Creepy as fuck. I always hated identity death as a TG trope, but I guess it would be a very American thing to do. You execute people but don't leave messy corpses.
I once heard the reason that the American justice system uses especially torturous execution methods is that it leaves better looking corpses. Instead of a quick headshot people get charbroiled or poisoned or suffocated, so it looks nicer during the burial. Not sure why you'd care.
This method of execution even recycles the corpse. Perverse. The relatives and friends don't even get a corpse to bury.
Honestly this kind of crap is scaring me about progressively transhuman technologies. On one hand it can cure all ills. On the other it can result in something horrifying like this. Overwriting a person's mind because that would be easier or cheaper than rehabilitation.
That said I hope something this evil will never happen. If you think executing people is necessary execute them. But don't make the horrible truth easier to accept. Killing people is never right, especially not when the corpse continues to walk around afterwards and you can congratualte yourself for the "great solution" of the "problem person".
In my humble opinion, this "solution" is a far better than the death penalty. A person who has likely broken some major laws and been a burden to themselves and to society, is transformed into a productive person, a more balanced individual who has a second chance at life with an improved attitude and desire to do succeed. This solution even allows the person to have memories of who they once were. It wasn't just taken away. They have context for the new life.
I wonder about the rational for the sex change. Is it because women are considered less at risk for being a social misfit or a menace to society? I doubt the reverse would hold true. If a woman acted like a complete rogue, would the authorities consider changing her into a man? Probably not. I am no expert, but it seems that testosterone is a potent hormone that is much more associated with aggression than estrogen. -C.Lake
It's interesting that you both assume that this was a punishment. Her treatment is referred to as 'therapy' - did either of you consider that that was actually the case, rather than a euphemism for psychological execution? Perhaps Ricky was just a fucked up kid who went drunk driving, went to prison for it, but couldn't cope with the guilt after he got out and hated himself so much he wanted to be someone completely different? Maybe this isn't an alternative to execution, but an alternative to suicide? As for why the sex change? Partly, it's because this is a TG caption blog. :) But I guess changing gender makes it easier to make a break from your old self; your brain chemistry is slightly different, people will treat you differently, and you're less likely to be mistaken for your former self. However, I'm happy to admit that even the most benign interpretation of this story/world is going to be a *bit* creepy. The story was inspired by the image. A girl looking sad at some fairly masculine clothes? It pretty much writes itself...
... In that; As a final test of one's resolve to change one's self before fully transitioning into the better person, more attuned to the "memories" we wish we'd had growing up with the right physique, doesn't it make sense to confront the soon-to-be-former and irrecoverable person we once were?! To ensure that the person we're choosing to become is not someone we should not be!?
It would be an extension of spending two years living as our preferred selves rather than the one which was thrust upon us by genetics and society... Wouldn't it? (Even the results of Gender Inventory Analyses do not recommend transitioning for some of those who register as "both" or "neither" gender without extensive and deep consideration of the pros/cons of such a step.)
And, after all, who among us - male, female, trans, or inter-sexed by birth - has not done some "stupid" or "regretful" things in our lives? Things which could instill some sense of "blame" or "guilt" for having done? Not that these things were particularly heinous or "criminal", simply childish or selfish actions that may have been done out of angst & frustration in our discomfort at inhabiting our "natural bodies" against the nature our souls required to be whole!
And, apart from all the above, regardless of whether certain captions of "retributive gender-transformation" against some belligerent pricks who truly did commit acts of violence or hatred against those of us who "fail" to fit into the "traditional norms" of gender & sexuality and might do well to learn some lessons having some erotic value; The premise of turning the "bad-guys" into women when there are so many who truly desire/require such a blessing is abhorrent to me, personally! I.M.O. a better sentence for such dick-heads would be to leave them as they are and put them into service as the submissive amusements/tools for those they have tortured in life.
Just my thoughts on the caption and some of the comments regarding it. I do love your work, Rachel... And I apologize for not commenting on more of your amazing captions!
Hi Elle-Jae, no need to apologise for not commenting more, glad you like my work!
I suppose it does make sense for people transitioning to confront their former selves, and you're right, I think we've all done things we regret.
As regards the idea of feminisation-as-punishment - it is unfair to those who genuinely desire to become women, as well as being horribly sexist to imply that women are so inferior that to become one constitutes punishment. However, I think that a lot of us have internalised that sexism and as a result, the idea of being feminised as punishment has an erotic value beyond - or at least different to - self-directed feminisation. I like to explore that side of things; there's a weird, complex mess of guilt and shame and desire that forced feminisation caps depict, and producing them is an attempt to untangle them. I would never advocate 'turning the bad-guys into women' in real life, obviously, but I think it's really interesting to explore in fiction....
Oh, Sweetie, I was not suggesting that women are inferior, whether they arrive so "out of the factory" or are modified "after-market". But I'm sure that any misogynistic criminal would find it torturous to have to live as a female and deal with the absence of their masculine "pride-&-joy". Punishment is in the mind of the transgressor more than be the dictates of society. If this principle were employed there might not be such a high recidivism rate in our (u.S.) penal system.
Quite the contrary to thinking of women as "inferior", in wishing I could become female, my belief is that, for me, womanhood would be the superior condition in which to live!
I'll not contend that there is an erotic component to the idea of "forced", (although I'm not personally inclined toward or condoning unwilling transformation... and it had been many years since i was fortunate enough to enjoy some light bondage while cross-dressed), gender transformation. I believe, however, that such a device is exemplary of ones' preference for having their transformation carried-out in a manner that absolves them of personal responsibility for becoming what they truly wanted to in their deepest core. In essence, being able to say that "the devil made me do it", makes their transition more acceptable. "Oh, you poor soul! That terrible person did that to you!?"
And, alas, whatever the means or motive employed in... My captions at least; The alteration of my physical being to that of the desired and superior gender will always remain that... Merely a FICTION!
Oh, hang on - I didn't mean to suggest that you thought that women are inferior. What I mean is that - as you say yourself - that those who consider feminisation a punishment (both criminals AND those within the judicial system) consider women inferior. And I also think that (until very recently) western culture held women to be inferior, and I think anybody who grew up in the West has internalised that to some degree. Apologies for the misunderstanding. (I really liked the 'out of the factory' vs 'modified after-market' analogy, by the way).
As for the question of whether the idea of forced feminisation is about a BDSM-esque submissive thing or about absolving the reader/transformee of responsibility for their desires? To be honest, it probably varies from person to person, and in some cases either theory might be true. Personally, I tend towards the submissive interpretation, but I'd certainly admit that there's probably no strong evidence either way.
No worries, Rachel! I didn't perceive you to be suggesting that I think of women as inferior, merely making my opinion clear, sweetie. We're good! (And...LOL Thanks!)
I probably should have said something to the effect of, "Some people might prefer their transformation appear to be done "against their will" so they are not perceived as being some sort of deviant under that western, patriarchal bullshit. Despite the fact that some in western culture still hold women in low esteem - including the women under certain belief systems - and hold those whose identity does not fit into "traditional" roles/perceptions of "this-OR-that", "black-OR-white" and "male-OR-female" in even lower esteem than the women without whom they could not even exist! Sad fact it is that one of the most technologically advanced societies on the planet can still hold on to such antiquated, inequitable notions of humanity when other, older social systems often held those whose personality rested "between the genders" in high esteem as healers & shamans!
Even some authors of "body-suit/hopping" captions sound as though they hold women in low esteem when their tag-lines involve "wearing her like a cheap suit", i.m.o. Sounds quite contrary to the concept of their taking occupancy of the female form in the first place.
Yes! To each their own, as far as what trips ones' trigger, (provided they're not harming another or children in the process...which sort of circles back to the original premise of crime-&-punitive actions). Perhaps some of those who like their captions to revolve around being made into a woman by the whim of another do so because of not being "out" about having such fantasies in the first place. Others who compose such captions enjoy the role of dominance or, again, distributing "justice" for wrongs committed.
In the end, I'm sure the reasons & niches are as varied as the individuals who read and/or write captions, and as those who embark upon and/or achieve the realization of their true selves!
So sorry to have ranted so, Rachel. But I do thank you for the willing exchange of ideas & opinions!!! Peace,Love&Kisses; Elle
Creepy as fuck. I always hated identity death as a TG trope, but I guess it would be a very American thing to do. You execute people but don't leave messy corpses.
ReplyDeleteI once heard the reason that the American justice system uses especially torturous execution methods is that it leaves better looking corpses. Instead of a quick headshot people get charbroiled or poisoned or suffocated, so it looks nicer during the burial. Not sure why you'd care.
This method of execution even recycles the corpse. Perverse.
The relatives and friends don't even get a corpse to bury.
Honestly this kind of crap is scaring me about progressively transhuman technologies. On one hand it can cure all ills. On the other it can result in something horrifying like this. Overwriting a person's mind because that would be easier or cheaper than rehabilitation.
That said I hope something this evil will never happen. If you think executing people is necessary execute them. But don't make the horrible truth easier to accept. Killing people is never right, especially not when the corpse continues to walk around afterwards and you can congratualte yourself for the "great solution" of the "problem person".
In my humble opinion, this "solution" is a far better than the death penalty. A person who has likely broken some major laws and been a burden to themselves and to society, is transformed into a productive person, a more balanced individual who has a second chance at life with an improved attitude and desire to do succeed. This solution even allows the person to have memories of who they once were. It wasn't just taken away. They have context for the new life.
ReplyDeleteI wonder about the rational for the sex change. Is it because women are considered less at risk for being a social misfit or a menace to society? I doubt the reverse would hold true. If a woman acted like a complete rogue, would the authorities consider changing her into a man? Probably not. I am no expert, but it seems that testosterone is a potent hormone that is much more associated with aggression than estrogen.
-C.Lake
It's interesting that you both assume that this was a punishment. Her treatment is referred to as 'therapy' - did either of you consider that that was actually the case, rather than a euphemism for psychological execution? Perhaps Ricky was just a fucked up kid who went drunk driving, went to prison for it, but couldn't cope with the guilt after he got out and hated himself so much he wanted to be someone completely different? Maybe this isn't an alternative to execution, but an alternative to suicide?
ReplyDeleteAs for why the sex change? Partly, it's because this is a TG caption blog. :) But I guess changing gender makes it easier to make a break from your old self; your brain chemistry is slightly different, people will treat you differently, and you're less likely to be mistaken for your former self.
However, I'm happy to admit that even the most benign interpretation of this story/world is going to be a *bit* creepy. The story was inspired by the image. A girl looking sad at some fairly masculine clothes? It pretty much writes itself...
... In that; As a final test of one's resolve to change one's self before fully transitioning into the better person, more attuned to the "memories" we wish we'd had growing up with the right physique, doesn't it make sense to confront the soon-to-be-former and irrecoverable person we once were?! To ensure that the person we're choosing to become is not someone we should not be!?
ReplyDeleteIt would be an extension of spending two years living as our preferred selves rather than the one which was thrust upon us by genetics and society... Wouldn't it? (Even the results of Gender Inventory Analyses do not recommend transitioning for some of those who register as "both" or "neither" gender without extensive and deep consideration of the pros/cons of such a step.)
And, after all, who among us - male, female, trans, or inter-sexed by birth - has not done some "stupid" or "regretful" things in our lives? Things which could instill some sense of "blame" or "guilt" for having done? Not that these things were particularly heinous or "criminal", simply childish or selfish actions that may have been done out of angst & frustration in our discomfort at inhabiting our "natural bodies" against the nature our souls required to be whole!
And, apart from all the above, regardless of whether certain captions of "retributive gender-transformation" against some belligerent pricks who truly did commit acts of violence or hatred against those of us who "fail" to fit into the "traditional norms" of gender & sexuality and might do well to learn some lessons having some erotic value; The premise of turning the "bad-guys" into women when there are so many who truly desire/require such a blessing is abhorrent to me, personally! I.M.O. a better sentence for such dick-heads would be to leave them as they are and put them into service as the submissive amusements/tools for those they have tortured in life.
Just my thoughts on the caption and some of the comments regarding it. I do love your work, Rachel... And I apologize for not commenting on more of your amazing captions!
Peace,Love&Kisses;
"Elle-Jae"
Hi Elle-Jae, no need to apologise for not commenting more, glad you like my work!
ReplyDeleteI suppose it does make sense for people transitioning to confront their former selves, and you're right, I think we've all done things we regret.
As regards the idea of feminisation-as-punishment - it is unfair to those who genuinely desire to become women, as well as being horribly sexist to imply that women are so inferior that to become one constitutes punishment. However, I think that a lot of us have internalised that sexism and as a result, the idea of being feminised as punishment has an erotic value beyond - or at least different to - self-directed feminisation. I like to explore that side of things; there's a weird, complex mess of guilt and shame and desire that forced feminisation caps depict, and producing them is an attempt to untangle them. I would never advocate 'turning the bad-guys into women' in real life, obviously, but I think it's really interesting to explore in fiction....
Oh, Sweetie, I was not suggesting that women are inferior, whether they arrive so "out of the factory" or are modified "after-market". But I'm sure that any misogynistic criminal would find it torturous to have to live as a female and deal with the absence of their masculine "pride-&-joy". Punishment is in the mind of the transgressor more than be the dictates of society. If this principle were employed there might not be such a high recidivism rate in our (u.S.) penal system.
DeleteQuite the contrary to thinking of women as "inferior", in wishing I could become female, my belief is that, for me, womanhood would be the superior condition in which to live!
I'll not contend that there is an erotic component to the idea of "forced", (although I'm not personally inclined toward or condoning unwilling transformation... and it had been many years since i was fortunate enough to enjoy some light bondage while cross-dressed), gender transformation. I believe, however, that such a device is exemplary of ones' preference for having their transformation carried-out in a manner that absolves them of personal responsibility for becoming what they truly wanted to in their deepest core. In essence, being able to say that "the devil made me do it", makes their transition more acceptable. "Oh, you poor soul! That terrible person did that to you!?"
And, alas, whatever the means or motive employed in... My captions at least; The alteration of my physical being to that of the desired and superior gender will always remain that... Merely a FICTION!
Peace,Love&Kisses;
Elle
Oh, hang on - I didn't mean to suggest that you thought that women are inferior. What I mean is that - as you say yourself - that those who consider feminisation a punishment (both criminals AND those within the judicial system) consider women inferior. And I also think that (until very recently) western culture held women to be inferior, and I think anybody who grew up in the West has internalised that to some degree. Apologies for the misunderstanding.
Delete(I really liked the 'out of the factory' vs 'modified after-market' analogy, by the way).
As for the question of whether the idea of forced feminisation is about a BDSM-esque submissive thing or about absolving the reader/transformee of responsibility for their desires? To be honest, it probably varies from person to person, and in some cases either theory might be true. Personally, I tend towards the submissive interpretation, but I'd certainly admit that there's probably no strong evidence either way.
No worries, Rachel! I didn't perceive you to be suggesting that I think of women as inferior, merely making my opinion clear, sweetie. We're good!
Delete(And...LOL Thanks!)
I probably should have said something to the effect of, "Some people might prefer their transformation appear to be done "against their will" so they are not perceived as being some sort of deviant under that western, patriarchal bullshit. Despite the fact that some in western culture still hold women in low esteem - including the women under certain belief systems - and hold those whose identity does not fit into "traditional" roles/perceptions of "this-OR-that", "black-OR-white" and "male-OR-female" in even lower esteem than the women without whom they could not even exist! Sad fact it is that one of the most technologically advanced societies on the planet can still hold on to such antiquated, inequitable notions of humanity when other, older social systems often held those whose personality rested "between the genders" in high esteem as healers & shamans!
Even some authors of "body-suit/hopping" captions sound as though they hold women in low esteem when their tag-lines involve "wearing her like a cheap suit", i.m.o. Sounds quite contrary to the concept of their taking occupancy of the female form in the first place.
Yes! To each their own, as far as what trips ones' trigger, (provided they're not harming another or children in the process...which sort of circles back to the original premise of crime-&-punitive actions). Perhaps some of those who like their captions to revolve around being made into a woman by the whim of another do so because of not being "out" about having such fantasies in the first place. Others who compose such captions enjoy the role of dominance or, again, distributing "justice" for wrongs committed.
In the end, I'm sure the reasons & niches are as varied as the individuals who read and/or write captions, and as those who embark upon and/or achieve the realization of their true selves!
So sorry to have ranted so, Rachel. But I do thank you for the willing exchange of ideas & opinions!!!
Peace,Love&Kisses;
Elle