Prof. Hollis Glaser
GWS 100-1300
Discussion 12
What surprised you in the readings and film?
The myth surrounding menstruation in modern society and transgender people’s restricted or limited access to healthcare is what surprised me the most. It explains how certain cultural norms, beliefs, and differences structure and mold beliefs without the subject matter being understood. Every woman has menstruation, which is a natural process of vaginal bleeding that happens as part of a woman’s monthly cycle. Women’s stories are always told in part, and projections of women’s lives are not always accurate. I’m from a region of the world where women are still prohibited from entering religious buildings while they are menstruating because they are believed to be unclean.
What connections could you find across the readings and film?
The struggle, mistrust, and rejection faced by people based on their authenticity, life experience, and circumstance having to endure and find a place of belonging is the connection I see in both the film and reading. The Indian community demonstrated a perception of unfairness in the treatment one receives and the injustice and disparities in the health system based on personal differences and race. It is unacceptable that care for transgender people is so insufficient; regardless of who they are, nobody should be neglected. I now recognize the effectiveness of “identity politics,” as marginalized people can use it to combat injustice and inequality. One need not personally experience prejudice or hatred to speak out against it.
How does the format in which the stories are shared impact your understanding of medical oppression and/or other aspects of gender we have discussed this semester?
LeConté described how racism in the medical system contributed to her receiving inadequate medical care and being treated unfairly both during and after her pregnancy. I realized that If people of color, nonbinary individuals do not receive the same standard of medical care as white people, how can you expect them to live long lives? Simply put, black people do not receive the same quality of healthcare as white people, and this is dangerous. When I was pregnant, I requested a virginal delivery, but I was not allowed to… and the doctors said “You cannot have a virginal birth because you previously underwent a C-Section.” Lies! Additionally, healthcare professionals need to be aware of implicit bias that exists among them. For example, when I say I’m from Nigeria, people automatically assume I come from a low socioeconomic background and am strong enough to endure hardship or unfairness.
