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As American society becomes increasingly diverse and globalized, the healthcare
system is starting to integrate diversity and cultural humility into its core
values. This perspective recognizes that our cultural identities are complex and
intersectional constructions shaped by history and the society we grew up in. It
acknowledges that our beliefs and biases are not inherently superior or more
“natural” than anyone else’s, and that it is important to approach the
viewpoints of other cultures with an open mind and respect. Achieving cultural
humility is a lifelong process of egoless self-awareness and self-critique,
challenging power imbalances, and holding institutions accountable. However, I
believe that self-critique is the element that requires the most work to
achieve.
Institutional accountability and mitigating power imbalances are external
behaviors that are easier to sustain than inward self-critique. It is much
easier to point out flaws in organizations than to see them in ourselves. Our
brains are wired to operate according to existing knowledge and expectations,
simplifying reality to conserve brainpower. This is the reason we perpetuate
stereotypes and judge people based on split-second visual perceptions.
Continuous reflection and questioning of our own beliefs and biases require
maintaining a mental distance from our perception of the world. Self-critique is
the most difficult element of cultural humility to attain because it requires us
to prevent ourselves from subconsciously assuming that our beliefs are superior
and imposing them on others.
Self-critique is a mentally demanding effort that goes against our natural
instincts, and therefore requires the most work to uphold. It is important to
recognize that self-critique is a lifelong process that requires a continuous
effort to challenge our own biases and assumptions. We need to be willing to
confront our own shortcomings and limitations and continuously work to improve
ourselves.
In conclusion, achieving cultural humility requires a commitment to lifelong
learning, self-awareness, and self-critique. It is essential to challenge our
own biases and assumptions and to approach the viewpoints of other cultures with
an open mind and respect. While institutional accountability and mitigating
power imbalances are important elements, self-critique is the most critical and
challenging element to achieve. We must be willing to put in the work to
continuously reflect and question our own beliefs and biases to achieve cultural
humility. |
