A New Set of Worldly Eyes

There have been many major themes that have emerged from our learning and discussions this semester. One of the biggest themes I noticed throughout the semester is the difference between collectivist and individualistic cultures. From holistic health and the biomedical model to birth practices to mental health to healthcare systems, we have explored the ideals of collectivist versus individualistic countries on a variety of global health topics. I’ve learned that America’s health system and values are strongly based off of capitalism, consumerism, and individualism. When we read “The Healing of America,” T.R Reid explained how these values shape our healthcare system for the worse and while there is no perfect healthcare system there is a lot that America needs to change. Our discussion of holistic vs. biomedical health also really struck me and made me think about the collectivist vs. individualistic cultures in the world. Holistic medicine thinks of the boys as a whole being that must be fixed, and with the help of the community and one’s lifestyle a human being can be on the right track to a healthy life. The biomedical model focuses on one specific thing that is wrong with a person that is not healthy. This aligns much more with the individualistic approach.

Another major theme that really stood out to me throughout our readings and discussions is the global definition of health. I believe that there cannot be one definition to health because it so greatly differs in one country to the next. Throughout our readings the way a culture or society treats health vastly differs. It seems impossible to understand what is viewed as “healthy” and “unhealthy.” In developed countries, such as ours, organic is the latest craze. We define someone that is healthy as a person that goes to the gym, eats the right food, and is happy and loved by close friends and family. If you went to a different country this definition may not fit. In America, going to the gym is a common occurrence, yet in many other cultures this is quite abnormal.

These themes have helped inform my understanding of health and illness in broader terms. Before this class, I thought of one’s health and illness as the understanding of an American. My closed-minded American view did not truly understand the values and ideas other cultures have. After taking this class, I know now that a country’s opinion on health and illness and the well-being of its citizens is a direct reflection of the nation as a whole. What does it say about America when we don’t provide healthcare for all citizens? How can our society turn away people that are sick? America does this because of what it stands for. It is a nation of capitalists and competition. Healthcare systems and the way we keep people healthy in a society is extremely important. It is on one of the bottom tiers of Maslow’s hierarchy and it is important part to the life and death of a human being in any culture.

I am thankful for this class for opening my eyes to the world. Oftentimes, being in a private college in upstate New York does not provide much worldly experience and thus it is important for classes like this to exist. Although I have truly believed my understanding of health and illness has grown, the topic is huge. There are many different aspects to health and illness and I will still be learning as I grow older and hopefully have the chance to experience another country’s views on health and illness.