June 6, 2007

Doctor’s Bias Undeniable

Doctor’s Bias Undeniable

[Published in print edition June 7, 2007, online June 5, 2007]
Cambridge Chronicle
Tue Jun 05, 2007, 05:05 PM EDT
http://www.townonline.com/cambridge/opinions/x1121275257
Cambridge -

Byron Diggs’ denial is not unique among medical professionals who seldom admit
their negative bias toward persons with disabilities. Who would believe that
doctors are prejudiced? Ahem! (Byron R. Diggs, “Psychiatric care needs medical
care,” letter, Cambridge Chronicle, May 31). This doctor celebrates and boasts
of his bias.

Diggs declares that statements with which he disagrees are inaccurate and
distorted, showing his intolerance. Diggs denies that he suggested that all
persons with disabilities are violent by citing two extreme cases of criminal
acts. But that is what journalists, police and prosecutors do all of the time.
Diggs is part of the clueless majority hateful population who fear and demonize
persons with disabilities.

Medical professionals are a major barrier to persons with disabilities being
treated the same as ordinary persons. Diggs is unaware that saying his “answer
contended that such patients are potentially dangerous,” shows his prejudice.
How are persons with disabilities more potentially dangerous than the rest of
the population? They are only so in Diggs’ biased mind.

Diggs shows intolerance by stereotyping all persons who arrive at the ER in an
unconventional manner. If a person with muscular dystrophy who uses a wheelchair
arrived at the ER, would Diggs forcibly drug him because he was unable to walk
and acted funny? Diggs is unable to perceive that being upset may be a person’s
disability. He equates being upset to violence and crime. He recognizes that
there may be other reasons than psychiatric causes. But he asserts, “Such
patients are suffering greatly and out of control.” Oh?

Diggs would never generalize about women, homosexuals or blacks as he does about
persons with disabilities. That is evidence of his prejudice. He needs some
sensitivity training. Shame on this clueless, prejudiced doctor.
ROY BERCAW, Editor ENOUGH ROOM

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