The Link Between Racism and Health (First Video)
Is there a link between racism and people’s health in the US? In this video we explore that theory. What impact does racism even have on people’s health? What do you think?
Transcript:
One consequence of racism that is often given little to no thought, is physical health. How does racism affect people’s health? Is there even a link at all?
When comparing neighborhoods with similar rates of poverty, a study found that Black and Hispanic neighborhoods have fewer supermarkets in contrast to white neighborhoods. A phenomenon that’s tightly linked to compromised health in these communities.
Research by the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity found that certain fast food chains specifically targeted black youth in their advertising: resulting in 75% more exposure to ads, compared to their white peers.
But is it just a food issue? While facilitating access to healthy foods would certainly do no harm, there are other factors at play.
A study published in The American Journal of Public Health found that two-thirds of medical professionals exhibited subconscious racial bias. Statistically, Black and Latino patients are also more likely to receive no pain medication, than white patients, for the same ailments. Or otherwise receive less potent prescriptions. Whether we would like to accept it or not, racism in health institutions exists.
Furthermore, the mere anticipation of racism has been shown to increase levels of stress in minorities. Simply being a minority in a prejudiced environment leads to greater stress. Stress that inevitably leads to poorer mental and physical health.
So it’s there: racism-health, the link exists. The first step towards improving is acknowledging it. If we wish to improve, that is. Good health for all, right?
Sources:
- The Atlantic
- John Hopkins Magazine
- Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
- “The Problem with Race-Based Medicine” TED Talk with Dorothy Roberts
- “How Racism Makes Us Sick” TED Talk with Dr. David R Williams
- American Journal of Public Health
- American Journal of Public Health: Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Emergency Department Analgesic Prescription
- Yale Rudd Center For Food Policy and Obesity: 2010 study