honestly don't believe that parents go out of their way to damage their children. For example, many of our parents forced us to be members of the "clean plate" club and as a partial result obesity is rampant in this country. Given the limited knowledge and resources of individuals, I think it is a mistake to blame the parents for some of these decisions.
I do not however excuse these "researchers." One of the most important realization to come out of science in the past couple of decades is the fact that "hard" sciences as well as the "soft" sciences are rife with the exact same biases. Thus, it seems clear that only over long period of time, with good peer review and, replication of studies can the science win out over the pseudo science.
Regards
Joe
|5.25.04 @ 7:40AM|#
An interesting point that was not brought up yet is whether any baby boy should have his penis surgically altered for cosmetic reasons. Despite the fact that the destruction of the penis in this operation is very rare (along with death of the infant from the procedure), is it a rights violation to remove part of his penis for obscure cultural and "cosmetic" reasons? Does the same answer apply to little girls?
Jesse Walker|5.25.04 @ 8:06AM|#
Joe-Dokes: I agree with you about what constitutes "the best thing to do for the child." That is also the position of the Intersex Society of North America, the group I alluded to in my article. Here's its site, which includes a lot of interesting information:
http://www.isna.org/drupal/index.php
|5.25.04 @ 8:38AM|#
Well..with regard to the cosmetic and cultural removal of....hell, let's just call it circumcision (fer chrissakes that's what it is), at least you can't beat up the Catholics on that one. :)
|5.25.04 @ 8:53AM|#
Jesse, that is extremely disturbing, even moreso in the second reading--probably the most disturbing piece I've seen since Brian did the shock therapy gone horribly wrong article.
Disturbing isn't a strong enough word. Even within the context of the era it is barbaric and so in keeping with what I hated the most about 60's & 70's pyschobabble.
The fact that the parents allowed themselves to be pressured/bamboozled/manipulated (you pick) in the guise of solving a legit medical problem is almost beyond comprehension.
But the larger lesson is this: What kind of modern expertise, passing for the latest, best, and most advanced treatments will be, in retrospect, seen as barbarism 30 years hence?
A healthy dose of skepticism is in order in every aspect of life, but when it's your child, vigiliance is a sacred trust.
|5.26.04 @ 6:21AM|#
"What kind of modern expertise, passing for the latest, best, and most advanced treatments will be, in retrospect, seen as barbarism 30 years hence?"
At this point I'll vote for the mass drugging of children who allegedly have "Attention Deficit Disorder."
|5.26.04 @ 6:35AM|#
For added interest...
this
and
this
|5.26.04 @ 7:14AM|#
Mr Fletcher, I concur.
Ritalin: So much easier than parenting.
|5.26.04 @ 10:47AM|#
i'm with douglas on that one.
one nation under