Mammogram "small talk"
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As I drove to my mammogram today, I kept repeating:
"Don't post about the mammogram.
Don't post about the mammogram.
Don't post about the mammogram."
And then I sat down in the waiting room, and there were giant poppies in front of me.
Sigh.
I guess I'm posting about my mammogram 🤷🏼♀️
Because poppies are the unofficial national flower for Pa|estine...and I was going home after the mammogram to make giant poppies for the art exhibition opening on Saturday.
So I assumed my mammogram post would be about how just because there's a gen0cide, it doesn't mean that things like lumps in b00bs stop happening. And they need to be attended to. But then realising what an absolute PRIVILEGE that is. Since lumps in b00bs happen to women in G♡za as well, and there is no option for them to have mammograms.
However, the Universe had other plans..
Because I was then told that I needed an ultra sound as well. (And I only mention that she's Asian because it's relevant)
The Asian sonographer made the mistake of doing "small talk" with me, to distract from the gel on my b00b.
(There's no such thing as "small talk" with me)
Sonographer: What do you do for work?
Me: Technically I'm a small business owner. But I'm very focused on speaking up against the gen0cide. So I do support work to pay my rent.
Sonographer: The gen0cide is terrible!
What's your small business?
Me: I sell handicrafts made at home by marginalised women in Cambodia, so they can earn an income while staying with their families. And it's interesting, because when I lived in Cambodia I got to see the impact of the gen0cide there.
Sonographer: My fiance is Cambodian!
Me: Oh wow.
Sonographer: And his grandfather was
ki||ed during the gen0cide. And his father is the most resilient person I know.
Me: I'm sure he's been through hell.
Sonographer: There's STILL so much trauma in their family.
Me: Sigh. Yes. And it's not something we hear much about.
Sonographer: I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW ABOUT THE CAMBODIAN GEN0CIDE!!!
Me: But let me guess...you know LOTS about the Holocaust.
Sonographer: Oh my goodness. I've never really thought about it like that before!
Me: Our school curriculum is very much focused on one gen0cide and not the others.
Sonographer: It would have helped so much if I had been taught about the Cambodian gen0cide.
Me: Have you been taught anything about
Pa|estinian history?
Sonographer: Nothing. I just see bits and pieces online.
Me: Everyone I speak to say the same thing. It's not just you. There's such an imbalance in which narrative we are taught.
Sonographer: Yes, I can see that now. I have just never even questioned it.



