Paul Farmer on video
Posted by Lance Gravlee on November 1st, 2007 |
Earlier this month, Paul Farmer delivered a keynote address at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. The Heller School has posted a video of Farmer’s speech online, so you can see it too.
The talk focuses on the policy implications of global inequities in health. You will recognize the core arguments from our discussion of Infections and Inequalities, but the examples and evidence come largely from Farmer’s work since that book was published. (Those of you who attended Tracy Kidder’s talk two weeks ago will also recognize some of the photos.)
The best part, if you ask me, is the question and answer period — so hang in there through the end. What aspects of the talk do you find most compelling? In what ways does Farmer draw on his training in anthropology, not just in medicine?
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3 Responses
Is anyone else having trouble viewing this? It loads and then quits on me…
@Kim: Sorry you’re having trouble. I’ve tried on a couple of different computers and can’t replicate the problem you’re having. I’d suggest you try with a different browser (I’m using Firefox) and make sure you have the latest QuickTime plugin.
I was finally able to watch it. Don’t know exactly what the problem was. With regard to Farmer’s training as an anthropologist vs. physician, it seems to me that the difference lies in the way he understands the problem of poverty. He spoke of the need to look back at history in order to understand the current challenges people face. For example, he discussed the deforestation and impoverishment of Haiti as the result of hundreds of years of colonial exploitation and oppression. For these reasons, the country has minimal resources now to care for its poor and sick. He also pointed out that “we” in the affluent West, ought to help to alleviate these problems, that we have an obligation to alleviate this suffering.
This is a very different perspective than that of most U.S. physicians and the public health bureaurocracy, which is that personal health is more about the choices individuals make in life rather than the historical effects of hundreds of years of oppression (neoliberalism).
I love Paul Farmer! I think he has tremendous courage and conviction to be able to talk about poverty and political oppression as clearly and directly as he does. While I have long agreed with his perspectives, I have often been told that I need to “soften” my arguments and to not offend people. Paul Farmer “speaks truth to power” and keeps on going. Right on, brother!!!