Visiting a friend in Washington a few years ago now I was first introduced to the concept of American exceptionalism. What I didn't realise is that this same concept can be applied to any country - including Cambodia.
What makes someone or a whole nation feel that they are exceptional? Imperialism, insecurity, positive affirmations, ignorance?
As previously blogged about before "This is Cambodia!" is a common response to any suggestion of deviation from the status quo.
The best example of this that I can think of is the time I was training a group of nurses about sepsis & what was considered an abnormal temperature. One of the parameters that can define Sepsis is a temperature above 38 ˚C or below 36˚C - the whole room shook their head in disagreement. They didn't consider these the normal parameters - Barangs I was told have a lower body temperature because they live an a cooler climate. I tried to explain the concept of homeostasis & homeotherms but Cambodians are different & have a higher temperature than other nationalities.
Another favourite is midwives will also tell you that Cambodian women's perineum is tougher & thicker than other nationalities so they all require episiotomy at all deliveries.
Cambodian doctors can't spend any time taking a history - it takes too long.
Cambodian nurses can't be expected to perform basic hygiene for patients - they are too busy.
etc. etc. etc........
The list of exceptions is a long one, after all - This is Cambodia!
What makes someone or a whole nation feel that they are exceptional? Imperialism, insecurity, positive affirmations, ignorance?
As previously blogged about before "This is Cambodia!" is a common response to any suggestion of deviation from the status quo.
The best example of this that I can think of is the time I was training a group of nurses about sepsis & what was considered an abnormal temperature. One of the parameters that can define Sepsis is a temperature above 38 ˚C or below 36˚C - the whole room shook their head in disagreement. They didn't consider these the normal parameters - Barangs I was told have a lower body temperature because they live an a cooler climate. I tried to explain the concept of homeostasis & homeotherms but Cambodians are different & have a higher temperature than other nationalities.
Another favourite is midwives will also tell you that Cambodian women's perineum is tougher & thicker than other nationalities so they all require episiotomy at all deliveries.
Cambodian doctors can't spend any time taking a history - it takes too long.
Cambodian nurses can't be expected to perform basic hygiene for patients - they are too busy.
etc. etc. etc........
The list of exceptions is a long one, after all - This is Cambodia!
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