Dr. Laura joins the ranks of a number of high profile people who have fallen from grace by the insulting words that tripped off their tongues: Helen Thomas, Mel Gibson and Oliver Stone; yes, they apologized. On her radio show Dr. Laura Schlessinger responded to a caller-in who sought her advice as to whether to confront her Caucasian husband’s friends whom she believed were making racist comments about her. She got more than she expected with Dr. Laura using the offensive N word several times.
Too often experts begin to believe their own pr. Physicians, psychologists, teachers, writers, artists, mystics, etc., sometimes begin to feel Godlike. This means that a patient, student or client should accept their advice and when they don’t, a professional in this position of power might lose it - in a moment of anger, people will say hurtful and prejudiced words.
As a radio show host, I am always amazed that during an interview with a high profile author or trend setter, my guest will use words like “absolutely” and some will grow annoyed when they are challenged by a provocative question. One guest asked me post-interview when we were off the air that if I didn’t agree with her book, why did I have her on my show? “Because I respect your right to disagree and I like to present my audience with a menu of choices. It’s not about me or you, but the listeners. Controversy raises questions and promotes an investigative energy. People will think and decide for themselves.”
In my humble opinion experts need to be more humble. When one’s cup is full, it can receive no more. Doctors need to understand that a patient partners his own healing which might mean garnering more opinions for treatment options. For example, the American Medical Association has changed its mind periodically when new studies did not replicate or even contradicted the old gold standard. Many surgeries, supplements and foods were suddenly out of medical fashion, useless or even harmful. No one should be so smug to brow beat another person to submission. The truth is fluid. When I was a professor, often a student would see the material (which I taught semester after semester) with fresh eyes. I was delighted with the original insight. If I had been authoritarian, I would have missed out.
Teachers, doctors, psychologists and radio show hosts are accustomed to doing a lot of talking. It is time they start listening to what is said and what is not said. And for us all:
* A word said is never dead – courtesy of Emily Dickinson.
* Change your routine way of thinking. There are new things to learn today instead of playing the part of the expert. How exciting – anything can happen!
* We can learn from everyone. Three words from a stranger can potentially change your life. (Doctor Laura will never be the same).
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