By: Kim Cox

Kim Cox — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 15:21:28 +0000

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!!!

By: Lance Gravlee

Lance Gravlee — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 18:22:38 +0000

@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.

By: Kim Cox

Kim Cox — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 03:25:25 +0000

Is anyone else having trouble viewing this? It loads and then quits on me…

Comments on: Paul Farmer on video

By: Kim Cox

By: Lance Gravlee

By: Kim Cox