Date: Wed, 28 Jul 1999 18:36:42 PDT
From: marisa mckenzie
Subject: multiracial vs. medical research
Hi….. Just thought you should know:
I'm a 30 year old multiracial woman of Afro – Cuban and Italian descent.
Currently I'm residing in Phoenix, Arizona, (wrong choice I may add now) and
finishing up my Social Work degree from Arizona State University. Phoenix needs
all the social programs they can get, in other words Social Workers are much
needed since this state is runned by shortsighted, racist republicans, it's
very scary..trust me, In any event, as a struggling adult student , I decided
to respond to a tempting ad on the radio that advertised getting $500.00 to
partake in a medical research for skin problems. I instantly called. Once the
representative from the company started to ask me a littany of questions, I
knew she was bound to ask me about my race. Sure enough she did. I told her
my mom was white and my dad was hispanic and african. She said you can't pick
more than one category. As I once again, defended my identity, she continued
to ignore my defense. She then hung up the phone on me midway a sentence. I
was humiliated. Before she hung up on me I informed her that when it comes to
my genetic make up, medical professionals better get it right. What better place
to let truth be known. FYI–The name of this medical research company is MDS
Harris medical research in Phoenix Arizona.
Whats an adult student woman to do I'm still struggling, not because I'm
confused it's because the majority, mainstream thinkers are confused. I can't
help but blame "the professionals" professors, doctors etc… I mean if they're
not objective, critical thinkers who then are my mentors or role models. I'm
sick of school and I'm sick of being on my side alone out here. However, I'm
glad I found this website. Any comments, don't hesitate to reply. Perhaps, we
can band together and tour the country informing the medical arena on this topic
and who knows, this can trickle down to the common folk where the misconceptions
stagnate. Any ideas? Thanx for reading, take care, peace.