Marginalization of Cultural Groups.

Abstract

We recently heard some frightening statements related to inclusivity and diversity from the political arena threatening the human dignity of all marginalized persons. As an American citizen, I am saddened by these comments and am even more saddened that so many people have reacted positively to them. I believe these reactions come out of fear and anger. During times of unrest, war, terror attacks, and injustice, we want to live in peace—not frightened to go out in public. However, there are other ways to deal with these situations without alienating our country and putting Americans at risk in a global perspective. How does this have anything to do with transcultural nursing? Everything! It sets the stage of how we will treat anyone who is “different” across the globe. It goes back to the marginalization of people who do not deserve such judgement and accusations. This is not anything new—the internment of Japanese after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the killing of Jews during World War II, the Civil Rights movement, and, more recently, refugees from Syria. Our society thrives on recognizing and heightening our differences rather than looking at similarities. Hate and increasing intolerance does not make our goal to provide culturally congruent health care easy in our health care settings. Implications to these actions result in poor health outcomes in groups that are ostracized or marginalized. Our practice becomes more difficult as the trust between the health care provider and the patient worsens. Individuals, families, and communities all feel the results of fear and impulsive reactions to terrorism. As health care providers, we must be prepared to treat all persons with equality and respect. And to take it a step further—as advocates for inclusivity and diversity, we have to show others how to do this. We have to be the examples and the role models. We have to speak out about why it is not right to target certain groups. We have to be brave enough to speak out—when it is not an acceptable thing to do. We have to talk about it and teach our students, mentees, and peers about how we stand for inclusivity and diversity. In the spirit of our journal, we must acknowledge how these actions have direct implications for the delivery of culturally congruent health care and how it affects the preparation of health care professionals who will provide that care. We must do everything we can to prevent continued marginalization of groups and heal rather than feed into the propaganda of politics. 627495 TCNXXX10.1177/1043659615627495Journal of Transcultural NursingCuellar editorial2016