Race Identity

Today, on National Public Radio (NPR 90.1 Philadelphia) I heard a riveting show about race in America. In particular, the debate focused on Barack Obama's race identity. I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the portion of the show that I heard. If nothing else, I think President-Elect Obama's racial identity has sparked a long overdue conversation in America. In recent years race has been the "elephant in the room." We all see it, but few acknowledge that America is still fraught with racial problems. These problems are so engrained in our society that people often (and I believe genuinely - in some cases) don't understand their part or that of other's in perpetuating hostility toward people of color (whether overt or covert).

Some people say that race doesn't matter. I believe that is inherently true. However, race has been made to be important in American society. Other than identifying someone by their skin color or ethnic features to separate and treat them differently, I fail to understand the significance or usefulness of one's race.

According to our birth certificates: In 1933 when my mother was born, she was "colored". In 1955 when my brother was born, he was "negro." In 1961 when I was born, I was "black". And, in 1995 my youngest daughter was "African-American," which in her case is accurate being the daughter of my second husband, who is from Cote D'Ivoire, West Africa and I being from the United States. It seems to me that the need for naming or labeling comes from outside of ourselves. In this country (America) if others can't categorize you, they dont know how they should treat you...as though treating everyone fairly and the same would be a bad thing. This is illustrated by the "colored" people who used to pass as white and were treated well in society but, when discovered to be black were treated horrifically.

The questions on today's show about why Obama does not self-identify as "mixed" or "bi-racial" is clear to me. In this society, if you have the appearance of being "black" or "African-American" that is how you are treated. Fair-skinned, straight hair, thin lips, etc. do not trump the long held prejudices people have about what it means to be "black" or "African-American." It's not so much how you see or identify yourself, its how others categorize you and ultimately treat you.

Politics Shouldn't Be This Funny... But, I'm Glad It Is

I have been glued to the TV during this presidential race. This is history in the making. I just wish we all had a full appreciation for the magnitude of these happenings.

I was listening to Public Radio today and heard a Republican man say that he won't even watch Sen. Barack Obama's commercials. To me, when you tell yourself (or someone else tells you) not to watch, read or expose yourself to new ideas, people, and things... you're sending a message that you don't believe in what you say you do. If you are so threatened by learning something new that you have to avoid it, that says a lot. I for one watched all of the debates and both the Democratic and Republican conventions. How can you possibly make an informed decision unless you consider all of the options available to you?

I have a difficult time understanding voters who either haven't made up their mind or have decided to vote for a candidate based solely on rhetoric and verbally superficial slight of hand (so to speak).

I'm glad that at least along with the intensity of the election and all the craziness, we can still take out some time to laugh.

Informed Consent

When a doctor hands you a piece of paper telling you to sign it, do you? Why? What are you signing? If you are sick or hurt and the doctor has to do some kind of surgery or procedure that is not a part of regular care, he/she must get your consent. Any procedure that is not a part of regular care (non-routine) that means the doctor has to go inside your body (invasive, cutting, inserting a tool, etc.) needs your consent. Informed consent means that your doctor has explained what is wrong with you (diagnosis). The doctor then explains what can be done to fix the problem (your options). The doctor will also tell you what would happen if you decided not to do anything to fix the problem (no treatment). During this talk and after, you can ask questions about what the doctor has said to be sure that you understand. Once the doctor has explained everything and you are sure that you know what he/she has said, then and only then should you sign the form that says you understand what the doctor has told you and you agree with what needs to be done. Signing the piece of paper is not the "informed consent". The informed consent is being told what is wrong, what can be done or not done, and having time to ask questions.

If your doctor asks you to sign forms and you are not sure what they are for or you can't understand what the doctor says, you can ask for help. Unless you are in an emergency, you need to always take time to know what you are signing. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't be afraid to go to another doctor. It's your body. It's your choice.

Who Makes A Good Friend?

I think a good friend is someone who introduces you to new and intereresting things, like music. Keeping in mind, a lot of people can introduce you to all kinds of crazy stuff, like drugs, violence, and all kinds of weird @#%^. But someone who ehances your world and shows you things you may never have seen before, to me that's someone who makes a good friend. So... thanks VK. Radiohead IS cool! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxpblnsJEWM

Be open to new things. You might actually enjoy it.

Heaven in Paris

Heaven

I was there
There is here
You won't find it where you're looking
What you seek is not lost
It is here where it has always been
If you wait... wait to find it
You will miss what you are seeking
You'll be there where it is not
Starting over to try again
Heaven is here
I was there
There is here

by Theresa E. Berger ~ 2000

What Defines You?

When you introduce yourself to someone, how do you define yourself? Hi... I'm his wife or her husband. I'm a lawyer, a bus driver, a teacher. I'm a mother, a father. I'm single. I'm an artist, a musician. I'm so stupid. I can't do anything. "I" What is that? Who is that? What about all that stuff you have, is that you? You car, your house or apartment is that you? Do you even know who you are aside from what you do, your relationship and what you own? I dare say you don't. If you think I'm wrong. Describe yourself and consider the description you use. You don't know who you are any more than I know who you are.

Maybe it's time to start taking time to think about who you are. Quiet time. Alone time. Just time. What if you lost everything. Would you lose yourself? http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/david_hoffman_on_losing_everything.html

I Love TED

I discovered a site that is like virtual crack to me. I am utterly and completely hooked. There are people from all aspects of life: technology, entertainment, and design... Did you notice? What do you mean notice what.... Look! Technology, Entertainment and Design... TED. Some of the greatest minds around are given 18 minutes to present there ideas and in some cases their life's work. It's fascinating. I hope you will check it out and enjoy! http://www.ted.com/

Amazing Things Still Amaze Me

Are you still amazed by amazing things? Humanity has accomplished so much that amazing things often seem simple. In fact, organ transplants, open heart surgery, fertility treatments, limb reattachments, falling from a plane and surviving, fiber optics, cell phones... and on and on. These things have become commonplace, but I have to say... they are no less than amazing.

Have you ever heard of "nano art"? This is artwork accomplished by creating works of art on the head of a pin or inside the eye of a needle. The tools: the hair of a fly, dust particles, grains of sugar... Are you amazed yet? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjUXiwn9djU

BE AMAZED !!!

Facebook | Theresa E. Berger

Facebook Theresa E. Berger

I imagine every day...

Imagine If You Can...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEOkxRLzBf0

The Great Equalizer

For me, music is the universal language, the great equalizer. Regardless of someone's background, nationality, ethnicity, religious affiliation, etc., music traverses across all boundaries to reach the heart.

Here is a video of a man from the Phillipines whose mother taught him that singing could change his life. Now, he is the lead singer of Journey. He was discovered by Journey on YouTube when they were searching for a new lead singer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLHOQz8N8Gk

'Nough Said?

Sometimes the least said is best.

Prepared to Die

What I find extremely concerning about our passive outlook on life is our lack of preparation for death. Many of us think that if we don't think about death it will somehow pass us by or at least get distracted elsewhere. This mentality often leaves families devastated and ill prepared to carry on. From personal experience, my brother, Jay, at the age of 39 died of a heart attack. You can be sure that he did not expect to die at 39. He had not updated his pension and insurance at work to reflect his then 16-year-old daughter as his beneficiary. His pension for his work of 19 years and 6 months with the corporation he worked for reverted back to the company. Had he been active in ensuring the well-being of his daughter, she would have received his pension.

I think... we can choose to be passive and continue to let things happen to us or we can become active and take action to make things happen the way we truly desire. I don't believe anyone wants to create a hardship for their loved ones. To that end, we should all make sure that our affairs are in order. Check your insurance policies annually. Make sure that your beneficiaries are current. Make sure your family knows where important papers and information are kept. Be clear as to what your wishes are by talking to family and friends in a frank and honest manner. It doesn't help to ignore the inevitable. Since we never know when death will come, we should always be prepared.

Financial Woes

I have not blogged for a few days. I've been thinking...

Like many others, I have hit some incredibly hard financial times. I have been thinking about my options on how to resolve those problems. I find it especially difficult to understand the great depths to which my situation has sunk. This is because I am an extremely frugal person with few possessions and even fewer needs. Yet and still, here I am... struggling. I had to think about what choices I have made up to now that has led me to this point. I know that every choice that I have made has been instrumental in where I am now. So, now to go back and review those choices. Those choices can not be reversed, but can be reflected upon in order to avoid repeating any that will continue to cause me financial problems.

I know that I have an inclination to want to help others. In spite of the fact that I have little (relatively speaking), I tend to want to take care of others. I think that is in part the mothering side of me.

But, what I really struggle with is how some decisions that I have made, seemingly in my favor, have somehow turned out to be to my detriment. For example, at 42 I left my full-time job and finished my undergraduate education. On the surface this seemed to be a wise decision. In my work life I had consistently been told that without a degree my ability to make more money would be stifled. So... I received a Bachelor's degree with a double-major and graduated Maxima Cum Laude. Well, that decision did not lead to more opportunities or a better salary. With my many years of experience and now an undergraduate degree, I was told that the positions I was then applying for required a graduate degree. So... once again, I entered school to pursue a degree that was to provide me with the credentials necessary to fulfill the requirements of the positions that would offer a better salary and opportunities.

I have completed my coursework and await graduation from an Ivy League school. I am now over $100,000 in educational debt. I am working full-time in a position slated to end in June 2008. I will begin teaching this month, but with no prior teaching experience will only make a small salary.

With a past due mortgage, student loans, car insurance, utilities, one last minor child at home, etc. I would need to make $100,000 a year just to meet all of my obligations. What are the chances of that? I don't know. At this point, my options are waning, the creditors are calling and my home is in jeopardy.

With each email entry Publisher's Clearing House assures me they are on the way. I hope they get here soon!

String Theory

Are you ready to stretch your mind and what you know to consider the possibilities?

Have a Great Day !

I hope that you're having a great day!!! Don't forget to smell the flowers along the way.

Traumatic Brain Injury in Military Personnel

During my graduate studies I took a neuroethics class. This is an excerpt of my paper on Traumatic Brain Injury in Military Personnel. I know the content and vocabulary may be a bit complex, but I believe it is well worth the effort to read.

Due to the prevalence of undiagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI) in military personnel, proactive screening utilizing established tests employed in other applications would best identify those suffering from TBI. I suggest three readily available and portable tests (Stroop Task, Virtual Water Maze and Field Sobriety Test) currently employed in other applications that could potentially be most efficient in detecting traumatic brain injury in military personnel in the field.

Traumatic brain injury can lead to a diverse range of neuropsychological deficits, including attention, memory, processing speed, and executive functioning (Axelrod, Fichtenberg, Liethen, Czarnota, & Stucky, 2001). “Sixty-four percent (64%) of soldiers wounded in action in Operation Iraqi Freedom sustained blast injuries, according to the Office of the Surgeon General of the Army.” (http://www.hjf.org/research/feature_DVBIC.html) There is a lack of clear evidence as to whether or not the military proactively screens its injured personnel for TBI in the field. Due to the sheer numbers of traumatically brain injured personnel, the implication is that proactive screening should be conducted in the field to identify military personnel with closed head injuries where no visible signs of injury are present.

Personnel sustaining injuries from blasts, motor vehicle accidents, falls or gun shot wounds to the head, who are medically evacuated to hospitals, are proactively screened. (J Head Trauma Rehabil, Vol. 21, No. 5, pp 398-402, 2006) Unlike visibly obvious wounds, closed head injuries can go undetected for years. “Proactive patient education, ongoing health screening with appropriate medical follow-up, and timely interventions for individuals with TBI are indicated.” (J Head Trauma Rehabil. 1998 Aug;13(4):47-57) Military personnel diagnosed with TBI report subjective symptoms that are unlikely to be measured through conventional means, such as diagnostic imaging.

Therefore, tests need to be devised that can capture and evaluate the subjective complaints expressed by undiagnosed TBI personnel. The nature of brain injury itself is damage to the core of the central nervous system. The brain is the organ we use to create and decipher our experiences and understand who we are as a person and our place in the world. Therefore, the brain itself becomes an unreliable source of detecting and measuring cognitive and motor function and selfhood. TBI military personnel often complain of symptoms of not feeling like themselves and experiencing difficulty navigating without bumping into obstacles and difficulty in completing routine tasks. This subjective reporting is not addressed by traditional measures of objective diagnostic imaging which may detect structural damage to the brain. Objective questioning to determine alert and oriented status (e.g., person, place and time orientation) too may be less than optimal in determining the functioning of the TBI person. One can potentially maintain person, place and time orientation while suffering from a disoriented selfhood, altered spatial orientation and an inability efficiently process information needed to complete routine tasks. Therefore, military personnel suffering from a traumatic brain injury could potentially be assigned where they are driving, utilizing hazardous equipment, handling weapons, making snap judgments and other tasks that require full capacity thinking and reflexes where theirs is lacking. There exists some established testing for the counterparts of TBI patient’s suffering from organic diseases with similar symptomatology. These are the three tests that I recommend:

Stroop Task: Publishing his PhD thesis in 1935, John Ridley Stroop devised a psychological test of mental (attention) vitality and flexibility. “The task takes advantage of our ability to read words more quickly and automatically than we can name colors. If a word is printed or displayed in a color different from the color it actually names; for example, if the word ‘green’ is written in blue ink we will say the word ‘green’ more readily than we can name the color in which it is displayed, which in this case is ‘blue’.” The cognitive mechanism involved in this task is called directed attention, you have to manage your attention, inhibit or stop one response in order to say or do something else. (http://www.snre.umich.edu/eplab/demos/st0/stroopdesc.html)

Virtual Morris Water Maze: Devised by Prof. Richard Morris in 1984, the Morris water maze tested mice introduced into a pool where an unseen platform gave them access out of the pool. Around the pool are several markers as points of reference. When the mice are placed into the pool at the same point of entry they eventually recall the location of the platform. After repeatedly placing the mice into the pool they become familiar with the location of the markers in reference to the platform. Therefore, when placed into the pool at different locations the mice are able to identify the markers as a point of reference to where the platform is located.
In its virtual application, the Morris water maze was used to test humans by simulating the same pool scenario. In their research, Human spatial navigating deficits after traumatic brain injury shown in the arena maze, a virtual Morris water maze, Skelton, Ross, Nerad and Livingston found that TBI survivors were unable to remember the location of the hidden platform that was always located in the same place. (Brain Injury 20 (2): 189-203 Feb 2006) This test in particular is important in identifying TBI military personnel during wartime because of the significant implications in their ability to identify targets and their locations in reference to the positions of comrades and allies.

Field Sobriety Test: The Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) is a battery of three tests administered and evaluated by trained examiners to obtain validated indicators of alcohol impairment. These tests were developed as a result of research sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and conducted by the Southern California Research Institute. As previously stated, TBI personnel often complain of difficulty navigating around objects. This battery of tests may aid in identifying TBI personnel experiencing balance and navigation difficulties, along with difficulty in following simple instructions. The test consists of three parts: the horizontal gaze nystagmus, the walk-and-turn, and the one-leg stand. (http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/enforce/deskbk.html#SFST)

Hillary Smack Down

This humorous article from the New York Times emphasizes how silly the presidential campaign has become.

Making Important Decisions

In a few short weeks, I will be teaching an undergraduate Critical Thinking class. The Pennsylvania primary will most likely be one topic we will cover. When people make important decisions like choosing a presidential candidate few people actually think critically. In particular many Americans seem to find intelligence, introspection (examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes), and global thinking elitist and strange.

This was made evident in Pennsylvania by the level of importance placed on Hillary Clinton's photo op in Scranton, Pennsylvania where she downed a shot and a beer and reminisced about her childhood summers visiting the area, where she practiced shooting with her father. Other than making a personal connection with the locals her life experience as a child was limited.

On the other hand, Barack Obama grew up as a child of many cultures and as the product of parents from America (mother) and Kenya (father) and Indonesia (step-father), living in both Indonesia and the United States. Is this life experience not impressive? In today's world where the internet, cell phones and air travel have lifted the boundaries of physical distance, global life experience would seem to be more relevant than that of an experience only relevant to a small few.

I'm sure that neither candidate's childhood can answer my questions about health care, education, the economy or the environment in America, or the war in which the United States is engaged in in Iraq and Afghanistan. Kissing babies and waving flags does nothing to quell the violence gripping the United States from within. U.S. relationships around the world have deteriorated and important issues elsewhere have gone relatively unnoticed. People around the world (e.g., Burma, Ethiopia, and Sudan, etc.) continue to suffer from malnutrition, displacement, poor health, poor education, and violence. Focusing on a candidate's lack of a flag pin on his lapel seems laughable in comparison. Cuba and Russia have experienced political change. China has ignored the cries of those around the world seeking humane treatment of the Tibetans. The list of issues that SHOULD grab the attention of the American public and media are infinite, yet ignored. However, Americans... who have great difficulty even locating other countries on a map... cling to their xenophobia (deep dislike for foreigners) as though the rest of the world has no importance. Why has the political process for selection of an American president, who will surely have influence around the world, been so trivialized?

Whether discussing issues within the United States or issues outside of the United States the focus needs to change. You can either emphasize trivial and meaningless background noise or you can familiarize yourself with the issues and their impact on yourself and the rest of the world and decide by thinking critically.

P.S. I did not have the ability to choose which YouTube videos would be selected. I chose the names of the candidates only. The videos that automatically come up are indicative of what I have said above.

Health Literacy

What would you do if you didn't understand what your doctor or hospital was telling you about your health? Health literacy extends beyond the ability to read the materials you may be given. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Institute of Medicine (IOM) define health literacy as "The degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions." Take a look at the videos to your left.

The Power of Suggestion

I find it quite sad how little progress humanity has made in terms of perpetuating the same old problems. Ignorance, prejudice, violence and a host of other unnecessary and suggestive behaviors abound. Why? Okay... maybe that question is a bit daunting. Here's one maybe we can tackle. Why do people, in particular some parents, perpetuate negativity. Again, I don't mean the blatant kind that the majority of us find repugnant. I mean the subtle negativity that comes with a peck on the cheek and a pat on the head.

Years ago, I dropped my young daughter off at day care. The day promised rain and had begun to cloud over. I kissed my daughter good-bye at the door of the day care and wished her a great day. As I was leaving another mother, who was mirroring the same routine, kissed her daughter on the cheek and looked skyward with a scowl. She then proceeded to tell her daughter what a gloomy day it was and how miserable it was going to be. I cringed at the thought of her suggestion to her 4 or 5 year old daughter that the day was predestined to be horrible. This type of negativity may appear harmless or said in passing with no intent of malice. However, this is the subtle type of negativity that leaves its indelible mark on impressionable minds. What purpose does it serve to suggest negativity... particularly to a child?

Think about all of the opinions and feelings you have about the world around you. What in your opinions and views wasn't formed at the suggestion of someone else? I hate broccoli! Those people aren't like us! He has a problem sitting still. If you're lucky, you've had a predominance of positive statements made by the people who have had a tremendous part in shaping who you are. Wow! You did great! You're so beautiful. I hope you have a wonderful day. However, keep in mind... those are suggestive opinions too. Just think, your perception of beauty was most likely shaped by other people's opinion of what is beautiful. The power of suggestion is strong and needs to be recognized for what it is. Just someone else's opinion. For what it's worth, I like rainy days!

Blogging 101

I am trying to get the hang of this blogging thing. There are a lot of really interesting and thought provoking blogs. I just have to learn how to link to them. Once I get that, the formatting and advertising down... watch out world.

Just Because...

Racial Disparities in Health Care

There has been a lot of speculation as to why "minorities" suffer at a much higher rate than their white counterparts with poor health and health care outcomes. Consideration has been given to educational level, socio-economic status, insurance coverage, cultural issues, etc.

Here's my thought... People of color (because I despise the term "minority") tend to be people of faith. This might have a little to do with the fact that for many a personal connection to God is their only source of power. Historically, people of color have experienced and continue experience many hardships often not of their own doing. Prayer and faith provide strength. When pain and struggles continue over an extended period of time or even a lifetime people become desensitized to their pain and struggles. There is a tendency to muddle through and make the best of the situation.

When a person who experiences pain and struggles on a regular basis becomes ill or injured that illness or injury becomes just one more issue or struggle to cope with. A prioritization occurs. For example, if someone is diagnosed with diabetes he/she will be expected by the health care system to conform to strict regimens of testing and monitoring, eating well, exercising, not smoking and all that goes with stabilizing the blood sugar. However, when meeting one's basic needs (food, shelter and clothing), along with other priorities (raising children, caring for elderly family members, working, maintaining utilities, etc.) arise a conflict develops. People of color know that their health is important. There is an understanding that if I don't take my medicine I may eventually experience greater illness, but for now... I have to get to work, I can't afford the testing device, the only grocery store available to me sells a poor selection of foods. As long as one can continue to function, even if ill, there is a need to keep going.

Address the issues of the struggles (education, socio-economic, insurance). Yes. But, also address the fatigue and desensitization that accompanies the struggles. For many, God is the only source of strength to keep going. Unfortunately, for many there is a belief that God expects one to suffer for salvation, which also facilitates a mind-set that struggling is necessary. Struggling equals desensitization, which equals poor outcomes.

My Photographs

Just a note to let you know that all of the pictures you will see on my blog are my creations. Enjoy!

Welcome

Welcome to my blog.

I often think about how much better life, the world, relationships, family, work, play... whatever... would be, if we all would just take a few minutes on a regular basis and just think. Think in silence. When you actually stop and think what seems opaque gently fades to transparent.

I would like to use this blog as a forum to think out loud. I hope you will spend a little time thinking with me and sharing your thoughts. Maybe together we can change the world.

OK. Think about this...

Why doesn't the health care system in the United States reward physicians, hospitals, clinics and other providers for preventive care? In the current system health care providers make money from sick patients. The sicker the better. Shouldn't the system pay for keeping patients healthy? The healthier the better. With all of the squawking about the over burdened system and limited resources... keeping things the way they are doesn't make sense. What do you think?