You missed the first part of my statement which is that I'm not sure if it is.
I'd say that, yes, the phantom limb would be a mental illness. However, the assumption that mental illness is any different than a physical ailment (for social acceptability) is absurd. We don't judge someone with a degenerative spinal illness, we don't judge someone with diabetes, and we don't judge people who have lost a limb. Why the hell we insist on judging people who are mentally ill is beyond me and something that we, as a society, need to fix.
Now on to your next questions... They're good ones - thanks.
I don't think one needs to assume that one is right and the other is wrong. I think that people should be allowed to fill the rolls they feel most suited for without regards to their physical gender. In other words, I don't think society should be the one pressuring people to comply with these backwards and outdated senses of self and gender. We should be past that by now but, unfortunately, we're not. I don't think someone should feel compelled to have an invasive and dangerous surgery when they could possibly live their life in the manner that makes them happy without having to resort to such drastic measures.
To the last question, I am not (by any means) an expert in the field but I have done quite a lot of reading and I have been interested in the subject for quite some time. We don't really understand the brain that well at all, my interests come in at the point of AI and we'll touch on that in a moment, but they seem to exist for a few reasons. One of the reasons is a mixed messaging system in their brain. They don't regard themselves as having the mentality that matches their physical self. Another is genetics where some damage or change was made which results in the body not matching what their genes say. Another is physical anomalies which result in people who have mixed genitalia or sometimes no genitalia at all. As for the question of why, my understanding is that there are a number of reasons that this happens from damage to genes to some chemical change that results in genes that make no sense - someone posted a list of combinations in the thread and that is interesting to think about.
Now, from my own perspective it comes as a matter of curiosity which began back when I was looking into AI and the plausibility of doing it right. Our understanding of the brain is so poor that, for example, a good number of the psychiatric drugs specifically state that they do not know why they work. We have yet to figure out the brain and I think that we're going to have to do that before we can do anything other than mimic human thinking. Mimicking human thinking is not, to me, the same as AI. For AI to be real we're going to have to actually make a brain and this is going to require a lot more study. My understanding is that there is new technology, fMRI is the technology which I speak of, and that is helping us to better map the brain. Mapping isn't going to be enough, we're still going to have to figure out the why...
Anyhow, to return to the topic at hand more directly, it is something that we just don't know yet. We can speculate and make educated guesses but we really aren't certain.
I do all sorts of things I shouldn't do. The karma can take a hit (or twenty) and it is sometimes worth it to make a point. An example of people doing so would be your feeling compelled to carry on with the off-topic discussion to determine what I should and shouldn't post.
One needn't be "useful" in every regard to be beneficial. The benefits are a more tranquil society, a happier society, a healthier society. Well, assuming that it is actually beneficial which is, as I mentioned, still subject to debate. Gays can't (by themselves) create a child but they can rear a child that was otherwise unwanted or likely to be given an upbringing that had a higher potential of the child becoming a drain on society instead of a benefit to society. That is one example where reproduction isn't required for something to be good for society.
What is unfortunate is that when using the term "mental illness" it automatically brings with it a stigma in so many people's views. They don't get nearly the same reaction when they mention something like diabetic. It isn't as if this is something they chose to have, it's straight up horrifying from my understanding. Nobody wakes up and says, "Well, today I'm going to take on the threats, the violence, the bigotry, and declare myself as having a gender disorder for the attention." (Well, if they do they have other more pressing mental health needs that should be attended to.)
Again, the term isn't my own and it is not I who brings the connotations of mental health issues being any different, worse, or a reason to be bothered. If you bring that baggage with you then that's your fault. I have neither time, inclination, a right, or ability to control the thoughts of others.
Yeah, it makes sense. The duration seems to have nothing to do with it. I always figured that the differences in keying and the varied states made it analog. 'Tis not every day that I get to learn something new so much appreciated.
Ah! I see... No, sorry - I'm not advocating either. It just seems drastic to do gender reassignment surgeries (and the inherent health risks) with all the many things that can (and do) go wrong in hospitals. I feel that it should be up to the person who's getting reassigned and their physician but it seems far more invasive than counseling or therapy.
I can see, though, where it may be healthier to reassign the body instead of attempting to cure it with some sort of psychotherapy drug. Those drugs have some nasty side effects and can do some long term damage. We really don't understand the brain well at all. What's scary is, if you read some of those drugs - in the doctor's information, they clearly state that they don't know how they work! That, by itself, is scary so I can certainly see where you're coming from.
Let me again state that it seems more invasive (this is a physical thing) to alter the body to such a drastic degree for what is essentially a mental health issue. Unfortunately, I think the "cure" is at the societal level where we'll need to convince people to stop being ignorant and allow them to fill whatever roll they feel they're most suited for. Ideally one would not need to feel obligated to change their gender if they could just live life representing themselves as who they are without regards to the contents of their genital region.
LOL Don't go confusing me any more than is required. I figured that it was analog because it was on, off, on for a longer duration (thus three states) and because the individual who keys the code is different (I guess that some folks are so unique that they can be identified by their key style) and that difference would make it analog. I have learned something (somethings) new though and that's valuable.
They don't have to use other, other can be used by those who want to use it. You're really looking to find a reason to be outraged, I'm sorry but I'm not going to give you that reason. You can elect to find it in what I say but, frankly, you'll have to stretch quite a bit to do so. You're probably better served by seeking your outrage elsewhere but you're free to continue to try to pin it on me. I've got big shoulders, I can handle it.
That doesn't change the author's point. They are valid concerns and your post is certainly interesting but it doesn't change their point nor my response to it.
I saw the length of your post before I read it and promised myself that I would read it, in its entirety, to be sure that I grasped it all before I made any replies. I'm glad that I did and I'm equally glad that you took the time and effort to author it. I am not qualified to speak a great deal about much of anything that you said and that is unfortunate because I feel compelled to speak on some of those topics.
It is unfortunate that you will end up living your life in fear or, well, living a good portion of it in fear as you go through the transition. As this becomes more socially acceptable and as it becomes more "normal" I think the judgement and threats will ease up. It will take time and, on your end, it will take courage. If, for no other reason, you feel compelled to suicide then you'd be wasting what courage you've already used up. That would be unfortunate but, and again I am not qualified to speak on this subject, it would be understandable.
See, from my own views I hold that the highest form of freedom a person can have is control over their own body. I hold too, obviously, that the highest form of liberty one can have is a government and society that endorses those freedoms however, such is not the case. To be clear and to avoid confusion I'll share an oft quoted statement that I make concerning the difference between freedom and liberty.
I am free to kill you. I am not at liberty to do so.
Therein lies the difference and the difference is large. People seem inclined to either not know the difference, assume the words mean the same, or simply don't appear to know what liberty is.
I say that because, frankly, I support your right to end your life. If the struggle is overwhelming and is too much for you and you wish to do so then, by all means, I'd not judge you because of it. Please, please, do not take that as advocating your suicide or suggesting that you do so. It is simply me stating that, in my humble opinion, you should be at liberty to do so and there should be easy, socially acceptable, effective, and "safe" means to accomplish the task. Again, please don't think I'm advocating your suicide. I'm actually hoping that you take it as a sign that you needn't do so but also to know that I understand the ideation and support your right to do so.
As I was reading I was wondering how much comfort and sense of pride you may have had from posting this under your real username? I was curious about how that would have impacted you. I figured it would be difficult to do so and that it was not necessarily a good idea for some very obvious and unfortunate reasons. You did attach an email address, I'd be aware that such could potentially be tied to your account if you use it elsewhere or have it tied to any public-facing information. It, obviously, isn't something I'll be looking into but there are pathetic folks who might.
I don't have much in my personal life that I can compare to your experiences. I'm mixed racially and that has been the cause of problems a number of times but I've always been able to just knock 'em in the teeth and resolve that when words or deeds weren't enough to get people to judge me for who I am. I've questioned that (being mixed racially), I've been angry with my parents, I've been uncomfortable in my own skin, and I've hated who I am but I've always been able to kick that to the curb and continue life as I had before.
Well, maybe not... I'm a druggie. I use illicit drugs to make my life more enjoyable. I do so in a responsible manner and commit no additional crimes other than purchasing, possessing, and transporting. I'm a social outcast among the normal folks if they find out about it. Yet, really, I don't think I'm in a minority group because of it. It seems that many folks use though a huge part of that is confirmation bias as, of course, the people I associate with are often like-minded folk. I guess you could call them a support group but I don't think we qualify as such. This grouping is, unlike yours, one of my own choosing. It i
Holy shit! I was left handed but my teacher forced me to use my right hand to write (way back in kindergarten) and so I've used my right hand since but there was no beating or knuckle wrapping involved.
Now to read the entirety of the giant text above.:)
Yes, yes I'll read it all. *sighs* I woke up to a million and three replies. LOL It's all good though, it will occupy my afternoon.
I do not believe so but I've never encountered this. I suspect that they'll find themselves in a men's facility. In order to protect the females (it seems) the default is to place folks in the men's facility. In your query the subject was still male even though they lacked male genitalia. As such, I'm pretty sure they'll end up in a male facility.
I can not be certain but it appears that they may have taken my advice and recused themselves from the conversation. Just because they don't like it hardly makes it stupid. It's actually quite effective marketing and thus it is done for a reason. So much effort is spent in attempting to deny who we are simply to appease a vocal minority. Those resources could be used for far greater things.
I value learning? I don't have a small ego either I suppose. I don't ignore those who disagree with me - in fact I give them more attention. How else am I going to learn anything? I may have aged but that doesn't mean that I've learned all there is to learn. Either way, I appreciate the compliment and maybe it will impact other people? Admitting mistakes and learning from them is a part of growth, it is possible (even enjoyable) to be mistaken once in a while and to learn from it.
Anyhow, thank you for the compliment and for noticing. I have, indeed, witnessed folk who would deny their mistake even in the face of insurmountable evidence to the contrary. I'm not sure what motivates them but I assume that it is ego. Frankly, we're online. This is the ONE place where you can be completely and totally honest. It is strange, really, that people see it as the other way around. Ah well, I'd rather avoid digressing into the novella realm.
No, no I don't think I was harsh at all. No more matter-of-fact than I always am which may be taken as harsh but text doesn't convey that very well. I'm not, by nature, a harsh person nor am I one who's ego is such that I must be right. I'm not interested in trolling and don't bother to say things to get a reply. I say what I mean, I mean what I say. If this seems harsh then I am unsure of what you need but I don't think you'll get those needs met by me. I am not intentionally harsh or anything but I could see why people would think so. Much of my "tone" comes from trying to avoid ambiguity because people have the tendency to attempt to argue and I'd rather avoid that entirely by saying exactly what I mean, only what I mean, in an articulate and clear manner. I try, I am not always successful.
I am here to learn. I am here to communicate with like-minded folk about subjects we find interesting. I am actually the guy who is able and willing to admit he's wrong. (Strangely this just happened recently, it got some kudos from folks as it is a rarity around here. See the telegraph thread if you're curious.) So, no, I'm not trolling nor am I ever trolling. Being accused, or having it hinted at, doesn't make me angry but it does mean that I'll reply. If that reply too seems harsh then, well, trust me when I say it is tempered and not intentionally harsh - you'll know when being abrasive is my goal.
Those are valid questions and seem to be quality questions. However, I'm an EE. I don't have answers to those questions.
I woke up with 21 replies to my messages. I went to bed with Slashdot not wanting me to type any more (saying I had used the resource too many times). I am not the wizard! I do not know.;)
Hmm... Now I have Ozzy running through my head. Stupid ear worm! "Don't ask me, I don't know!" *grins*
I really don't know but you do raise valid points. I suspect that it will be done via the genes themselves (as those are sure to carry through) and will not necessarily be tracked by gender? There is likely to be some confusion and those people may not get the treatment they need because of it.
Of course I'm subject to outside influence. What, pray tell, gave you an indication that I wasn't aware of that? It is others that I don't think are aware of it. I, myself, am aware of it. As for the drug usage? My choice to experiment made me aware of the euphoria offered and the pleasing sensations given by them. As for the BMW, it's not a matter of status or even of advertising as I'm not exposed to a great deal of it here. (I don't watch TV, don't have billboards, don't see them online, etc...) But it is a matter of quality. The bonus is that others are conditioned to think it means something more than it does. Really though, it is just a fine car built with quality parts and by motivated people. They're excellent vehicles that are reliable (albeit expensive to maintain) and offer quality performance at a level greater than many other vehicles. Those are measurable metrics.
I'd say we're risking letting perfect get in the way of good enough. We could probably do okay with "Other (See comments.)" But two axis is always nice.
They'd be in the center I suppose? I'm just trying to figure out how they could possibly do such on a scaled basis 'cause they presented the idea. Your own insanity is yours to bring to the party. I could care less about tracking, judging, or even marking them down in a database at all except for health care 'cause that's probably something their doctor should know about. You're hunting for things that aren't there and it makes you look silly.
You missed the first part of my statement which is that I'm not sure if it is.
I'd say that, yes, the phantom limb would be a mental illness. However, the assumption that mental illness is any different than a physical ailment (for social acceptability) is absurd. We don't judge someone with a degenerative spinal illness, we don't judge someone with diabetes, and we don't judge people who have lost a limb. Why the hell we insist on judging people who are mentally ill is beyond me and something that we, as a society, need to fix.
Now on to your next questions... They're good ones - thanks.
I don't think one needs to assume that one is right and the other is wrong. I think that people should be allowed to fill the rolls they feel most suited for without regards to their physical gender. In other words, I don't think society should be the one pressuring people to comply with these backwards and outdated senses of self and gender. We should be past that by now but, unfortunately, we're not. I don't think someone should feel compelled to have an invasive and dangerous surgery when they could possibly live their life in the manner that makes them happy without having to resort to such drastic measures.
To the last question, I am not (by any means) an expert in the field but I have done quite a lot of reading and I have been interested in the subject for quite some time. We don't really understand the brain that well at all, my interests come in at the point of AI and we'll touch on that in a moment, but they seem to exist for a few reasons. One of the reasons is a mixed messaging system in their brain. They don't regard themselves as having the mentality that matches their physical self. Another is genetics where some damage or change was made which results in the body not matching what their genes say. Another is physical anomalies which result in people who have mixed genitalia or sometimes no genitalia at all. As for the question of why, my understanding is that there are a number of reasons that this happens from damage to genes to some chemical change that results in genes that make no sense - someone posted a list of combinations in the thread and that is interesting to think about.
Now, from my own perspective it comes as a matter of curiosity which began back when I was looking into AI and the plausibility of doing it right. Our understanding of the brain is so poor that, for example, a good number of the psychiatric drugs specifically state that they do not know why they work. We have yet to figure out the brain and I think that we're going to have to do that before we can do anything other than mimic human thinking. Mimicking human thinking is not, to me, the same as AI. For AI to be real we're going to have to actually make a brain and this is going to require a lot more study. My understanding is that there is new technology, fMRI is the technology which I speak of, and that is helping us to better map the brain. Mapping isn't going to be enough, we're still going to have to figure out the why...
Anyhow, to return to the topic at hand more directly, it is something that we just don't know yet. We can speculate and make educated guesses but we really aren't certain.
Now that made me chuckle. As sort of on-topic... I can understand being gay but being bisexual is just being greedy.
I do all sorts of things I shouldn't do. The karma can take a hit (or twenty) and it is sometimes worth it to make a point. An example of people doing so would be your feeling compelled to carry on with the off-topic discussion to determine what I should and shouldn't post.
One needn't be "useful" in every regard to be beneficial. The benefits are a more tranquil society, a happier society, a healthier society. Well, assuming that it is actually beneficial which is, as I mentioned, still subject to debate. Gays can't (by themselves) create a child but they can rear a child that was otherwise unwanted or likely to be given an upbringing that had a higher potential of the child becoming a drain on society instead of a benefit to society. That is one example where reproduction isn't required for something to be good for society.
What is unfortunate is that when using the term "mental illness" it automatically brings with it a stigma in so many people's views. They don't get nearly the same reaction when they mention something like diabetic. It isn't as if this is something they chose to have, it's straight up horrifying from my understanding. Nobody wakes up and says, "Well, today I'm going to take on the threats, the violence, the bigotry, and declare myself as having a gender disorder for the attention." (Well, if they do they have other more pressing mental health needs that should be attended to.)
Again, the term isn't my own and it is not I who brings the connotations of mental health issues being any different, worse, or a reason to be bothered. If you bring that baggage with you then that's your fault. I have neither time, inclination, a right, or ability to control the thoughts of others.
Yeah, it makes sense. The duration seems to have nothing to do with it. I always figured that the differences in keying and the varied states made it analog. 'Tis not every day that I get to learn something new so much appreciated.
Ah! I see... No, sorry - I'm not advocating either. It just seems drastic to do gender reassignment surgeries (and the inherent health risks) with all the many things that can (and do) go wrong in hospitals. I feel that it should be up to the person who's getting reassigned and their physician but it seems far more invasive than counseling or therapy.
I can see, though, where it may be healthier to reassign the body instead of attempting to cure it with some sort of psychotherapy drug. Those drugs have some nasty side effects and can do some long term damage. We really don't understand the brain well at all. What's scary is, if you read some of those drugs - in the doctor's information, they clearly state that they don't know how they work! That, by itself, is scary so I can certainly see where you're coming from.
Let me again state that it seems more invasive (this is a physical thing) to alter the body to such a drastic degree for what is essentially a mental health issue. Unfortunately, I think the "cure" is at the societal level where we'll need to convince people to stop being ignorant and allow them to fill whatever roll they feel they're most suited for. Ideally one would not need to feel obligated to change their gender if they could just live life representing themselves as who they are without regards to the contents of their genital region.
Does that make more sense?
LOL Don't go confusing me any more than is required. I figured that it was analog because it was on, off, on for a longer duration (thus three states) and because the individual who keys the code is different (I guess that some folks are so unique that they can be identified by their key style) and that difference would make it analog. I have learned something (somethings) new though and that's valuable.
They don't have to use other, other can be used by those who want to use it. You're really looking to find a reason to be outraged, I'm sorry but I'm not going to give you that reason. You can elect to find it in what I say but, frankly, you'll have to stretch quite a bit to do so. You're probably better served by seeking your outrage elsewhere but you're free to continue to try to pin it on me. I've got big shoulders, I can handle it.
That doesn't change the author's point. They are valid concerns and your post is certainly interesting but it doesn't change their point nor my response to it.
I saw the length of your post before I read it and promised myself that I would read it, in its entirety, to be sure that I grasped it all before I made any replies. I'm glad that I did and I'm equally glad that you took the time and effort to author it. I am not qualified to speak a great deal about much of anything that you said and that is unfortunate because I feel compelled to speak on some of those topics.
It is unfortunate that you will end up living your life in fear or, well, living a good portion of it in fear as you go through the transition. As this becomes more socially acceptable and as it becomes more "normal" I think the judgement and threats will ease up. It will take time and, on your end, it will take courage. If, for no other reason, you feel compelled to suicide then you'd be wasting what courage you've already used up. That would be unfortunate but, and again I am not qualified to speak on this subject, it would be understandable.
See, from my own views I hold that the highest form of freedom a person can have is control over their own body. I hold too, obviously, that the highest form of liberty one can have is a government and society that endorses those freedoms however, such is not the case. To be clear and to avoid confusion I'll share an oft quoted statement that I make concerning the difference between freedom and liberty.
I am free to kill you.
I am not at liberty to do so.
Therein lies the difference and the difference is large. People seem inclined to either not know the difference, assume the words mean the same, or simply don't appear to know what liberty is.
I say that because, frankly, I support your right to end your life. If the struggle is overwhelming and is too much for you and you wish to do so then, by all means, I'd not judge you because of it. Please, please, do not take that as advocating your suicide or suggesting that you do so. It is simply me stating that, in my humble opinion, you should be at liberty to do so and there should be easy, socially acceptable, effective, and "safe" means to accomplish the task. Again, please don't think I'm advocating your suicide. I'm actually hoping that you take it as a sign that you needn't do so but also to know that I understand the ideation and support your right to do so.
As I was reading I was wondering how much comfort and sense of pride you may have had from posting this under your real username? I was curious about how that would have impacted you. I figured it would be difficult to do so and that it was not necessarily a good idea for some very obvious and unfortunate reasons. You did attach an email address, I'd be aware that such could potentially be tied to your account if you use it elsewhere or have it tied to any public-facing information. It, obviously, isn't something I'll be looking into but there are pathetic folks who might.
I don't have much in my personal life that I can compare to your experiences. I'm mixed racially and that has been the cause of problems a number of times but I've always been able to just knock 'em in the teeth and resolve that when words or deeds weren't enough to get people to judge me for who I am. I've questioned that (being mixed racially), I've been angry with my parents, I've been uncomfortable in my own skin, and I've hated who I am but I've always been able to kick that to the curb and continue life as I had before.
Well, maybe not... I'm a druggie. I use illicit drugs to make my life more enjoyable. I do so in a responsible manner and commit no additional crimes other than purchasing, possessing, and transporting. I'm a social outcast among the normal folks if they find out about it. Yet, really, I don't think I'm in a minority group because of it. It seems that many folks use though a huge part of that is confirmation bias as, of course, the people I associate with are often like-minded folk. I guess you could call them a support group but I don't think we qualify as such. This grouping is, unlike yours, one of my own choosing. It i
Holy shit! I was left handed but my teacher forced me to use my right hand to write (way back in kindergarten) and so I've used my right hand since but there was no beating or knuckle wrapping involved.
Now to read the entirety of the giant text above. :)
Yes, yes I'll read it all. *sighs* I woke up to a million and three replies. LOL It's all good though, it will occupy my afternoon.
I do not believe so but I've never encountered this. I suspect that they'll find themselves in a men's facility. In order to protect the females (it seems) the default is to place folks in the men's facility. In your query the subject was still male even though they lacked male genitalia. As such, I'm pretty sure they'll end up in a male facility.
I can not be certain but it appears that they may have taken my advice and recused themselves from the conversation. Just because they don't like it hardly makes it stupid. It's actually quite effective marketing and thus it is done for a reason. So much effort is spent in attempting to deny who we are simply to appease a vocal minority. Those resources could be used for far greater things.
I value learning? I don't have a small ego either I suppose. I don't ignore those who disagree with me - in fact I give them more attention. How else am I going to learn anything? I may have aged but that doesn't mean that I've learned all there is to learn. Either way, I appreciate the compliment and maybe it will impact other people? Admitting mistakes and learning from them is a part of growth, it is possible (even enjoyable) to be mistaken once in a while and to learn from it.
Anyhow, thank you for the compliment and for noticing. I have, indeed, witnessed folk who would deny their mistake even in the face of insurmountable evidence to the contrary. I'm not sure what motivates them but I assume that it is ego. Frankly, we're online. This is the ONE place where you can be completely and totally honest. It is strange, really, that people see it as the other way around. Ah well, I'd rather avoid digressing into the novella realm.
No, no I don't think I was harsh at all. No more matter-of-fact than I always am which may be taken as harsh but text doesn't convey that very well. I'm not, by nature, a harsh person nor am I one who's ego is such that I must be right. I'm not interested in trolling and don't bother to say things to get a reply. I say what I mean, I mean what I say. If this seems harsh then I am unsure of what you need but I don't think you'll get those needs met by me. I am not intentionally harsh or anything but I could see why people would think so. Much of my "tone" comes from trying to avoid ambiguity because people have the tendency to attempt to argue and I'd rather avoid that entirely by saying exactly what I mean, only what I mean, in an articulate and clear manner. I try, I am not always successful.
I am here to learn. I am here to communicate with like-minded folk about subjects we find interesting. I am actually the guy who is able and willing to admit he's wrong. (Strangely this just happened recently, it got some kudos from folks as it is a rarity around here. See the telegraph thread if you're curious.) So, no, I'm not trolling nor am I ever trolling. Being accused, or having it hinted at, doesn't make me angry but it does mean that I'll reply. If that reply too seems harsh then, well, trust me when I say it is tempered and not intentionally harsh - you'll know when being abrasive is my goal.
Those are valid questions and seem to be quality questions. However, I'm an EE. I don't have answers to those questions.
I woke up with 21 replies to my messages. I went to bed with Slashdot not wanting me to type any more (saying I had used the resource too many times). I am not the wizard! I do not know. ;)
Hmm... Now I have Ozzy running through my head. Stupid ear worm! "Don't ask me, I don't know!" *grins*
I really don't know but you do raise valid points. I suspect that it will be done via the genes themselves (as those are sure to carry through) and will not necessarily be tracked by gender? There is likely to be some confusion and those people may not get the treatment they need because of it.
Someone will want to check two or even all three.
Show me a feminist movement that is advocating women get the same punishment for the same crime as a male does. I'll wait...
Of course I'm subject to outside influence. What, pray tell, gave you an indication that I wasn't aware of that? It is others that I don't think are aware of it. I, myself, am aware of it. As for the drug usage? My choice to experiment made me aware of the euphoria offered and the pleasing sensations given by them. As for the BMW, it's not a matter of status or even of advertising as I'm not exposed to a great deal of it here. (I don't watch TV, don't have billboards, don't see them online, etc...) But it is a matter of quality. The bonus is that others are conditioned to think it means something more than it does. Really though, it is just a fine car built with quality parts and by motivated people. They're excellent vehicles that are reliable (albeit expensive to maintain) and offer quality performance at a level greater than many other vehicles. Those are measurable metrics.
I'd say we're risking letting perfect get in the way of good enough. We could probably do okay with "Other (See comments.)" But two axis is always nice.
They'd be in the center I suppose? I'm just trying to figure out how they could possibly do such on a scaled basis 'cause they presented the idea. Your own insanity is yours to bring to the party. I could care less about tracking, judging, or even marking them down in a database at all except for health care 'cause that's probably something their doctor should know about. You're hunting for things that aren't there and it makes you look silly.
It *is* a mental health issue. There's no "nice" way about it - it is what it is. It isn't a bad thing unless you want to see it as one.
Does it need the political angle in this thread?
Because it is the term that is correct. Do you have another? It is not me who applies the connotations.