Missed Diagnosis

May 19, 09

It is astonishing to read Dr. Richard Garcia's article "The Misuse of Race in Medical Diagnosis" and continue to have trust in a medical system. We (both men and women) are taught early on to trust our doctors; that our good health is a priority to them; and that they are able to be objective and non-judgemental. This article is contrary to many of these beliefs.

I shared this article with my husband and his first question was 'how would they determine Connor's race?' You see, my husband is of German/British descent and is blond with blue eyes, I'm of West Indian descent with black hair, brown eyes and brown skin. Our son shares many of our traits, but at a quick glance one would easily assume that he is Caucasian...with his 'whitish' complexion, light brown hair and (to quote a lovely octogenarian lady, who saw me feeding him at the hospital when he was only three weeks old) "a very North American" name. Well, it's part Irish and German. So I guess one day when he goes to the doctor without Mommy, his chart will read '14yr old, white male....'

What purpose does this serve to label individuals so recklessly? Not only is it offensive, it can also be dangerous as noted by Dr. Garcia. Another example from my family, is my Grandmother, who at 73 diagnosed her own breast cancer. However, for months her doctors tried to convince her that it was nothing...and not one even suggested any sort of investigation to actually rule it out. Her persistence paid off and eventually she did receive treatment and will celebrate her 82 year in October. Again, because she was over the pre-established age for breast cancer screening she could have been one of the many, many cases that do not have a happy ending. And it doesn't end there, when I mention my concerns to my doctor about breast cancer it is dealt with indirectly by evading my question and asking instead "are there any women on your mother's side that had breast cancer at an early age?".

I agree with the author's point that "...when "race" cannot possibly matter, let us omit it." That is my hope for the future that my son inherits.

Spanglish - Living in America

From Class on May 14, 09

Okay, so I have to admit that our discussion after watching the clip from Spanglish left me with many 'knee-jerk' reactions as I listened to the input from other students. A couple of things stood out for me:

• in general, I found most comments rather textbook...basically tell the prof. what they want to hear; other comments I found a little bit aggressive. I can't say I was in agreement or even shared any of the points that were proffered.
• i don't wish to minimize the contributions of anyone, however after spending 4 years in a largely theory based university environment with little or limited life experience, i found it tough to buy into some of the opinions...they sounded rehersed/canned etc...
  

For me watching Spanglish for the first time was like a walk down memory lane....I felt I was watching my mother and I as we struggled to adjust and assimilate to a new home and culture. I think it is vitally important and respectful to the country you immigrate to to at least try and understand and appreciate their culture, at least when in public places. What goes on in your home or place or worship can be left alone as private.

When Flora meets Deb, I find that although there is a inequality of power; I think Deb is struggling to establish her own power and position when she just talks and talks. To me, I think Flora may actually be more 'powerful' though she may not see it as such.

A point which a fellow student offered is that the kiss at the end is really 'violent'. Frankly, I really don't see that at all...I think it's a cultural thing. Really, would you say that First Lady Michelle Obama was being violent when she embraced the Queen? A faux pas on her part, but violence, I think not. We live in an almost xenophobic world as it is....I think an embrace/kiss in that context is perhaps breaking the 'personal space' boundary, but not violent. In addition, I think it's a cultural expression of acceptance.