Some of Smith-Morris' research details the concept of changing Indians' perceptions of disease. To them, diabetes is inherently "self-created." This makes me skeptical of the success of this resolution, as our past readings have detailed the dedication Indian people have to their ways and culture. However, I think that this dilemma can also be applied to our global perception of "disease" in general. Human beings have the inherent viewpoint that disease happens by chance and that, as we age, it becomes inevitable. We are constantly told what we should eat and what we shouldn't eat and what will lengthen our lives and what will shorten them. I find it interesting that these claims never provide information pertaining to exactly how "long" or "short." Similar to the Indians at the Gila river, our perceptions of disease are intertwined with our ideologies.
Additionally, I think that our society stresses the concepts of treating and curing much more than the concepts prevention and self-care. Most people become sick because they either don't know the right measures to avoid a disease, or lack the effort to try. Based on precautionary measures I have seen at W&L, I think that we are on the right track, at least here, with informative pamphlets and e-mails on how to prevent illnesses such as the Nora virus or the stomach flu. I am not quite sure, however, of how to tackle the overlying social concept of disease. Perhaps the answer lies in a combination of tackled factors, such as the three Smith-Morris defines, and steps.
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