Discrimination Behind the Smiles: A Diabetic's Journey #19

Discrimination often lurks behind the smiles of everyday interactions, particularly for those living with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and epilepsy. In a candid discussion, the host reflects on personal experiences that highlight the subtle forms of discrimination faced by individuals with these conditions. 

“It's just easier to choose the person, especially when you're having to lay off people. Anyway, you have person A and person B. This person may have a low blood sugar. Oh, get rid of them. It's easy to understand.”  

Deborah, 02:42

Through anecdotes, the host illustrates how the fear of seizures or diabetes-related “interruptions” can lead to exclusion from workplaces, as well as social settings. This episode encourages listeners to consider their own perceptions and responses to discrimination, urging them to reflect on their personal experiences and the shared responsibility within every interaction. 

• It's important to ask questions to clarify misunderstandings, especially regarding health conditions.
• In these examples, seizures were shown to lead to the removal of management over projects, impacting self-employed individuals significantly. (More research is encouraged.)
• We must advocate for ourselves and not shy away from standing up (asking questions; communicating kindly) when needed.
• Life with challenges such as diabetes and epilepsy often teaches gratitude for each day without health complications.

The conversation extends beyond personal narratives, delving into the societal implications of such discrimination and advocating for a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological impacts these experiences can have on those affected. Ultimately, the episode serves as a call to action for both individuals with chronic illnesses and those around them to engage in open dialogue and foster an environment of empathy and support, emphasizing that everyone deserves to be treated as a contributing member of society, regardless of their health status.

Chapters

• 00:01 Earned Honors Reassigned to Others
• 01:56 Foundational Social & Personal Responsibility
• 13:26 Reflections on Medical Challenges, Interpretation, and Outcomes
• 29:20 Cause and Effect in the Real World, Algorithmically-Speaking
• 31:27 Hope for the Future in a Balanced Understanding

Episode Resources

• Los Angeles Times: For money manager, a hard fall from a lofty perch

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Episode Credits

Perfectly Wonderful World [Episode Music]

• 🎵 Perfectly Wonderful World 🎵 sung by Deborah E (written by Denny Martin & Jaimee Paul; mastered @ Seaside Records). Available: Spotify |