Nicknames not always offensive

Dear editor: Re: Eschewing Eskimos: CFL names has to go, Herald, A6, Nov. 28

I always thought having anything named after you was an honour. The names Eskimos and Redskins were chosen because they conjured up images of strong, brave, honourable people. In other words, a winner. A name is how you choose to look at it, honour or insult.

Almost every name one uses could be viewed negatively by someone, somewhere, somehow. The connotation is how one chooses to view it. Unfortunately, our extremely politically correct society has consistently pushed the negative over the positive. Patricia DesBrisay, Penticton respect for others and that includes honouring other peoples’ values.

This is a problem in the education of health-care staff who are not receiving the necessary practical experience to promote empathy and compassion that enhances respect and therefore there is a lack of patient-centred care.

Writing a comment to the newspaper editor is good, but IH has to be held accountable and submitting a written complaint will start a paper trail that is necessary for change to take place, phone calls don't. Everyone is concerned about push back but this can be alleviated by telling family members what your values are around your care and have them deal with staff when you are not able to speak for yourself when you are vulnerable, frightened and sedated.

As taxpaying citizens of B.C., we provide the funding for health care and we have a right to expect our health-care providers to take the high road in prevention and provide safe, respectful and dignified patient centred care.

Everything looks good on paper, but it needs to be put into practise. George Noriega

Penticton