nursingforsocialjustice

It seems strange the differences in how we think about cancer and how we think about addiction. I did a quick Google search of the term “fighting cancer” and found some images. There was a sort of theme about being brave, standing with family, we are proud to engage in the fight.

The second Google search was using the search term “fighting addiction”. The images are different. The messaging is different.

I invite you to reflect on these images and think about your own values and beliefs. We aren’t immune from bias. The important piece is understanding what are biases are and how they impact not just the individualized patient care we provide but how they influence the structure of the healthcare system that we work within, and how this healthcare system influences public understanding of health and illness.

Love,

Michelle D.