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ASHA members recently received the multicultural issue of The ASHA Leader. Last year, all minorities and people of various sexual orientations were "celebrated" for their diversity. It is disappointing that ASHA follows the lead of the National Education Association in developing their agenda.
In the past, both organizations have focused on advocating for groups based on heritage and sexual orientation. As an ASHA member who is committed to contributing to the healing of the handicapped, I find this type of political activism disturbing. Our governing body should be advocating for the disadvantaged without reference to cultural background or sexual orientation. Praising these characteristics is simply a political extension of outdated class warfare strategies of the Clinton administration.
Outside of being sensitive to cultural differences related to speech-language issues, I am one who disregards the heritage and sexual habits of my patients. The fact that they all have emotions, hopes, dreams, and challenges puts them on a level playing field with me, and it puts them in a far more important group...humanity. Thinking of our patients and all people as human beings creates far stronger bonds than does thinking of them as cultural beings, which breeds class warfare.
Multicultural activism only masquerades as promoting unity. It is the brainchild of powerful people interested in building walls between others in an effort to gain votes through old-fashioned pandering. It is deceptive and divisive. It is not what ASHA members are truly about.
Paul Imbert
Kenmore, NY
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