Monday, February 13, 2017
Environmental Justice
Sadly, there is racism not only in our society, but also in our environment we live. The definition of environmental racism is "a policy or practice that differentially affects or disadvantage individuals, groups or communities because of their race and/or class" according to Nick Chiles. To be honest with you, I have not thought about racism in environment. However, it makes sense clearly after reading these articles. The definition of social determinant of health are "the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life" (WHO). In my view, the environmental racism is one of important social determinants. This is because poor environment affects health. In poor environment, some particular races live separating with others. Chiles pointed out that 3 out of 5 African-Americans live poorly in area closed to toxic waste site. The toxic spreads into their water, air and foods, which exposed to African-American who live there. People who live in 8 places that Chiles suggests more likely to have health problems than those who live in healthier environment. This phenomenon won't be disappear easily unless African-American stand up for their right to live in healthy environment. This brings the important concept Justice movement. This will help to decrease the conflict of disparities in health due to environmental racism. In similar way, the "Black Lives Matter" movement can be applied. This leads African-American to protect their right to live equally with others.
Hi Yeana,
ReplyDeleteThe statistics and information presented in this section are startling. Unfortunately, this problem is happening in California as well. I also think of how immigrant migrant workers are greatly affected by environmental racism. They live in poor conditions in close proximity to the fields where they work. These fields are often sprayed with potent pesticides which contaminates the surrounding environment, causing higher rates of morbidity and mortality.
Hello Yeana,
ReplyDeleteYou bring up some great points. I agree that race plays an important role in the social determinants of health. Particularly in the United States, your race often times can correlate to better or worse health outcomes. These racial disparities encompass almost all facets of our society, including our own psyches. It is important that those negatively affected stand up for themselves, such as Africans Americans in the Black Lives Matter movement. However, it is also important that all of us, regardless of our race, stand up for what it right. What is right, in my opinion, is to expose the disparities which exist, and do what we can to bring about effective changes in our society.