Is the DSM-IV actually a plot?

[jberryhill]

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual is the defining psychological "Audubon's Field Guide To The Mentally Ill", a Sears catalog of lunacy, if you will.

But have you ever thought that this ongoing exercise in Chinese menu diagnosis is really just a system for marginalizing those among us who have actually figured out what is really going on?

[OnTheOtherHand]

1. reminds me of a journal article I read recently

The article was a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of parachute use. It turns out -- there are none. Hmmmmmm.

The part of the article I'm thinking of discusses the medicalization of free fall:

It might be argued that the pressure exerted on individuals to use parachutes is yet another example of a natural, life enhancing experience being turned into a situation of fear and dependency. The widespread use of the parachute may just be another example of doctors' obsession with disease prevention and their misplaced belief in unproved technology to provide effective protection against occasional adverse events.

Then again, maybe not. :shrug:

[jberryhill]

2. This may have hampered development of the flight suit

The issue with flight suits has been landing without an additional parachute.

The perceived "need" for a parachute is debunked in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvrAQclQFaw

[salvorhardin]

4. Fight back against Big 'Chute! #OccupySky

[whatchamacallit]

3. Cool, a new circle jerk!

Pace yourselves, boys...