Pain and Pleasure (Alexia Barrios)

 The idea of deriving pleasure from pain is one that I am sure at first is very perplexing since many of us jump to the conclusion that this notion only occurs in those who are sadistic or masochistic . The truth, as hard as it may be to digest, is that each of us derives some form of pleasure from pain. We moan not because it eases the pain from a toothache in any way (though it is a way to vocalize that pain), but to seek the attention of others, which brings us pleasure. Also, as Mr. Shapiro brought up, when we have a problem with our gums, we press our tongues against the swollen gums, which only results in pain, and we find pleasure in the release that comes shortly after the pain. This doesn't make us sadistic but reassures us that we are capable of feeling. As Monica said in class, this can also be tied in with the infinite universe. Imagine how terrifying it must be to not feel pain, or pleasure, or anything at all. Pain is one of the “walls” that we embrace because if for example, if you break a bone feeling the pain makes the scenario concrete and real versus if you broke something and felt nothing at all.  Feeling pain, pleasure, or anything at all reassures us that we are alive because if we feel nothing at all how would we really know.