Dear Alicia, Katherine D, Arly and other culture freaks: Alicia's
report on her testimony (congrats!) made me realize about the
conflicts and schizophrenia we can feel sometimes. In addition
to appreciating Alicia's thoughtful remarks, I'd like to agree
with Arly about the need to possibly trample on the beliefs of
some women whose cultural practices have strayed too far from
what is healthful (dare I mention female "circumcision" again?).
However, in my opinion, we must ALSO bear in mind that what
works, say, for Alicia's client population may not work very well
for some in mine. For example, I believe that the EARLIER that
young Bedouin mothers are released from OUR hospital (where
bottles and pacifiers are routinely given by staff) and returned
to their cultural ambience which has traditionally breastfed, the
better off they are. I hope it's understood that I'm not
criticizing anyone here (aside from my hospital!), just noting
it's a big world with a lot of dazzling differences. That's what
makes it all so interesting!
Denise - fascinating about the Mexicans!
Regards to all. Lousy duststorms here. My soldier son ordered a
picnic supper on his birthday May 23, so the weather had better
shape up. Judy Knopf