Ideological Symbols at work
Just wondering what people think of ideological symbols displayed at work. I'm a registrar but feel like it's not uncommon for me to see F1s but also other doctors displaying ideological symbols often taking the form of pins of lanyards.
Think I should pre-amble with the caveat: like I'm a lefty gay (anti-Zionist) Jew. I'm pretty interested in politics and speak frankly about my views on things at work when it comes up (among colleagues) in a fairly collegiate and spirited fashion - not really the sort to take offense. It's just my family culture, debate debate and can fiercely disagree but ultimately can still get along with people from all persuasions
But for me as a doctor I guess I see my self as a public servant of a sort (much as that word is out of fashion) But I simply mean that the function I perform at work is as a professional learned in medicine.
I don't for a minute think patients are be interested in anything about me other than that expertise - and frankly wouldn't want them to be.
Obviously different symbols can suggest different motivations:
- I can understand the pride flag maybe be a signal to gay patients that the person is an ally or can feel comfortable disclosing certain information (or at least that is the most chariable interpretation)
- Ukraine/Palestine flags of course I understand th idea of solidarity but I dunno
I suppose my thought has always just been either we are against all display of ideological symbols in general (not on specific merits of a given symbol) or it's a free for all on all symbols
And thought this was actually the rules too hahaha
I guess I ultimately just think I'm there for everyone: a bit of universalism ... is that such an old idea (and that's not to I have a naive view of treating everyone the same ... different people have different needs)
What's everyone's thoughts and experience