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tapu · 07-20-2011, 08:04 PM

One of Us: Conjoined Twins and the Future of Normal

by Alice Domurat Dreger

From tapu
The review below summarizes the overarching theme. I would add that this is a mind-boggling treatment of self-identity. The topic of developing and maintaining healthy identity in circumstances of genetic disability is ratcheted up a notch here, with each conjoined twin displaying a separate self, fierce in the expression of individuality. I love, love, love this book.

From Publishers Weekly
Analyzing case studies past and present, Dormurat Dreger, an associate professor of science and technology at Michigan State, questions assumptions about anatomical norms in an exploration of separation surgery on conjoined twins. Providing historical and contemporary evidence that most adult conjoined twins do not desire to be separated, and that many surgeries are carried out on children too young to object, Dormurat Dreger voices distaste for Americans' failure to tolerate anatomical difference and instead fetishize individualism at all cost.

Making ample use of her previous study of hermaphrodites, she likens separation surgery to reconstructive surgery on the sexually ambiguous genitalia of "intersex" children. Both types of surgery, she argues, share the dubious social rather than strictly medical goal of making such children appear more "normal."

****Points if you know where the title comes from****

07-20-2011, 08:04 PM	#798
tapu Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Understated butch. Preferred Pronoun?: I Relationship Status: Party of One Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Maine Posts: 1,654 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 1,324 Thanked 3,115 Times in 1,103 Posts Rep Power: 21474852	One of Us: Conjoined Twins and the Future of Normal by Alice Domurat Dreger From tapu The review below summarizes the overarching theme. I would add that this is a mind-boggling treatment of self-identity. The topic of developing and maintaining healthy identity in circumstances of genetic disability is ratcheted up a notch here, with each conjoined twin displaying a separate self, fierce in the expression of individuality. I love, love, love this book. From Publishers Weekly Analyzing case studies past and present, Dormurat Dreger, an associate professor of science and technology at Michigan State, questions assumptions about anatomical norms in an exploration of separation surgery on conjoined twins. Providing historical and contemporary evidence that most adult conjoined twins do not desire to be separated, and that many surgeries are carried out on children too young to object, Dormurat Dreger voices distaste for Americans' failure to tolerate anatomical difference and instead fetishize individualism at all cost. Making ample use of her previous study of hermaphrodites, she likens separation surgery to reconstructive surgery on the sexually ambiguous genitalia of "intersex" children. Both types of surgery, she argues, share the dubious social rather than strictly medical goal of making such children appear more "normal." **Points if you know where the title comes from** __________________ Really? That's not funny to you?