Closer to Fine, Even without a Foot

Only the footless knows the blessings of the feet.

But then, of course, there are the exceptions of those who have body dysmorphia, who feel that their feet are deeply burdensome. I have a certain disagreement with the word "dysmorphia" because of the "dys-" prefix because by dictionary definition, it means "bad,"

ASIDE: Before you object to my "political correctness," please know that I have only a small, but deep incentive to be politically correct. I belong in large part to a community that abhors how rampant political correctness is -- to the tune of feeling that they are unable to express any new ideas because someone is ready to jump all over them when a word "taken" in the wrong context and spirit. I have great empathy for this frustration because I inherently have a desire to express myself and believe that others share this desire, too. I know what it's like to be verbally attacked because I used a word they were offended by. My incentive to be politically correct is only in the spirit of deeply communicating with people I value -- so that my ideas will be accepted and considered, so that they will respond in kind with their ideas, and so that we can both benefit from the process of knowledge sharing.

Video documentary on body dysmorphia.

My disagreement with the prefix dys- in dysmorphia comes from the ambiguity inherent in the word; it's so easy for people to confuse what the meaning of "bad" is directed at exactly: the person? the condition? the limb?

Don't we as a species have not an obligation, but the honor of helping others achieve their deepest desires and dreams as long as it doesn't harm or burden anyone else?

And then again, how can we be absolutely sure that harm and burden are completely avoided -- ever?

I understand the feelings that people have with body dysmorphia:

The doctor says, "What if, in my best intentions to heal, I proceed to amputate and the patient returns and says they made a mistake -- they want their foot back, and maybe worse, wants to sue me for it." *Notice the fear of losing the life's work.

The religious community says, "If we are supposed to feel grateful with what we already have, how can someone who does not and cannot feel blessed for their foot (no matter how hard they try), fit into our community?" *Notice the directive of "supposed to."

The government says, "We have a commitment to provide aid to those who cannot do for themselves. How do we handle the paradoxical situation where someone would actually become "more able" with the removal of their foot?" *Notice the underlying belief surrounding "ability" and what it means to be "able."

Some folks without a foot might say, "How dare you want your foot removed when I cannot have one of my own!" Others might say, "I can't imagine why you'd want to make your life more difficult, but go right ahead." And still others might say, "Jump on in! The water's just fine." *Notice the varying degrees of contentment with their own situations.

These last people of whom I speak...they are swimming in the pool of my happiest dreams. And my wish for everyone is to have an experience like that.

Closer to Fine (lyrics) -- Indigo Girls.
Closer to Fine (music video) -- Indigo Girls.