Tag! You're it!!

[Asso]

I don't think a race who doesn't eat the animals' flesh in order to not be cruel, can be cruel toward her own members in order to be logical.
In this case it would be hypocritical and unworthy.
But it is true that life is hypocritical and unworthy, sometimes, and probably Vulcans don't escape this rule.
.

[Linda]

Good point, Asso. And it will be interesting to see how Vulcans can handle this.

[Distracted]

Okay. I accept the challenge.

[Aquarius]

Okay, updating the front page now...

[panyasan]

I agree with Asso. There are other aspects in Vulcan culture then basic logic. One thing is the strong bond with their childern and family (Tuvok is a great example). Also I see in Vulcan culture a great respect for life - so it would respect also life that has less abilities. Also it's a Western point of view to jugde life if it's productive or can achieve things - but in a culture that doesn't strive to self fullfilment, I wonder if that's the same. Just some thoughts, of course not the whole picture of Vulcan society.

[justTripn]

That's a very interesting challenge. One's reaction to such a situation is certainly culturally determined. My sister who has autistic children says that in less-developed countries sometimes autistic children have an easier life because the expectations for them are not so high. For instance if the person likes to smear water, well give them a spray bottle and they can be a window washer all day long. Or whatever. They are less likely to be institutionalized with nothing to do. They are still a part of the community.

I've noticed in the church I come from there seem to be a high percentage of handicapped people. Then I thought, you know, this is probably the NORMAL distribution of handicapped people but because of the particular culture of this church these people aren't hidden. For instance one very old woman is severely retarded and doesn't speak but can sing by humming the songs. So she comes to church and sings, not always at the appropriate time and sometimes she gets up and switches the light switches on and off. And if you leave a glass of water ungarded, she will grab it and drink it. Everyone is used to these things and it is no big deal. It is not a reason to leave her at home during services and fun activities. Her aged sister cares for her. And there are many more examples. This woman could easily have been institutionalized, in fact that was what the family was pressured to do, but she wasn't.

[justTripn]

I already posted this in the new fanfic up section but:

Chapter 6 of Mestral's Adventures by Silverbullet.

Maggie and Mestral make it to the Grand Canyon.

Author's note: Just for fun, I’ve written myself into this chapter of the story. See if you can spot me.

[Silverbullet]

Distracted, seventh and final chapter has been written and is in the hands ofmy Beta. If no changes are needed it will be posted soon. This finishes the challenge. I sincerely hope I did not disappoint.

Silverbullet

[Distracted]

Your best effort will never disappoint, SB. Just the fact that you're interested in writing about our favorite TV show is a marvelous thing.

[Dinah]

I would like to challenge Linda to write a Soval and Trip story. They can be trapped somewhere, sequestered for some reason or just spending some quality time together -- your choice. I would like to see Soval explain Vulcan women to one very emotional Human. Do Vulcan men have trouble understanding Vulcan women? Does Soval understand T'Pol? What does Soval really think of Trip -- and of Trip being together with T'Pol? Will you accept the challenge?

[Lady Rainbow]

Oooooh! I'd like to see this one! Soval tries to explain Vulcan women to Trip! Be interesting to see Soval's views on the subject.

[Aquarius]

First post has been updated as Distracted has completed her response to Linda's challenge!

Who's next???

P.S. Honeybee--I haven't forgotten about your challenge to me. I'm sure you're aware that the life of a college student is a busy one. The week after next is Spring Break, so I hope to work on it then. Sorry to keep you waiting.

[Lady Rainbow]

I'm now open for a challenge.

[Linda]

Dinah, I accept your challenge! This will be a fun fic to write.

I may take a little while at it as I am on my last week of employment on the job I had for 26 years. The parting is a bit, shall we say, emotional? But I am sure being at home (until I find other employment), I will be glad of projects to keep me active!

[Linda]

Distracted, you fulfilled my challenge to you admirably! And fast !

Having experience with children with challenges is quite educational isn't it? In a way, it makes you slow your pace and find new ways to relate to people. I think most of us have known families with challenged children, or have experienced this within our own families as you, I, and Silverbullet have. It is a bittersweet experience indeed - some exeriences indeed being filled with joy and compassion, others ending in grief...and in my family, I am sad to say, suicide. But your story has been uplifting and hopeful. Thanks!

Now I am sure other people are eager to challenge you with fresh and interesting story ideas!