Discussion The Black Alien Project. Extreme Body Modification and the conundrum of consent.

[Forever Sleep]

Reading a post by @Cauliflour made me remember this case. It's not quite the same though, so I thought I'd start a new thread.

Growing fascination with body mutilation

It kinda scares me how much I want to stab myself and burn myself and basically fuck up my body lol. I guess it's guilt cause people have complimented me on my appearance throughout my life...but like a nice, thick line of stitches on the side of the torso would look so hot and feel so hot in...

sanctioned-suicide.net

Anthony Loffredo intended to transform his body into something more alien by use of extreme modification. Including the amputation of fingers, ears, extreme tattooing and dyeing and implants and the planned amputation of a leg. I believe now, he has chosen to abandon the project. Here is a documentary on him though:



I think this is really interesting though- because it throws up all sorts of issues concerning consent. Obviously, the removal of limbs are effectively life changing 'injuries' so- where do we sit morally? Is freedom to choose how we look paramount? Even if it affects our health and quality of life directly? I imagine a lot of surgeons will simply refuse to remove healthy limbs. I just find it interesting though. Some reports say that he now regrets elements of his transformation. So- should people be free to 'hurt' themselves? Should they be aided to? Even though they may well regret it later?

 

[Pluto]

 

[Cauliflour]

Oh hey it's me!

It's interesting cause I'm one of those people who will say to your face if your tattoo or plastic surgery is stupid but then I guess that makes me a hypocrite considering I treat self harm scars as some kind of fucked up body art. Yeah I guess I'll look back in 20 years time wondering what the fuck I did to myself, but then again I also probably won't be alive in 20 years time so I guess it doesn't matter much. I have no intention on "healing" (especially because nobody will bloody listen to my motive in the first place) so I guess it's something I won't have to think about unless something big happens.

 

[OvercastingClouds]

Nah, personally for me, I say let people do whatever they want with their appearance if that's what they really want. When it comes to something like removing limbs, that's a...very extreme choice and probably be sure like they're REALLY sure about that decision and if there's like no mental stuff coming into play here.
Otherwise I let them go ham. People with extreme body modifications, others may criticize it and judge, but I find it incredibly unique and interesting, otherwise cool.
Maybe that's just me viewing things from an artist/character design perspective but I like when people change their appearance and really stand out above the rest, it looks so cool to me. Whether that be someone completely covered head to toe in tattoos (which people already judge harshly), to I guess removing limbs?
Yes! Keep designing your irl character, I love to see it LOL