Conjoined Twins: a Critical Analysis - Essay Example

Conjoined twins are typically viewed by society like a nursing mother or baby, a socially troubling individual, and a window opener of sympathy. Anatomical restrictions, such as being conjoined, influence assumptions of people on what is normal and perception of ability to live a meaningful and individual life (Dreger, 2). As expressed by one of the doctors who evaluated the possibility of separating conjoined twins, the separation was imminent and crucial for all conjoined twins “for the well-being of the social body” (Dreger, 24).

Anatomical normalization dictates privilege, norms, standards, and rules to preserve order and protect those who are vulnerable; thus, society feels awkward when dealing with conjoined twins (Dreger, 2). Dreger stated that “it is the recognition of this awkwardness, the recognition of how comfortable it can be to considered normal, how uncomfortable it can be to be considered abnormal, that motivates adults to want to surgically normalize children born with unusual anatomies” (Dreger, 5).

Pity, the most prevalent reaction to conjoined twins, leads to actions that will not offend the conjoined twins. Based on the examples of Dreger, fears and anxieties about conjoined sexuality arise because people do not want to offend the less fortunate and vulnerable individuals (1). The perception and reaction of society seem to prove to Dreger that anatomy matters a lot in building one’s identity in society.