Using sexual and ethnic stereotypes to determine treatment?

Well, this will most certainly start a crap storm.

Sonny

"demographics" is not the same thing as "stereotype"...you must have missed that day in your Harvard MBA class

...and the storm begins.......

For starters, look up the meaning of demographics, here's a good one: dem·o·graph·ics, Noun: Statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it.

Stereotypes denotes racisim in any definition.

Two entirely different things. I don't see stereotyping or racisim in what you cited here. Of course within demographics, there are different attitudes concerning medical treatments, doctors, etc, based on racial and cultural backgrounds, but that hardly is stereotyping. Demographics are based upon statistical facts, not racist opinions.

David in SC

Nicely said, Bronson.

The problem I have with the article is that it doesn't say anything intelligible. Just what the heck is a physician supposed to make of this? The doctor, its says, "should take specific demographics, socioeconomic status, and sexual preference into consideration, and tailor an approach based on a patient’s specific concerns about the implications of various treatments.”

Here we have a beautiful example of the decay of the English language. It's a beautiful example of impressive sounding writing that fails to convey meaning. The words are all ten-dollar words, but they're pure gobbledeygook. They don't mean anything.

If I were a urologist and somebody came to me and said, "This is what you need to do," and then read me that sentence, I'd tell him to try to recast his thoughts in English, include some specific examples to illustrate his meaning, and then I'd go about my business treating my patients with as much care and understanding as I can muster, just as I always do, day in and day out.

Very simple. If you are a man have your psa and prostate checked. Then if cancer is found, decide on the treatment. No matter if you are white, black, gay or whatever. I was reading an article in a magazine in the doctors office. It said if the patient is white doctors should not require as many psa checks as they should for blacks. If one is a moron and think they are a check box on a form then do what you want. We are all responsible for our health decisions.

Purgatory said...
For starters, look up the meaning of demographics, here's a good one: dem·o·graph·ics, Noun: Statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it.

Stereotypes denotes racisim in any definition.

Two entirely different things. I don't see stereotyping or racisim in what you cited here. Of course within demographics, there are different attitudes concerning medical treatments, doctors, etc, based on racial and cultural backgrounds, but that hardly is stereotyping. Demographics are based upon statistical facts, not racist opinions.

David in SC

It's not either or. There are demographics and there is stereotyping in my opinion.

Stereotype - a simplified and standardized conception or image invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group:

And I believe Bronson is confirming exactly what I am uncomfortable with, and what I call stereotyping in the research when he points out that "There may be different sexual activity due to gender - but love, the need for intimacy and respect, knows no gender, no orientation, nor age or race."

Bronson - I'm glad you do and yes, we are all the same and should be treated because of our pathology, age, family history, not sexual orientation. That's my issue with this so called research.

Post Edited (davidg) : 5/2/2012 11:13:45 PM (GMT-6)

Question - yes, not all stereotypes are negative. In fact I remember reading "Beyond The Melting Pot" by Galzer and Myniham along with some other books that even claimed that there is some truth to all stereotypes and that stereotypes perpetuate stereotypes. And I understand the intent here is to urge doctors to have a better understanding of the cultural and socio/economic realities of their patients. I just don't understand why that logic cannot be applied regardless of ethnicity, and especially of sexual orientation. Further, I understand economic constraints, and I understand having biological factors that put one more at risk and therefore should require earlier testing etc. But to hole stretch with treating gay people differently than straight guys when it comes to addressing treatment considerations seems wrong to me.The factors listed in the second link I provided seem to apply to single guys too in my opinion.

I just found the whole premise behind this paper/research/review a bit troubling while at the same time interesting in how it allows one to explore our cultural tapestry.