Discussion Questions and Further Reading: Care

In “Elopement,” Paul Collins writes about the consequences of inattention and his family’s attempt to hold a school district accountable for neglect. Have you had an experience with an organization or system that has failed to meet your needs or the needs of a loved one? What level of care should we expect from institutions?
In "Tell Me about That," Jessica Gregg writes about her experience engaging with human suffering as a primary care physician. She writes, “In the hospital and the clinic, those hidden stories were the stories I craved. The ones that delved into the meaty heart of meaning: How should I live? How should I die? How do I carry this pain?” Have you ever had an interaction with a health care provider that brought up existential questions or started an unexpected conversation? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of treatment that prioritizes a patient’s emotional needs?
In “Tug-of-War,” Caitlin Dwyer writes about the conflict between the isolation that illness often requires and the human connection that supports recovery. Have you experienced this conflict in your own life? How does companionship help healing, and how can it hinder it?
Judy Jiang’s story focuses on a group of high school students working together to address issues of mental health specific to AAPI communities. The story talks about the ways that culture can influence an individual’s approach to seeking help, with age being another influential factor. How has your family taught you to think about mental health? Do older generations have different beliefs than the younger generations? What kinds of beliefs do you notice regarding mental health within your community?
In “Binding Fenrir,” Emma Marris asks whether wolves that are tracked, confined to certain areas, and killed when they attack livestock can really be called “wild.” What do you think the line is between wild and domestic animals? Is there space in between these two definitions?
In “Making Pre-K Possible,” Sarah Mirk explores how universal preschool went from an idea to a petition to the ballot in Multnomah County. What does this example tell you about the process of creating change? Are there steps or barriers you hadn’t expected?
In “Simple Respect,” Matt Wisner writes about a project by a Eugene newspaper to publish obituaries for people who die in the city while homeless. Do you think this project is useful or beneficial? What do you think these obituaries mean for family members, public officials, and readers who are neither?

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Discussion Questions and Further Reading: Care

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