Monday, December 5, 2011

Helen Keller and Specialist Discourse

When re-reading the Ann George piece, “Mr. Burke, Meet Helen Keller,” I was struck by a comment Helen Keller made about expertise. George says, “...taking aim at specialist discourse, Keller expresses dismay at how many people are content to hire ‘‘experts’’ to do their seeing for them,” (341). I am unfamiliar with “specialist discourse” but I am intrigued by Keller’s claim nonetheless. I think it speaks to our current knowledge producing structure (in at least American culture) as one that favors hierarchical systems.

For example, we invest in firms and universities to conduct research relating to health and wellness so that they may find the answers to our ailments. At a time when going to the doctor for routine check-ups is impossible for many, it would make sense for those with knowledge to disseminate it through all means possible so that the individual can take charge of their health. While we may read article after article about ways to avoid obesity or address any number of common health problems, we are still reliant on a healthcare system that is hierarchical. Many doctors do not see their jobs as being to educate the public on how to better their health, but rather they are there to treat symptoms with medication. We all know how incredibly busy doctors always seem to be, and so we do not always challenge a diagnosis or treatment plan, and we are certainly not encouraged to seek alternatives to prescription drugs. I think this relationship between doctors and patients, researchers and the general public, are symptomatic of the problem Keller is pointing out. We are not encouraged to seek a full understanding of our health, and we have become complicit with an industry that wants to medicate away our illnesses.

1 comment:

  1. I agree with you wholeheartedly. As someone who knows the dangers of prescription drugs, I think that our dependence on them as a whole, is alarming. I think it is interesting that specialist discourse was one of the things that Keller takes a shot at. Within specialist discourse, which I understand to be people like doctors, psychiatrists, etc., there is the object of power. As you said, we as a people do not question the diagnosis' of doctors because of the link they have with knowledge. Knowledge and power here are intertwined. To have the power to prescribe, one should have extensive knowledge of the item prescribed but there are those who would abuse this. Take for example, a woman in Florida (I love my state) who claimed to be a butt doctor and injected people with cement. You would think that someone would notice and not allow this but we are so conditioned to think of doctor's words as absolute, the victims didn't question it. It's a sad thing, especially since she is now claiming that she's the victim.

    http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/9raw-cement-doctor-proclaims-innocence/x1kv4w7

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