Should there be a 'White Nurses Association'?

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

I was reading an article in a nursing journal about racism in nursing. Apparently, there are nurses associations specifically for different racial and ethnic groups.

So, would it be a good idea for White nurses to band together in this way? Is that a taboo because it's construed as being as racist or is it just that Whites don't have the need for a group identity because of their majority status? Will that be changing as the demographics of the nation change? After all, in some areas White people are a minority.

What do you all think?

[mianders, RN]

I think there are some nursing issues that are specific to each race and culture. If a particular race or culture feel that they have enough issues for them particularly to have there own organization then more power to them. I do however think that MOST issues facing nurses are as a whole, and I hope that we remain united on these issues.

[cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN]

I think white people have had it pretty good in this country and don't need their own association for anything.

Whites have never had to deal with the predjudices that other groups have endured. I don't care if the white person is in the 'minority' in some locations, or even if they've experienced 'reverse' racism. It's still nothing compared to what other groups have dealt with in the past, and even still today.

So, that being said....if Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, whatever...wants to have a nursing group then fine. It shouldn't be offensive to anyone.

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

CardiacRN- What if a group of White people DID feel as if they had a need to form an association to discuss issues that they felt they, as a group, shared? Would that be acceptable for them to do so?

[cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN]

Sure, of course.

[miko014]

This is a topic that I hate because it's always automatically assumed that the only people who can be racist are white. I think black people or hispanic people or whoever can be prejudiced against white people or even each other. In fact, to assume that I have a problem with someone just because they are different from me is being prejudiced anyway. I have several good friends who are not "European American", and I actually get offended when people treat me as if I have a problem with them or can't understand how they feel because they are a minority. I have no problem with other races - go ahead and have your association if you want to. I also would not join a white nurses association, because I just don't join stuff, haha. This whole area is very touchy in general because as soon as you say "there is a group for black people", some people take that to mean "black people vs. white people vs. hispanic people" etc. I think the whole thing is just stupid and we shoulld all get over it. I think it's been long enough and that there is plenty of diversity in this country now that we should all be used to it and quit paying so much attention to it. But it looks like it will be awhile until that happens. Hope I don't get flamed for this one!

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

I would never join anything either, miko. I was just bringing up the subject for discussion since is interesting. Reading that article spurred this thread.

[ChicagoRN2010]

I think most "ethnic" organizations are formed because in most instances that particular group does not have a huge or even significant presence. I work for a non-profit (i'm a soon to be student) and the vast majority of the members and people in key positions are white males. I think this is why some woman organizations are formed, because in that specific demographic, they are the minority. Also, I think it gives the members the feeling of a level playing field and another feeling of community. That particular group just has more in common versus just everyone being a nurse. And I think that although people are alike in many ways, people of the same ethnic background or sex have more things in common. Just my opinion.

[Music in My Heart]

I tend to view occupational associations by race to be divisive.

Being a middle-aged man going into nursing I do understand that desire to associate with people who understand the unique perspective of being a man in a female-dominated environment. However, I would still see a formal Male Nurses Association as being divisive and would not join such. Rather, I seek to form close relationships with the ladies that I'm going through school with and seek to share with and learn from them.

If folks formed a White Nurses Association, I would be loathe to join it and would view it as divisive. However, I hold that same view on all organizations that seek to classify people by ethnicity, religion, gender, orientation, etc.

[Unzie]

wow..that was a trip back in time i hope we don't take again. It's a shame that in this day and we age we still can't get over a person race or gender. As nurses you should be starting an association for better patient care. I know for a fact that a wounded solider in Iraq does not really care what color or gender I was when I came to his or her aid. All that really mattered was I was another American, and I was there to help. If you chose the nursing field as your profession, then you need to remember...no matter what someone looks like, we are all human, and we signed up to help those who can't help themselves.

[leslie :-D]

And I think that although people are alike in many ways, people of the same ethnic background or sex have more things in common. Just my opinion.

so...

if it was acceptable based on your logic, then this would apply to people of the same skin color as well?

interesting topic, jls.

leslie

[leslie :-D]

I know for a fact that a wounded solider in Iraq does not really care what color or gender I was when I came to his or her aid. All that really mattered was I was another American, and I was there to help.

if all that mattered was being another american, doesn't that contradict a soldier not caring about color or gender...

that it only matters that s/he was american? (color, gender irrelevant: ethnicity relevant?)

don't mind me:

i think this is a provocative subject that commands deliberate thought and introspection.

leslie