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INCIDENT REPORT How to Handle 'Blatant Obnoxious Racism'The response to the incident below was written by orthopedic surgeon Augustus White, master of the Holmes Society and the Ellen and Melvin Gordon professor of medical education. Incident: In a feedback session at the end of a core clerkship, a black female student was told: "I understand from your adviser and from your performance here that you had to pull yourself up by your bootstraps to get here. Ask your dean to find someone who can give you mental exercises to do." Response: This is not a naive, insensitive comment, but clearly a vile, mean-spirited attempt to hurt. This is a BOR, that is, an instance of blatant obnoxious racism. Such behavior must not be tolerated in this community--or any community. The outcome of this incident is not known; however, the perpetrator should have been reported. Harvard Medical School should then have educated the person about the gross inappropriateness of this behavior. Students and all people in this community must be empowered and instructed about methods of reporting such behavior (see below). Each person has his or her own defense mechanisms for coping in such situations. It is particularly difficult when one is in a subordinate status such as a student confronted by a teacher. There is no universal formula, but here are two suggestions. The student should recognize that the problem of racism lies with the perpetrator not the offended individual. In order to alleviate anger, frustration, and any hurtfulness, it can be useful to confide in a friend or family member. Because of the high volatility of a BOR incident, it is better not to confront the perpetrator directly, however tempting this may be. It is the student's responsibility to report the incident and the institution's responsibility to address the perpetrator and to protect the student from any retribution. Reported or unreported, this person may strike again. Courage in reporting and the effectiveness of the institutional response will significantly lessen and, possibly, eliminate future BOR behavior. Moreover, the reporting response will discourage others who may be afflicted with similar inclinations. Also, in this game, you do not have to be the object of the BOR to blow the whistle. When you witness a foul, you blow the whistle. If you do not warm up to the sports metaphor, think of the reporting as a kind of citizen's arrest. And if you do need to report a BOR incident, contact one of these people: Ronald Arky, master of the Peabody Society (617-432-2180); Joseph Bonventre, master of HST (617-432-1738); Orah Platt, master of the Castle Society (617-432-2133); Alvin Poussaint, faculty associate dean for student affairs (617-432-8390 ext. 2303); Eleanor Shore, dean for faculty affairs (617-432-1540); Gordon Strewler, master of the Cannon Society (617-432-3107); Augustus White, master of the Holmes Society (617-432-2166); or Linda Wilcox, ombudsperson (617-432-4040). |
