This morning I heard a doctor on the television dismiss refusing a vaccine as the "height of arrogance." I've heard this argument in regards to natural childbirth as well. I smell a rat. Looking out for one's best interest is arrogant? Self-preservation is arrogant? Consider this analogy: pride has two meanings. One is negative, as in "pride goeth before a fall." Pride in the sense of arrogance is a vice. However, pride can also refer to dignity, as in "Have you no pride?" when someone behaves shamefully. I contend that one can be "selfish" (if we must use this term) in the same way. One can be selfish in taking responsibility for oneself and in looking out for one's one best interest. This is a positive connotation of the word. One need not let the existence of a negative connotation negate the existence of a positive connotation. There are two sides to coins, after all.
Furthermore, there are legitimate medical reasons that some individuals should NOT receive vaccines, and it is irresponsible medicine to make blanket statements on television, otherwise.
