#WhatADoctorLooksLike Trends On Twitter After Viral Facebook Post
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

#WhatADoctorLooksLike Trends On Twitter After Viral Facebook Post

Tamika Cross writes a post about her recent encounter of discrimination.

28
#WhatADoctorLooksLike Trends On Twitter After Viral Facebook Post
UsNews.com

Tamika Cross, a black female doctor, shared her recent experience with discrimination in a Facebook post that resulted in a worldwide trend on social media.

While on board a Delta flight, Cross was questioned and doubted of her professional experience as a passenger was in need of medical assistance.

“I'm sure many of my fellow young, corporate America working women of color can all understand my frustration when I say I'm sick of being disrespected,” Cross said.

The passenger was unresponsive two rows in front of Cross. The flight attendant asked for any “physicians on board.” Cross willingly volunteered, and the flight attendant questioned her authenticity.

“She said to me ‘oh no sweetie put your hand down, we are looking for actual physicians or nurses or some type of medical personnel, we don't have time to talk to you,’” Cross posted.

She continuously tried to explain that she was a real doctor and eventually the flight attendant asks for her credentials. Cross explains that she is an OB-GYN in Houston.

“Another ‘seasoned’ white male approaches the row and says he is a physician as well. She says to me ‘thanks for your help but he can help us, and he has his credentials’. (Mind you he hasn't shown anything to her. Just showed up and fit the "description of a doctor") I stay seated. Mind blown. Blood boiling,” she wrote.

Cross ended her post by saying, “She came and apologized to me several times and offering me sky miles. I kindly refused. This is going higher than her. I don't want sky miles in exchange for blatant discrimination. Whether this was race, age, gender discrimination, it's not right. She will not get away with this....and I will still get my sky miles.”

The post has almost 150,000 Facebook reactions and close to 50,000 shares.

The “description of a doctor” is what inspired the trending hashtag, #WhatADoctorLooksLike.

People showed their support on Twitter of Cross’ situation and highlighted the importance of eliminating the doctor stereotype. Many users tagged Delta to share their concern.


Many tweets under the hashtag shared pictures of themselves to remind Delta Airlines that Cross isn't the only black doctor in America.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

44429
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

118062
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments