Image is powerful

Ask yourself these simple questions.  What role does image play in your life?  How much of your image is under your control? How do you perceive yourself?  How do others perceive you?  Does your image matter to you?

I argue that, like it or not, image matters to each of us.  Certainly, some worry about image more than others.  But, each of us feels social pressure to present ourselves in a particular way.  For me, I value education, intelligence, social responsibility, and hard work.  I place less importance on fashion, material possessions, and power.

Now consider those factors that are out of your control, such as gender, race, height, beauty, cognitive abilities, etc.  What role do these factors play in your perceived successes and your perceived failures?  Not only am I intrigued with the notion that I am the master of my own destiny, but I am also fascinated by those factors that are out of my control.  For example, as a white male in American society, I have been afforded access to opportunities that female minorities have not.  It is not that a black woman cannot achieve great successes in this country.  Just look at Condoleezza Rice, former U.S. Secretary of State.  However, one cannot argue that her obstacles were far different than mine.

Perhaps I am having difficulty illustrating my point or you are having difficulty believing the notion that factors beyond our control can play a significant role in our achievements.  So, I turned to TED Talks and found a video of a presentation by Cameron Russell.    This former Victoria’s Secret runway model clearly articulates that: 1) image is powerful, 2) image is superficial, and 3) she won a genetic lottery.

http://embed.ted.com/talks/cameron_russell_looks_aren_t_everything_believe_me_i_m_a_model.html"

I believe Ms. Russell succinctly illustrates how factors beyond our control play a vital role in our social trajectory.  So, why am I posing these questions about image?  I am doing so because I believe it relates to a greater social issue: health disparities in this country.  I ask you to contemplate those factors that are out of your control and how they have helped or hindered you on your path to achieving your goals.  Next, I hope you will consider these factors when you are at the bedside of each of your patients.  What roles do the inequities of life play in how your patient arrived at their current health situation? The disparity in health outcomes in the United States is a complex issue and reaches far beyond image.    But, clearly, taking into consideration the riches that have been afforded to each of us (for no other reason than our genetics) is a good place to start when considering ways to address the problem of health disparities in this country.  As Ms. Russell posited, what 'free stuff' do you receive?