Today is Thanksgiving, and we’re grateful for the pioneers of bringing your whole self to work who’ve come before us. One such luminary is Joycelyn Elders, the former United States Surgeon General.
Back in 1994 a furor erupted over her response to a question about HIV and AIDS education. She said since masturbation is part of human sexuality, perhaps it should be taught in school. This sentiment led to her forced resignation as Surgeon General. What a high price to pay for being forthright and responsible as a doctor and health educator.
We know how hard it can be to remain true to what you believe. In doing so, Dr. Elders lost her job, yet she kept her self.
The publicity she garnered for being outspoken follows her today. She speaks across the country on public health issues, so she enjoys a national platform from which to share her wisdom and expertise.
Does it pay to be open about a strongly held opinion, when some people may be angered by it? In an interview with CNN in 2005 Elders stated,
“If I had to do it all over again today, I would do it the same way. I felt I did it right the first time.”
So, we’d say yes.
Have you paid a dear price for holding steadfast to your conviction(s)?
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