Letters to the Editor

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FEELING BLUE ABOUT BODIES

In his most recent Vue article ("Queermonton: Body politic," Jan 7 – 13, 2010), Lucas Crawford takes issue with Avatar and its failure to provide an accurate depiction of the main character's newly paraplegic body. Unfortunately, the main crux of Crawford's argument rests on faulty logic.
Crawford argues that Avatar tries to reassure able-bodied people that a physical disability does not merit positive value in anyone's life and that this somehow translates to an anti-queer motif. However, underpinning this argument is the massively self-centered assumption that all "queer" bodies are the result of the same process. Crawford surprisingly left the idea of choice out of the equation.
Jake did not choose his disability, and his character's enthusiasm with receiving "new legs" reflects the many real-world attempts at rehabilitating a person's body after a debilitating accident. To assume that this body type should fall into the hypocritical categorization of "queer" amongst those who have the choice to alter their bodies is ridiculous. In fact, if one looks again, I am sure they will find that James Cameron did a service to those affected by a disability by accurately portraying the main character as fearless and open-minded, showing that the strength of the mind has nothing to do with the ability of the body.
Nick Pilfold

ALL VACCINES HAVE RISK

Connie Howard should be grateful that a vaccine such as Gardasil is available ("Well Well Well: Vaccination," Jan 7 – 13, 2010). I hope she never has to hear the terrifying news that her pap smear showed abnormalities and she has to go for a colposcopy. If and when that ever happens, believe me, she'll be begging for the vaccine.
No vaccines are without risk. Why is Gardasil getting such a bad rap? Would Ms. Howard have taken the polio vaccine years ago when testing was much inferior than it is today? My guess is that she would have.
Is she also dead against Twinrix for Hep A and B? Ms. Howard should do some research on that and see how much testing was done and what the adverse side effects could be.
Do-gooders like Connie Howard make me sick. Every vaccine causes some risk. Big deal. You either get it or you don't. It's up to the individual. I've had it and I'm getting it again in five years, and I'm in my 40s. I'm also getting Cervarix. Thanks for reminding me.
Gillian Linard

VEGANISM ISN'T SUSTAINABLE

In regards to Connie Howard's article on vegan diets ("Unwelcome news to vegans," Nov 26 – Dec 2, 2009), I just wanted to say very good article and good attitude.
I was a vegan for 16 years and I believe I gave it enough time. I was eating raw the last 16 months and pretty much eating the paleo way now.
My ex-wife and I experienced the same sort-of thing as Lierre before we had heard of her. I believe this is somewhat common.
I agree with you. One should do what works for oneself. Perhaps going vegan did me some good in some ways. Veganism may be good for some people at certain times. I simply argue it is not sustainable long-term.
BARRY BLISS

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