The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

What memory do you have of an incident when you experienced bias, prejudice, and/or oppression, or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression? Keep in mind that one can encounter such incidents in real contexts, including online environments, as well as in fictional ones, such as movies, books, television shows, and the like.

In 2012 my husband and I were expecting our first child and went into a clinic for medical care in the state of AZ. The women at the front desk took our information and then asked us to step into a private room where she begins to ask us more detail questions. Her concluding question was, “are you an American citizen?” I was of course deeply offended by this question, as she assumed, based on my name that I wasn’t American. I told her that, “yes, I am an American citizen, born in Miami Florida to an African-American woman whose ancestors were brought to America in slaves ships”. She became flush of course and ended the conversation right then and there and I was none too happy to say the least.

In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?

It was apparent to me that this woman was prepared to offer a different standard of care (or none at all) if she discovered that I wasn’t an American citizen. The standard of care as a foreigner as oppose to being an American would have most likely in my opinion may have been subpar, potentially diminishing the health of my child. The quality of your medical care should not be based on your race and or ethnicity, but unfortunately we know that in some places this happens.

What feelings did this incident bring up for you?

It’s obvious from my response that I was obviously deeply offended and taken aback because in all my life I have never been asked such a question. Also, in some strange way I felt her question was disrespectful to my ancestry, which I felt most perturb about.

What and/or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?

I mentioned that I don’t believe that one’s quality of care should not be based on their race and or ethnicity. I think what must change is that those that work in the health professional should not be allowed to inquire about a person’s ethic and or racial background as it should have no bearing on whether or not someone receives treatment.