Cliches, Conformity and Curiosity

Cliches, Conformity and Curiosity

Speedy GSK 

Some thoughts on verbal and other experiences as a Medical Student... and after.

Cliché

One of the most common clichés is when a Chairman at a Lecture introduces the lecturer. After a long preamble, he says, “without any further ado, I now invite Dr Shakes Perera to deliver the Prof Vel Knowne Lecture". 

A Cliché is defined as a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought. 

Other examples are- “at the end of the day”, “think outside the box”, “pot calling the kettle black”, “be that as it may”, “plenty of fish in the sea”, “as time is limited”, “ a few words of introduction”, and the patient is “a poor historian”, "having said that", "to cut a long story short".

Conformity

Conformity is the act of matching one's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours to those of a group or society, often driven by social pressure to fit in, a desire to be right, or the adoption of social roles. Conformity is popular because it fulfils fundamental psychological needs for acceptance, social harmony, and accuracy.

Standing out from the group can lead to being ostracised, ridiculed, or punished. Conforming helps avoid these negative consequences, providing a sense of safety and support.

Ragging was a result of conformity. The desire to crack “kunu jokes”, the type of hairstyles and dress favoured, the adoption of an attitude you do not favour because you want to conform, e.g., call a rural boy “godaya”, join a group of raggers. 

Curiosity

The ideal attitude for learning and acquiring knowledge. The attitude that aids in the technique of taking a good patient's history, and the attitude that facilitates using all available data to arrive at a diagnosis and management plan.

Some of our Teachers were exemplary in this respect. Notable examples, Viswa (O&G), Oliver Pieris, NDW Lionel, Wickrema Wijenaike, Ernie Pieris,  just to name a few.

Current common usage

We often hear the words, absolutely, incredible, cool, "super" this and "super"that and people beginning every new paragraph while speaking with a "So...".