Repeatedly, I see people treated as objects, numbers, spokes in a wheel or a means to an end.
Take the film, "Patch Adams", one scene has trainee doctors around a patient on a stretcher discussing her condition, then Patch simply enquires after her name - the patient then becomes a person and rightly so.
In the workplace... Those in higher authority walk into an area discussing negative outcomes of existing practise as well as forward plans not considering the feelings of the team of workers who go about their business, or that each worker is a person.
Only today it was announced that a "This is Me", 2-page document has been introduced for those diagnosed with Alzheimer's, inviting each person to list such things as: their food preferences, names of grandchildren, how they like to sleep, reveal a nickname they like to respond to, favourite music etc., prior to their anticipated memory loss. The aim is to help carers to retain each person's dignity and be better informed in order to treat the individual as a person. It is so readily forgotten, prior to such a diagnosis many held positions of responsibility, were an inspiration to others, shared humour, had an active life etc.
Conversations about a child do not involve the child even though they are present. A child is a person. Speaking and listening to children benefits mutual respect and positive relationships.
Those diagnosed with terminal illness suddenly find themselves hearing conversations concerning their welfare directed to a relative as if they are no longer able to supply information or to respond. Imagine how frustrating that must be? You'd want to shout from the rooftops, "I'm still alive", a person!
When observing others, it is so easy to see people at face value and not consider the person with a life.
What is your take on this?
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This is very thought provoking. I think it is hard to remember sometimes not to put people into a category. If I see them in person, I do see them as a person, but ocassionally, especially when it's about large issues that affect a society as a whole then categories crop up. Excellent post.
ReplyDeleteMy blog address has now changed, so you might have to update the link on your dashboard - it's www.writerrevealed.blogspot.com