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As nurses, we complete annual tests to demonstrate our competency in cultural diversity. I am rather well traveled and believe I am culturally competent and tolerant as a whole.
I remember more than a decade ago as Jay Leno featured his wife, Mavis Leno’s work addressing the plight of Afghan women. It was the first I had ever heard of a burqa, the enveloping outer garment worn by women over the usual daily clothing for the purpose of hiding a woman’s body when in public from the view of men that are not her family. I viewed it as an oppressive item of clothing to symbolize and reinforce women’s inferior social status. I have heard some Afghan women now choose to continue to wear the burqa long after they are no longer required. They say they feel more comfortable and confident. I, of course, being a modern, Western woman believed the women were too oppressed and afraid of the repercussions to emerge from behind their veils.
You may have read my previous blog regarding my physician’s comment I would be a size 2 after 2 years in a Chinese labor camp. As much as I hate to admit it, his comment has taken a toll on my self esteem. As I donned my favorite pair of oversized, unisex lavender scrubs to go to work, I was surprised to find myself thinking it was the first time since his derogatory comments I felt comfortable and confident in my attire. My uniform not only represents my profession but the oversized, unisex garment provides an enveloping outer garment to hide my body while at work. I realized I found comfort in the fact that I would be judged as a nurse rather than the merits of my figure.
So, I suddenly have a new appreciation of the women who choose to wear a burqa. I still don’t want to see any human being oppressed or forced to follow harsh mandates. We are so fortunate to live in a country that honors and respects liberty and justice for all. I did develop a small appreciation and respect for another culture, however. In the words of Helen Keller, “The highest result of education is tolerance.”
