Message from rterry

[Anonymous]

This is a little off topic ... but on the CBS series on Sunday nights, Gray's Anatomy, there was an Asian character who needed emergency back surgery. Her dad insisted that a Sharman (sp?) needed to restore the sick woman's soul or else she would die during the surgery. The American doctors and interns couldn't understand since she was going to die if the surgery was delayed. As the show continued, a Shaman was located and the ritual took place in time. The patient said to the doctors that they wouldn't understand & thanked them for their patience ... a cultural divide. As I watched it, I too couldn't understand but as the ceremony took place, I gained an appreciation for the need of what would be in non-Asian eyes an extreme decision.

I guess what I am trying to say is that I was struck by the story line on primetime television and immediately thought about this class. There are so many Asian cultural issues I am unaware of ... and this does affect my relationship with my students and parents. This show just reconfirmed these thoughts.