In my last blog, I wrote about the kids edition of "Ugly." Today, I'm writing about the adult version that brings up a complicated lookism issue: can we be butt-ugly honest about the role of looks in society?Ugly & Lookism.First, let's hear from the "subject" of this inquiry, Robert Hoge.To hear Hoge tell it, he was born with a giant tumor on his forehead, severely distorted facial features, and legs that were twisted and almost useless. His mother refused to look at him when he was born, … [Read more...]
Lookism couldn’t defeat the author of “Ugly.”
Googled for books with "ugly" in their title the other day. Here's what I found. Go here for blurbs about some of the "ugly" books. (Who said you can't judge a book by its cover?)Besides the Ugly Face Booth and Confessions of an Ugly Girl, a book simply called Ugly caught my eye.The author, an Australian, had a large tumor on his face at birth and deformed legs. At first, his own mother abandoned him in the hospital, wishing he would die. The book is about Robert Hoge's life growing up … [Read more...]
Mother’s Day pics prove cleft lip isn’t always genetic.
No cleft lip or palate in son.Couldn't resist indulging in a little family boosterism this Mother's Day. The first pic shows two favorites of mine doing the Mother-Son Dance at John's recent wedding in Massachusetts. No cleft lip in daughter either.My clefts were caused mostly by environmental factors (likely a vitamin B deficiency, but no one knows). A slight genetic predisposition might have rounded out the nurture-nature combo that's usually in play with clefts. … [Read more...]
Does this icon look bullied?
Am pleased to announce that two more of my paintings have been added to the Gallery on KarlSchonborn.com. Please click on the Paintings tab to see Beaver Cleaver and Shirley Temple.Cyberbullying.Glad that cyberbullying wasn't around back then! … [Read more...]
Time to buy Cleft Heart: Chasing Normal.
Gentle Reader, As they say in radio, we've got to go to a commercial break now and then to pay the rent and keep the lights on. Since I'm not used to being a shameless promoter, I'll list some comments readers have used for Cleft Heart. They come in large part from Amazon review headings:“A Powerful and Moving Memoir”“Awesome book about overcoming obstacles”“Felt like I lived it”"Unless allowed a 6th star, I cannot recommend it more highly”“And ‘David slew his Goliaths.’ ”Artful rendition of … [Read more...]
Lookism in online dating? Likely.
This exchange between an unhappy online-dating fellow and an advice columnist is telling. It reveals much about lookism and modern life, especially in and around Manchester, England where the Guardian is based. During two sabbaticals there, I learned how vibrant the youth and dating culture is in Manchester. Oasis and many other pop music groups sprang from the city in northern England that boasts the most college students of any city in England.Lookism advice for the lovelorn?Dear Abby, I mean, … [Read more...]
Cleft palate defect doubles with Zofran drug.
Another anti-nausea morning sickness drug in trouble? Thalidomide* all over again? Cleft palate causation is elusive, complex., and multifactorial. Thus, it's news when a single factor seems to have this much of an impact. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJD5GTypNCA&feature=youtu.be Cleft palate condition doubles with Zofran. Here's a recent press release that bears on cleft palate etiology:" ZofranLegal.com reports on concerning results of several studies which appear to … [Read more...]