Exploring the Role of Compassion in Civilization and Healthcare Access
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The article discusses the concept of compassion as the first sign of civilization, citing cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead’s theory that a healed femur bone represents compassion as someone must have cared for the injured individual. The author uses this to question the current state of healthcare, arguing that in an ideal world, access to healthcare would not be governed by class, race, or other socioeconomic factors. The author works with Oasis Free Clinics, a nonprofit providing free medical and dental care to uninsured individuals, and pushes for a world where healthcare is a basic human right, not a privilege.
Exploring the First Marker of Civilization and the Role of Compassion in Healthcare
Many debates revolve around the first marker of civilization. Tools, weapons, written word, and religion often come to mind. However, famed 20th Century American cultural anthropologist, Margaret Mead, believed it was evidence of a healed human femur. This indicates compassion – someone must have set the fracture, cared for the injured person, and offered protection during recovery.
At Oasis Free Clinics, we uphold this notion of compassion in the form of high-quality medical, dental, and vision care. Yet, one must ponder, would a healed femur still symbolize civilization if the patient had to prove income or sell their belongings to receive care? What if they were distanced from their loved ones post-recovery or were refused care altogether?
Access to healthcare often depends on class, race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, legal status, or education. This leads to a disturbing reality where marginalized groups are often left without resources or options for their health or wellbeing.
Class, as Bell Hooks’ piece, “Where We Stand: Class Matters”, outlines, is a byproduct of capitalism. Necessities like healthcare should not be distributed according to wealth. Yet, the culture of American capitalism often disregards ethics. This leads to a market that both promotes harm and limits access to beneficial treatment.
With growing public demand for healthcare reform, we must question if the culture of US capitalism can coexist with compassion. Oasis Free Clinics provides a beacon of compassionate care that challenges capitalist norms. We offer no-cost, full-person medical, dental, vision, and mental health services to uninsured and under-insured adults in Midcoast Maine.
The healed femur anecdote suggests that civilization began with compassionate care. As we embrace the holiday season, let’s uphold this tradition by ensuring everyone has access to the care and compassion they deserve.
For more information about Oasis Free Clinics, call (207) 721-9277 or visit OasisFreeClinics.org.
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