LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Minorities in the Health Professions To The Editor: The article in the December issue entitled "Minorities in the Health Professions: A Current Perspective" (1989;81(12):1225-1229) was interesting, but I believe the title was misleading. If it is the intention of the authors to report on a specific component of the minority population, then the article's title should reflect this intent. It is biased to use "underrepresented" minorities to prove that under representation is a problem affecting Afro-, Hispanic and native Americans. It cannot be stated that American Indians have the lowest overall educational attainment of all minority groups, without providing the statistics of all minority groups. A more unbiased approach con-

cerning minorities in health professions would include all minorities, and would answer why some minorities do better than others. A definition of "minority" would also clarify exactly how this term is used. Does "minority" indicate a percentage of the whole, or, some other factor? The misuse of terms for the sake of rhetoric does injustice to whatever issue is under discussion. The authors contend that the pool of eligible under-represented minorities is due to their lesser numbers in college and completing college. What does this mean? Wouldn't being a minority indicate a smaller number in itself? Though the authors point out poor living conditions, health, and schools as the root of all problems, it seems important to also ask,"why is this so?" Blaming the educational system for a person's 688

failure to receive a good education does not solve anything. Why are the schools that many AfroAmerican children attend in such poor condition? What is the community's attitude toward education? What is the family's attitude towards education? The schools cannot be relied upon to provide education if the students have no motivation to learn, nor place any value on education itself. Learning is a life experience that goes on beyond the classroom, and children should be encouraged to learn. Furthermore, poverty, and poor living conditions have never been used as an excuse by those who have self-respect and succeed in life. In fact, these factors, if looked at in a positive light, are, indeed, powerful motivators to do well. Encouragement to develop one's particular talent and capacity is the proper approach rather than expecting society to make special concessions at the expense of someone else. Regarding the money spent on suburban schools, the burden is on the taxpayers of that community. Would inner city communities be willing to accept the additional taxing necessary to upgrade schools to provide quality education, even with the absence of student interest? Increased expenditure per student does not necessarily improve one's ability to learn. For one who is motivated to learn, the public library is a source that is free to all. As for minority colleges in financial difficulties, how many alumni contribute to their alma maters? Certainly a college education has helped many to find better paying jobs, and should therefore make them more financially able to support their higher institutions. In addition, financing a college

education is not only a problem for minorities but for everyone. State and public colleges have done their share to provide accessible education for all with ability. It would be unfair to lower the standards of education just to increase numbers so all may attend regardless of ability. No one who has ability, initiative, and motivation has been denied a chance in the American educational system. Therefore, the emphasis should be on the individual student to excel academically, rather than to tear down the educational system. Changes are needed, but a more productive approach would be an even-handed assessment of what needs to be corrected -the educational system and the students themselves. One important point the authors make is about the need to emphasize the significance of science and math courses. This is a commendable idea, though a broader emphasis on the importance of education also needs to be stressed. Furthermore, home and community involvement is needed if the underrepresented minority student pool is to grow. Betty C. Jung Guilford. Connecticut Author's Reply: Throughout your letter, you emphasize the role of the individual in this process, of motivation, of free will. This is important, and government and society ought to do everything possible to encourage this. Without this, no policy or program will succeed. This statement was made in your letter: "No one who has the ability and the initiative and motivation has been denied a chance in the American educational system." Many people, particularly people of continued on page 692

JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, VOL. 82, NO. 10

Minorities in the health professions.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Minorities in the Health Professions To The Editor: The article in the December issue entitled "Minorities in the Health Profess...
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