CMV: The idea that "-isms" (like racism) cannot apply to privileged groups (like white people) is generally narrow minded and detrimental to the cause of reducing prejudice and discrimination.

Sexism.

My example: "White, 31, female, pretty, bossy attitude. Has much older husband. Has a newborn baby."

The prejudice: "Hysterical new mother who is inexperienced and fits a dumb cliche."

She brings the baby to the E.R. claiming baby isn't eating and her digital thermometer showed a fever that was increasing. Baby presents with jaundice. Doctor runs basic blood cultures, checks baby, baby looks fine but jaundiced. Says to go home baby will get over jaundice, and to use formula.

Mother argues about other symptoms and urging more treatment and that the baby stays. Doctor is amused at her naivety but after the father insists as well (while mother stews), agrees to let them bring baby back for a check the next day.

They bring the baby back the next day. Dad is a quiet man and Mom is dominant and intelligent but pushy about her baby being sick. The doctor runs a simple new test and reassures Mom that baby is fine and can go home. Mother and lactation consultant insist baby stays as baby hasn't eaten in 3 days and screams and is still jaundiced. Doctor agrees.

Baby and Mom stay overnight. A new nurse checks and sees Mom feeding baby a lot (cluster feeding night), and baby shrieking nonstop. Mom is upset. Nurse reassures Mom that hormones are normal and baby is just gassy.

Next morning another doctor walks in, doesn't look at the baby, gets irritated at Mom and says baby shouldn't have even been there. Discharges baby.

They go home and the baby dies of brain death due to a bacterial infection in the brain and blood.

Later investigation shows that the first blood test ordered showed a positive result requiring urgent antibiotic treatment. No doctors had bother checking on it because of the sexist prejudice against mom.

/r/changemyview Thread