I voted to keep the two the way they are. The prejudice of the new Abby's friends and family shouldn't doom her to what is essentially crippling disability and early death.
As for the new Rex, we have observable evidence (he likes being petted) that being a dog hasn't destroyed his ability to find enjoyment in life. I imagine he suffered a lot right after the swap, but if the original Rex's mind has changed by now to have the intelligence and basic psychology of a human, then presumably the original Abby's mind now has the intelligence and basic psychology of a dog. He might not even remember or care much about the humanity he lost.
Admittedly, it's possible that the new Rex still has a human-like mind and is still suffering, and the new Abby has coerced him into acting like he's a dumb happy dog with threats of punishment or something. But I don't think those threats would carry much weight during the interview with Abby and Rex. The new Abby couldn't administer punishment during the interview, because it would make her look bad. If she administered punishment afterward, it wouldn't have any effect because the interview would already be over. And if she straight-up killed Rex's body afterward, she'd be guaranteed to stay human, but she'd be viewed with immense suspicion by the authorities, and likely tried for murder. Treating the situation realistically (which is the only fair thing for me to do), I think it's improbable that there are nasty secrets like that being kept here.
As a final point, consider the original Abby's quality of life if she were swapped back into her original body. She'd be a nineteen-year-old with, at best, the knowledge and life experience of a six-year-old. It could take years, or even over a decade, to get her to the point of being able to live an independent adult life. And in the meantime, her parents would be stuck taking care of what's effectively a child or teenager in an adult's body.
Now compare this to the new Abby's quality of life if she were to remain in her human body. Even if her friends and family never get over their disgust for her, she's old enough to move out permanently, and she can always transfer to a new (if possibly less prestigious) college where no one knows her. I find it unlikely, though, that no one the new Abby already knows will ever come around. I really do think it's unreasonable to view her as a villain in this situation, for all the reasons she gave and more. How could you expect anyone - much less a child - to give up their very personhood in order to give it to a dog who might or might not even mind being a non-person?
Voted to switch them back. I think it's the line "My peers and family look at me with disgust now" that swayed me.
ReplyDeleteI voted to keep the two the way they are. The prejudice of the new Abby's friends and family shouldn't doom her to what is essentially crippling disability and early death.
ReplyDeleteAs for the new Rex, we have observable evidence (he likes being petted) that being a dog hasn't destroyed his ability to find enjoyment in life. I imagine he suffered a lot right after the swap, but if the original Rex's mind has changed by now to have the intelligence and basic psychology of a human, then presumably the original Abby's mind now has the intelligence and basic psychology of a dog. He might not even remember or care much about the humanity he lost.
Admittedly, it's possible that the new Rex still has a human-like mind and is still suffering, and the new Abby has coerced him into acting like he's a dumb happy dog with threats of punishment or something. But I don't think those threats would carry much weight during the interview with Abby and Rex. The new Abby couldn't administer punishment during the interview, because it would make her look bad. If she administered punishment afterward, it wouldn't have any effect because the interview would already be over. And if she straight-up killed Rex's body afterward, she'd be guaranteed to stay human, but she'd be viewed with immense suspicion by the authorities, and likely tried for murder. Treating the situation realistically (which is the only fair thing for me to do), I think it's improbable that there are nasty secrets like that being kept here.
As a final point, consider the original Abby's quality of life if she were swapped back into her original body. She'd be a nineteen-year-old with, at best, the knowledge and life experience of a six-year-old. It could take years, or even over a decade, to get her to the point of being able to live an independent adult life. And in the meantime, her parents would be stuck taking care of what's effectively a child or teenager in an adult's body.
Now compare this to the new Abby's quality of life if she were to remain in her human body. Even if her friends and family never get over their disgust for her, she's old enough to move out permanently, and she can always transfer to a new (if possibly less prestigious) college where no one knows her. I find it unlikely, though, that no one the new Abby already knows will ever come around. I really do think it's unreasonable to view her as a villain in this situation, for all the reasons she gave and more. How could you expect anyone - much less a child - to give up their very personhood in order to give it to a dog who might or might not even mind being a non-person?
Gee thanks now I feel like an idiot for posting a 2 lines comment.
DeleteWe'll see if my comment ends up being persuasive, or if the joke's on me for spending so much time writing it.
DeleteThanks to both of you for your considerations.
DeleteI appreciate the detailed analysis as always EquinoxShade :)