Right about McKinney

Last week's Newsweek contained a piece written by a young, black, female doctor who lamented the regularity with which patients asked her when the real doctor would be arriving.

How can it be that with all the years of experience I have, all the procedures I've performed and all the people I've interacted with in emergency situations, I still get what I call "the look"? It's too predictable. I walk in the room and introduce myself, then wait for the patient—whether he or she is black, white or Asian—to steal glances at the ID card that is attached to my scrubs or white coat. (I've thought of having it changed to read something like: It's true. I'm a real doctor. Perhaps you've seen a black one on TV?)

The essay nicely makes my first point about Cynthia McKinney--that when you have earned your way to one form of high status, but your very appearance shouts that you have several forms of low status, people who encounter you will have trouble giving you the deference due your high-status position.

But it gets better.

In the current issue, Newsweek readers respond to Dr. Lumumba-Kasongo. One writes,

I find it difficult to sympathize with Mana Lumumba-Kasongo, who bemoans the fact that many of her patients don't immediately acknowledge her status as a physician. She has received an expensive and quality education. She is currently a senior resident, working in one of the world's busiest emergency rooms. She is practicing in a profession that will afford her a life of affluence, satisfaction and respect. In short, she will continue to achieve what only a small proportion of young adults can even aspire to, irrespective of race or gender. Rather than complain, Dr. Kasongo should count her blessings and strive to gain the recognition she seeks by becoming the best physician that she possibly can.

-Allen J. Berlin, Albuquerque, N.M.

My point exactly. People are not supposed to claim their status. If it is not granted automatically, then to clamor for it is to be unforgivably grasping. What a dilemma for the woman, or black woman, or young black woman, who has fought and worked and earned her way to the top just as we are all supposed to do, only to be treated as if she's still on the bottom--and if she points it out, to be kicked down yet again.

Filed under:

>
• status
• politics