Reflective Essay #7

Tori Beaty

INTG 323

Reflection #7

11 April 2012

Mutations

            I would assume that the two forms of mutations would be extremely different.  Having a helpful mutation, but also being able to pass as a normal person would allow a person to use that mutation when it benefits them.  If it was an external/visible mutation, it would be easy for the rest of society to recognize.  I think a visible mutation would cause the person to be classified based on their mutation and people would see them differently.  However, if the mutation was not visible, it would simply be another part of their personality rather than the only part people look at.  I would compare these two type of people to people with different forms of disabilities.  In my Adapted Physical Education class we have learned a lot about “hidden handicaps,” which are disabilities that one would not know about by simply looking at a person.  For example, students with disabilities can easily pass as completely normal in society and are not immediately judged by their disabilities.  On the other side, students with very identifiable disabilities such as Down Syndrome are often immediately judged and treated differently since people can easily recognize that they are different than the rest of society.  The X-Men stories could definitely help people with disabilities see that they are simply different than the rest of society, not necessarily worse off.  They could learn that they sometimes need to complete tasks differently than others, but they can still complete them just as effectively. 

            I think I identify the most with Storm because she has a very similar personality to mine.  She understands that there is a problem that needs to be solved and even though she does not necessarily like the situation, she takes control to get it taken care of.  She did not exactly ask for a leadership role, but once it fell upon her she understood that she had no choice but to accept it.  I feel like I am the type of person who would not seek out a leadership role, but when I see problems that need to be fixed I feel as though it’s my responsibility to take care of them.  When younger athletes on my team need help, I’m usually there to guide them in the right direction or when a group project needs to get done quickly I will usually be the first to throw out an idea even though it might not necessarily be a good one.

            I think my getting the cure would depend on what type of mutation I had.  If I had a mutation like Storm I probably would not get it, but if I had one like Rogue or Beast I honestly think that I might.  I am very shy when I first meet people or get into new situations and I do not enjoy being the center of attention.  Since I have not grown up with a mutation and have not had to deal with that kind of attention, I would probably seek out a cure so I could feel more comfortable in my everyday life.