Sander L. Gilman on our Fear of Mental Illness | Big Think | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Stigmatization of fat people, political motivations behind epidemic predictions, fear and stigma surrounding mental illness, reemergence of race in medical science.

Key Insights

• 👨 Fat shaming is prevalent due to societal beauty standards and media influence, leading to the stigmatization of fat people.
• ⚾ There is an argument that epidemic predictions are made for political reasons rather than based on actual epidemiological data.
• 🥺 Fear of mental illness stems from recognizing our own potential for instability, which leads to social exclusion and stigma.
• 😨 Downsizing mental institutions without acknowledging the humanity of those affected perpetuates fear and misconceptions about mental illness.
• ❓ Gluttony and avarice have historically been categorized as moral excesses that society taxes, but societal perceptions of excess are subjective.
• 😷 The reappearance of race in medical science can be dangerous as it conflates genetic and political categories, leading to potential stereotypes and misinformation.
• 😷 Integrating clinical, social, and cultural knowledge in the medical humanities field helps to provide a more comprehensive understanding of healthcare.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: Why are fat people the last group to be stigmatized?

Fat people are stigmatized because society, including even the fattest individuals, doesn't perceive themselves as being truly fat. This reflects societal beauty standards and the influence of media and cultural norms.

Q: Are epidemic predictions driven by politics?

There is a valid argument that epidemic predictions are made for political rather than epidemiological reasons. These predictions can generate anxiety and distract from political issues, effectively shifting the public's focus.

Q: Why is mental illness feared throughout history?

Mental illness is feared because humans recognize their own potential for instability, and mental illness is a common form of illness. Society's fear stems from a belief that anyone can become mentally ill, leading to social stigma and exclusion.

Q: Why did downsizing mental institutions create fear?

When mental institutions were downsized, many individuals with mental illness were de-institutionalized, leading them to live on the streets. Society's refusal to acknowledge that they are part of our world fuels the fear of mental illness.

Q: What is the significance of gluttony and avarice as moral excesses?

Gluttony and avarice have historically been classified as moral excesses. However, what is considered excess when others engage in it is seen as acceptable when we do it. Society taxes these behaviors to support societal works.

Q: Why is the reappearance of race in medical science concerning?

The reappearance of race in medical science poses a danger as it conflates genetic and political categories. Genetic cohorts and political groups do not always overlap, leading to potential misinformation and stereotypes.

Q: What is the integration of knowledge happening in the medical humanities field?

The medical humanities field is integrating clinical, social, and cultural knowledge to teach aspiring physicians. This integration also considers the historical ramifications of various types of knowledge, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of healthcare.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Fat people are the last group that it is socially acceptable to make jokes about due to stigmatization.

• Political motivations may drive the prediction and portrayal of epidemics as a separate issue from politics.

• Fear of mental illness stems from a fear of our own instability and downsizing mental institutions without acknowledging the humanity of those affected worsened this fear.

• Gluttony and avarice are historically categorized as moral excesses that society taxes and redefines, while race reemerging in medical science can be problematic and conflates genetic and political categories.