face injustices or are will-
ing to be a part of the
change that needs to hap-
pen. Claiming you're not a
racist is not the same as
being against racism.
Silence is part of the problem. Some of my colleagues who don't
know the right thing to say when they see discrimination in the work-
place don't say anything at all. That's difficult to stomach as someone
who faces some form of racism every day, who has to teach my chil-
dren to act a certain way because of the color of their skin.
Many forms of racism have recently come to light for many people
who've never understood the issues involved because they've never
been discussed. I think we're at a place where individuals feel like
they can say and do more. More people are listening, so it's important
to speak up now. If you don't live it, you don't know it and you can't
feel it. But if you know better, you do better. Bringing awareness to
the issue will bring about needed change.
I'm hopeful. This is a unique moment in our history. People are no
longer content to sit back and let things happen. Uncomfortable conver-
sations are taking place that would not have been possible only a few
months ago. It's time to talk about the need for more diversity and inclu-
sion in surgery, and we need to keep those conversations going.
Nakeisha M. Archer, MBA, RN, NE-BC, CNOR, CSSM
Director of Perioperative Services
Texas Children's Pavilion for Women
Houston, Texas
J U L Y 2 0 2 0 • O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y . N E T • 3 1
"Uncomfortable conversations
are taking place that would
not have been possible
only a few months ago."
