Is it racist to ask to see a white doctor?

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matty18

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Every time I go the docotor, they're always asian. I'd like to see a white onefor a change.

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Depends on your *reason* for wanting a 'white' doc.

If the answer implies that you think Asians are inferior, then yes, it does. Otherwise it doesn't, but it may still imply a xenophobia or an immature form of intolerance of/uncomfortableness with people who are not like you (assuming you're not Asian).

Curious though, if your docs are always Asian, why not say you want to see a non-Asian (e.g., black) rather than a 'white' one?
 
Depends on your *reason* for wanting a 'white' doc.

If the answer implies that you think Asians are inferior, then yes, it does. Otherwise it doesn't, but it may still imply a xenophobia or an immature form of intolerance of/uncomfortableness with people who are not like you (assuming you're not Asian).

Curious though, if your docs are always Asian, why not say you want to see a non-Asian (e.g., black) rather than a 'white' one?

Just because whenever I go, they always give me an Asian. I don't know why there are more Asians than whites.
 
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I'm Asian. So I feel slightly offended. Only slightly though.

I understand that because while I was back in America, most Asians want to see Asian doctors rather than white doctors. Black people wanted to see black doctors and white people wanted to see white doctors (in general). So that's slightly forgivable and understandable. Oh, and female doctors want to see female doctors. Male doctors want to see female doctors.

The reason that there are more Asian doctors is because Asians are usually more science inclined. I dunno why. The average Asian (in general) usually scores higher in math and science than in literature and social studies. That's why there are very little Asians involved in politics or law. Possibly business because it has to do with math, though. But definitely not politics or law (and the White Australian policy didn't exactly help).
 
I've had several PMDs over the years, and one of my favorites was a Muslim Egyptian (I'm the classic WASP). One of the things that irritates me is when a physician comes to the US to practice medicine, and their accent is so strong, you can't understand them. That, to me, implies they don't think it's important enough to blend with our culture; a lack of respect, if you will. I'll cut you a break if you're fairly new to the US, but if you've been here for 20 years, and during my assesment it sounds like you're asking me if I want fries with my happy meal, we have a problem.

So, I have no issue with race or nationality, as long as you are competent (I will do some checking first), you speak the English language with a fair degree of fluency, and are respectful. One thing I have found I prefer is males, though. Just a preference on my part that I can't change. I'm more comfortable with them.

Matty18, if you want to see someone in particular in primary care, that's your option. You don't need to explain your reasons to anyone. After all, as a patient, you are a consumer.
 
I've had several PMDs over the years, and one of my favorites was a Muslim Egyptian (I'm the classic WASP). One of the things that irritates me is when a physician comes to the US to practice medicine, and their accent is so strong, you can't understand them. That, to me, implies they don't think it's important enough to blend with our culture; a lack of respect, if you will. I'll cut you a break if you're fairly new to the US, but if you've been here for 20 years, and during my assesment it sounds like you're asking me if I want fries with my happy meal, we have a problem.

So, I have no issue with race or nationality, as long as you are competent (I will do some checking first), you speak the English language with a fair degree of fluency, and are respectful. One thing I have found I prefer is males, though. Just a preference on my part that I can't change. I'm more comfortable with them.

Matty18, if you want to see someone in particular in primary care, that's your option. You don't need to explain your reasons to anyone. After all, as a patient, you are a consumer.

Exactly. It's what you're most comfortable with. As much as doctors don't like it, the patient's wishes come first.

So long as you want a specific doctor because you're more comfortable with him or her and not because you think they're inferior due to religion or race, you don't need a reason. Just tell them you prefer a ____ doctor for personal reasons and you're fine.
 
Exactly. It's what you're most comfortable with. As much as doctors don't like it, the patient's wishes come first.

So long as you want a specific doctor because you're more comfortable with him or her and not because you think they're inferior due to religion or race, you don't need a reason. Just tell them you prefer a ____ doctor for personal reasons and you're fine.

This is simply not true and only serves to perpetuate racism.
 
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