Prosthetic limbs enter the cyber age
There's a fascinating article in Monday's New York Times, all about a new trend amongst people with prosthetic limbs. We've apparently entered the age of , in which people - especially young men - are choosing to keep the metal and electronics of their limbs exposed for all to see, even polishing and enhancing them, rather than having them modelled to appear more human.
The article makes a number of 'cyborg' references when discussing this powerful new (fashion?) statement. "There is a kind of cyborg consciousness, a fluidity at the boundaries of what is flesh and what is machine, that has happened behind our backs," says one commenter, whilst another calls these prosthetic limbs "Terminator legs". And because we are so used to seeing people carrying around personal technology these days - whether that's mobiles, MP3 players or laptops - it's seemingly not such a big deal to see young men recharging their limbs' batteries in public or plugging their prosthetics into their computers to recharge their software.
I'd be intrigued to know what you think of this trend, even whether you've seen it yourself - particularly in the UK. Or is this just an American phenomenon so far?
Comments
In response to Liz Sheppard my answer is that I would be objecting to their exhibitionism, but if I did go out with a bloke with a false limb I would take my time to get used to the fact he has one.
I think it's a step forward. For decades people with prosthetic limbs have been expected to blend in with able-bodied people so that their disability can be disguised and avoided. This is a chance for their difference to be visible and seen as positive and unique. It's a personal choice whether you want your limb on view, but I think for those that do this is a really positive move.
I have had chronic arthritis for nearly 46 years, leaving me partially blind and full of joints that are wearing out, have ceased to work or are replacements - which aren't all they are cracked up to be. I have often dreamed of having a shiny pair of prosthetics, if only to get shot of the constant pain. I dont think the legs are going to be "terminated" and false pegs are going to happen but if they did I am not sure I would want to wear them like a badge. They would be my tools for getting from a to b, up and down stairs and for showing off my designer trainers - well, maybe not the trainers, as I am about as fashion conscious as Micheal Foot, I may well consider wearing my eye spare eye prosthesis as an earing though and ask my friend to use his teeth as castanets, as a sign of support to the conspicuous false parts brigade. As Paul Young said "Every time you go away, you take a piece of me with you - and I really wish you would bring my legs back" Does Ouch need a controversial crip columnist?
Katie - are you objecting to their prosthetic limb or their exhibitionism?
I think it's a great thing - why hide them? Call it Crip Bling!
Why not show 'em off. It's part of you, it's who you are, and it's far from exhibitionism. Just because a person wears a prosthetic why shouldn't they wear a pair of shorts. Or maybe they should stay indoors and not go out!!! And if people stare let them. It says more about them and their lack of awareness than anything else. I wear a leg brace and I put my shorts on in about March. I wear them for comfort not because I am shouting from the roof tops about being disabled. If I had a prosthetic I'd be doing the same thing. Bring it on!!
2006 right? I can not belive some of the things I am reading here. I got hit by a car my left leg is useless to me, I have tried 3 years to run or at least do some sports. Next week I cut the leg off. Now lets see I can spend $2000 to make it look nice or I can use that money so I can have a leg that works, I will run, ride a bike maybe even surf again. So if u or anyone dose not like my metal leg I could careless I want to live again. This is not ment to be mean, I just can not understand the big deal poeple should be happy for poeple like me.
2006 right? I can not belive some of the things I am reading here. I got hit by a car my left leg is useless to me, I have tried 3 years to run or at least do some sports. Next week I cut the leg off. Now lets see I can spend $2000 to make it look nice or I can use that money so I can have a leg that works, I will run, ride a bike maybe even surf again. So if u or anyone dose not like my metal leg I could careless I want to live again. This is not ment to be mean, I just can not understand the big deal poeple should be happy for poeple like me.
Hi, my son olie is 3 and has an above knee prosthetic limb which is exposted, the reason for it not being cosmeticly covered is so that it is functional. He can kneel down, climb and run somewhat which he would be unable to do if the leg was covered, as it would restrict movement in the knee joint. I feel it is so important to have function rather than looks. Olie is very proud of his prosthetic leg, and i'm very proud of him.