Orinda Man Posts Picture of Moles on Neighbor’s Back to Validate Cancer Concerns
Note: chatGPT would not let me create an “image of a man bent over with two moles on his lower back” . I was successful in asking it to “create an image of a man from behind with two moles next to him.” To think I pay $20 bucks a month for premium? (1,2,3,4)
Orinda, CA: In the serene suburb of Orinda, a well-intentioned act by Ed McKinley, a retired actuary turned amateur epidemiologist, has stirred a significant debate over the boundaries of personal privacy versus communal concern. McKinley's neighbor, Bill Hickman, a technician at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory known for his reticent demeanor, unwittingly became the center of a NextDoor forum after McKinley noticed something alarming.
While Hickman was absorbed in his weekend gardening, bending over revealed two prominent, dark moles on his lower back. Concerned for Hickman's health but wary of overstepping personal boundaries, McKinley chose a less direct approach to voice his worries. He secretly took a photograph of Hickman's back and posted it on Nextdoor, seeking community advice on whether the appearance of the moles suggested a medical checkup was necessary.
The post quickly became a hotbed of activity. Numerous Orinda residents weighed in with their pseudo-medical opinions, some citing Google-searched information on skin cancer, while others recommended seeing dermatologists they knew. However, alongside these well-meaning comments were sharp criticisms about the invasion of Hickman's privacy. Discussions branched into ethical considerations, with some neighbors questioning the appropriateness of sharing someone's potentially sensitive health information without their consent.
Another resident, Carol Barbosa highlighted the situation's complexity, stating, "Bill is quite the introvert, only ever engaging in minimal social interactions. This digital exposure, though perhaps meant to be helpful, might be deeply unsettling for someone of his disposition."
As the online debate continued, the community was split. Some argued that McKinley's heart was in the right place, emphasizing the potential life-saving impact of early detection of skin conditions. Others felt that privacy was an inviolable right, suggesting that McKinley should have found a more discreet way to express his concerns directly to Hickman. "The man posted on NexDoor a picture of his neighbor bending over without his knowledge, showing his ass crack with the posting title. ‘What do you think of the two moles growing on Bill Hickman’s back, who lives on 21 Post Oak Place.’You knew exactly who he was talking about," stated Rhonda Clacker, a frequent reader of NextDoor. Mr. Mckinley defended himself by stating, “Hell, Bill still has a flip phone. There is no way he’s on NextDoor.” The post was one of the day's most popular posts, with some placing less than helpful replies.
Adding to the intricate social dynamics, some neighbors proposed that McKinley's act could catalyze broader discussions about community health initiatives. "Perhaps this is an opportunity to organize health screenings in our community," mused one optimist on the forum.
“I think Ed should focus on his own roses. They are looking shabby, and he has weeds in the expansion joints in his driveway. I would get my house in order before I would be critiquing others," stated a neighbor who asked to remain anonymous.
Meanwhile, McKinley remained conflicted but hopeful that his controversial actions might inspire someone closer to Hickman to ensure his well-being. The episode has left the Orinda community more aware of the delicate balance between being vigilant about health and respecting personal privacy. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of how digital platforms can connect and divide, transforming private moments into public spectacles.
Footnotes:
1) The above man is gardening, he is not twerking.
2) I did not have the initiative to ask chatGPT to create an image of a man twerking between two moles in his garden from behind. If I had, I would have worried about myself. I’m not even sure that it would be legal or proper to twerk in your garden in Orinda or even Lafayette but it is legal in Moraga, but not on Sundays.
3) The mole on the left is a female. The gender of the right mole is unclear from the angle in which the picture was taken.
4) Isn’t it amazing how humans have used sophisticated AI tools for such purposeless activities? In referring to humans, I am referring to me.