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Buffalo Eyes: A Take on the Global HIV Epidemic

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 August 2003

GRIFFIN TROTTER
Affiliation:
Griffin Trotter, M.D., Ph.D., is Associate Professor and Director of Consultation and Residents, Ethics Education, in the Center for Health Care Ethics at Saint Louis University, Missouri, with a secondary appointment in the Department of Surgery, Emergency Medicine Division

Extract

According to Native American myths, there once roamed an Eye Juggler—a humanoid deity who could detach his eyes and juggle them. His talents were of no special appeal to members of the various tribes, given that it is quite possible to hunt buffalo, prepare meals, or play stickball without tossing around your eyes. However, there was a white man who grew interested in the Eye Juggler. Sensing great utility in detachable eyes—for spying, or looking two ways at once—the white man formulated a deal. He would trade away his wealth in return for the Eye Juggler's gift. To this proposition the Juggler agreed, but also issued a warning. If the eyes stay detached for very long, they rot and cannot be used.

Type
SPECIAL SECTION: BIOETHICS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
Copyright
© 2003 Cambridge University Press

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