Thanks to All OMR Guest Editorial Writers

A few weeks ago, I saw wigs with beautiful plaited hair that I almost bought. I would have loved them as a kid, and I thought my kids would love them too. A nano-second before I ordered though, I had the thought: Is this cultural appropriation? Is this disrespectful? My finger hovered. I picked up the phone and called a Black colleague and friend. “I have a really weird question to ask you, I said, I’m sorry to bother you…”. We had a good conversation. She commiserated: she has Native-American-made jewelry she bought while working on the reserve that she hesitates to wear now. Ultimately, I didn’t place the order. Fun dress up for my kids is not worth someone else’s further disenfranchisement or personal pain. 

I am grateful to our colleagues who have taken the time and energy to educate us all on their lived experiences. Without their stories, their submissions, their efforts and their honesty, I (and likely many others) would still be sorely uninformed. I challenge everyone to look for the presence of privilege in your everyday lives: the clothing you wear, the job you do, the discussions you have (or don’t), the places you frequent, the cost of your insurance, the available data on medical conditions and treatments, as it applies to you, etc.  

We all deserve equal opportunities, and equal respect. Systems, too, are richer, more productive and more vibrant when diversity is encouraged and present. All of us living with the privilege of white skin have work to do: we must see our own privilege; we must read; we must have the difficult conversations; we must learn from those willing to engage with us. Mostly, we must share our power and influence, raise up those voices we have silenced for too long, and work together to create a more equitable and inclusive future. 

Dr. Samantha Hill 
OMA President