One concept that I find both interesting and confusing is that medicine is not completely universal. As I approach my professional years and continue to learn more about the practice, my understanding of the sciences becomes more objective and concrete. However, Roberts shows that medical practice is not completely black and white as faith heavily influences their practice. It’s interesting how different cultures practice medicine around the world but confusing at the same time since I’ve always been taught differently. A clarifying question I have regarding this topic is,” Can science ever truly be separated from the cultural and moral values of its practitioners? If it can be, will it produce better patient outcomes?”

Here, the author directly challenges Western authority and influence. He proposes that instead of the gay rights movement being right or progressive, it is really a form of Western imperialism and a way for them to gain power and control. In doing so, they frame themselves as more progressive or accepting and other countries as backwards or behind. In reality, Massad is arguing that non Western countries like Arabia just he different values and beliefs toward sexual expression, not necessarily regressive. However, I think Massad is a little over critical as there are some positive effects of the western gay rights movement that he fails to recognize. A question I have for the class is “How can Western societies support a belief or movement without seeming imposing or inconsiderate towards other countries?”

Head coverings are interpreted differently in Western cultures versus in Muslim culture. In Western societies, head coverings are viewed as oppressive symbols and lack of independence. But in Muslim communities, they can symbolize religious values, cultural identity, or just personal preference. The practice of veiling is used as justification to save women as they are often seen as victims of an oppressive system rather than considering the social and religious context. The author opposes this assumption and argues that this justification serves political purposes rather than serving the Muslim community. I mostly agree with the author’s stance. I think it’s important to respect Muslim women who wear head coverings no matter their reason, whether it’s personal choice, religion, or other reasons. A clarifying question I have is, “How can we more accurately represent Muslim women who choose to wear head coverings?”

Lennon suggests that people exhibit different political identities or faces based on the audience and environment they encounter. He uses the term frontstage to describe the public setting, where people might cater to the general audience and conform to expectations. Backstage refers to more intimate or personal environments, where people might express different and sometimes contradictory political beliefs. A clarifying question I have about this concept is, "How do individuals balance their fronstage and backstage identities?"

This passage discusses how Western pharmaceutical companies are interested in India as a potential market. However, issues such as affordability is a challenge that they must face. Post-WTO patent laws allow these companies to charge high prices, similar to the US and Europe. However, this causes reduced availability to Indian patients. In conclusion, India's inclusion in the global pharmaceutical market sacrifices affordability and availability to patients. One clarifying question I have is, "How has India responded to the challenges caused by the post-WTO intellectual property regime—have there been any policy changes to improve accessibility of affordable medicines?"

I think if class was the sole issue, racism would not be nearly as prevalent as it is today. Racism in healthcare runs deep, dating back to Thomas jefferson's idea of scientific racism, an idea that stated black people's blood made them inferior to white people. That is just one example of an event that significantly impacted the perception of black and colored people in the medical context. I believe we must further examine the roots of racism in the healthcare system to identify the issue and improve it as future healthcare professionals.

I think alternative medicine has its place in today’s society, despite it sometimes lacking scientific evidence to support it. For many, it is a way to connect with their spirituality or state of mind. It is a method to simply feel better and clear the mind instead of working about the complications of modern medicine. I am amazed by Zhao’s ability to successfully practice both traditional and modern medicine, keeping both his cultural traditions and medical values in mind. I think his patients appreciate it as well as not all are thrilled to receive strict pharmacological care.

This is a harsh reality of our society today. I think the general public is already aware of chronic disease and its danger to us. As future healthcare professionals, that awareness quickly and sharply heightens as we learn more about the diseases that plague us. Diabetes, heart disease, infertility, and obesity are now commonplace. I look around and I see our people standing on a crumbling foundation of health. I see what hospitals feed their sick and dying patients and witness doctors prescribing endless medications and quickly realized the fallacy in our healthcare system. It made me accept that we can do the best we can to take care of ourselves, but as long as these systems are in place that promote disease, all of us are at risk. As a PA, I want to steer away from prescribing a statin just because my patient has high cholesterol (which is unfairly villainized in our community by the way). I don’t want to become part of the system that enables medication and disease. Instead, I want to take a holistic approach and make lasting changes in my patients’ lives.

This passage reveals the disheartening realization the author experiences as she begins her work in the harsh settings of Brazil’s impoverished communities. The coup of the community’s government was not as bloodless as she had previously thought. The widespread sickness and death of infants changed her perception of the world forever. This was life in Northeast Brazil during the time. It would be difficult for anyone, especially for a social worker who witnesses the situation first-hand, to grasp. The extreme conditions of this community speak to the importance of the author’s work. Her initiative and ability to explore difficult topics allows the readers to gain a deeper understanding of the era. Namely, how poverty, famine, and social inequality can shape family dynamics and livelihoods.

I can relate to the authors experience in Brazil. I grew up Vietnamese American which exposed me to two different cultures and experiences. Even now, my family always comments on my body and face as if it’s a normal topic of conversation. I hear comments about my weight, hair, complexion every day from my mom, specifically. Sometimes they can be harsh and rarely are they positive, but I’ve gotten used to it. I’ve always told myself just Vietnamese culture. American culture is very different. I learned that from a young age. I remember I made a comment on my classmates weight when I was in the third grade and I hurt his feelings and had to speak to the teacher after class. I didn’t fully understand then the impact my words had on him, but looking back, I realized the difference between what I’m used to at home and what is the cultural norm here in the states. I’ve had many other eye-opening experiences like this throughout the years. I understand now that there are different values and beliefs between the two cultures and I must learn to respect both.