We all make instantaneous decisions and snap judgements. I don't think any of us are immune to it and I think that overall we wish we could be immune to it. Because if we make those decisions so do those around us. Wait, what? Someone is judging me based on my clothes and the bag I carry and the car I drive? How I talk and if I introduce myself and whether I make eye contact? Dang.
My job is a blessing because I meet people I would never meet otherwise. I meet families in all walks, from all backgrounds - socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, educational. Right after I started working I reviewed a chart for an appointment and I immediately pigeon-holed the patient from what was in the chart. I remember thinking "I have never been in this situation but this is exactly how it will go." Famous last words, Charlie.
Thankfully, that patient was a complete 180 degrees from where I thought they would be. Thankfully because I learned then and there that when I make an assumption I definitely make an ass out of me. I won't speak for you. Even now, though, I make split second decisions and have biases that are harder to break free of. I forget sometimes that insurance does not make the patient. That because there is a language barrier doesn't mean that they can't understand. That because I'm the doctor I don't know it all. In fact, some days I hardly know anything.
And I'm pretty thankful for those days because they help straighten out my tilted view.
Thanks Shell for letting me pour my heart out.
What a great reminder about how we often times need to adjust our tilted views and see it from a different perspective. Thanks for sharing this :)
ReplyDeleteIt's hard but I think it's worth the hard work!
DeleteI think everyone does it, even if we say we don't or don't like it done. My mom always said you can't judge a book by it's cover, but then we do exactly that. It is a hard habit to break it truly is.
ReplyDeleteI need to be adjusted myself. I wish I could see others judgement free all the time. I try, but fail.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard not to make assumptions sometimes!
ReplyDelete