Aimee Mullins: It's not fair having 12 pairs of legs

http://www.ted.com Athlete, actor and activist Aimee Mullins talks about her prosthetic legs -- she's got a dozen amazing pairs -- and the super-powers they grant her: speed, beauty, an extra 6 inches of height ... Quite simply, she redefines what the body can be.

TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, development and the arts. Watch the Top 10 TEDTalks on TED.com, at http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/top10


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[riothero313]

I know it's wrong but I'm a dude, I thought she was beautiful when I first saw her but after hearing her story and the work she is doing it made her that much more. I can't imagine her struggle but, I spent a considerable amount of time stuck in a wheelchair and it's nice to see people either advancing or at least shedding light on these issues.

[Eric Taylor]

I am an amputee as well. I want one!

Had a 3-year old once peek up my empty pant leg and yell "Mr., where's your leg?" Her mom wanted to die. I nearly fell over laughing!

The friend who felt it was unfair that Aimee could adjust her height: I think it's plenty fair! The trade of real feet to having adjustable height is a no brainer!

[tobiosnmakky]

great video, really enjoyed the parts about legs being sculpture

[samala51]

Unfortunately not every amputee has been given the opportunity she's been given. Either way she is massively inspirational and beautiful both inside and out.

[AcousticUplift]

Unfortunately what she says can only apply to a privileged few. How many amputees have sponsorship deals or access to rich and/or powerful acquaintances who can design and customise prosthetic limbs?

[Serene Conaway]

I don't know if you've researched her, but all of her "everyday" legs have been designed especially for her by incredible people who know what they're doing. They're fine for her and could even be less harmful than heels on regular women. And can you not make this a political statement? It's no about Obama's healthcare plan. She pays for legs like that. To end my rant, I'd like to say something about the ash legs. They're Alexander McQueen. It's fashion. Even his regular shoes aren't comfortable

[ger6111]

the McQueen!!!!WOW!! amazing, all of it! xx

[David March]

Hey! She is amazing. Her story should make anyone look differently at the obstacles in their own lives. But at the same time, she is clearly an extraordinary person. I think most people have resources they never tap - but it doesn't mean we all are going to be able to enjoy such success. At least she's an inspiration to follow your dreams. A lot of people want to help someone they see with that sort of determination and enthusiasm.

[David March]

How much of the design of the ornately carved Ash legs was devoted to ensuring they are COMFORTABLE? What are the consequences to her spine, with all the variations in posture? She is clearly an energetic, intelligent and resourceful person; there are many of us without (obvious) physical deficits who have orthopoedic challenges. What are we going to do under OBAMACARE with its constraints on costs? How much do 12 pair of legs COST?

[randompanda876]

wait she is disabled? i never noticed