So many buzzwords, so little time to understand what they really mean, where they originated, and how they lose meaning or become distorted over time. For example, what does it mean when someone says that they are, “speaking their truth”? Does the term have value, does it have power? Is there a common understanding or does it mean different things to different people in different contexts? What is “my truth” and what is the value of “speaking it”? What does it all mean?
I have been thinking about this more and more within the context of people sharing narratives and understanding the patient experience in parallel with their experience in the health care system and with health care services. Sharing narratives is valuable, and can provide insight into the world of someone else, if we approach it that way. Is “speaking truth” a colloquial expression that means sharing stories? Or sharing opinions of those who are often ignored? Does it mean sharing of stories that challenge dominant social narratives? I am also thinking about this within a historical context of an American president publicly saying, “go home” to women in political office who have non-white coloured skin. What is his truth? What is their truth? What is truth?
Are there objective realities? Me, being more of a post-modernist, am of the perspective that there are multiple understandings of reality. Is it valuable to know our perspective? Also, is it valuable to reflect on our standpoint?
I have been thinking a lot about Relational Ethics.
https://www.ualberta.ca/john-dossetor-health-ethics-centre/about/people/faculty/wendyaustin
Dr. Wendy Austin is one of my favourite nurses.
https://cfc-swc.gc.ca/gba-acs/bias-prejuge-en.html
Peace,
Michell D.
nursingforsocialjustice 
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