I found the 8 Horrifying Examples of Corporations Mistreating Black Communities with Environmental Racism article to be very fascinating because it served as a history lesson as much as it did a wake-up call. The issue of "Durban Poison" in South Africa was especially interesting as it has been a while since I read anything that had to do with apartheid and it helps to explain why/how these things come to be. An example such as this paints the picture of history very clearly so that environmental racism, as it exists today, is highlighted and better understood for those of us who were very young when apartheid ended. We can very obviously see how these decisions were not made by accident - there were laws and regulations put in place to protect/appease white communities at the expense of communities of color.
As I read over the Black Lives Matter website, I can see how environmental justice goes hand-in-hand with their message. Although I could not find anything explicitly listing "environmental justice" as one of the movement's goals, I think "creating a world free of anti-Blackness, where every Black person has the social, economic, and political power to thrive" (BLM website) as well as a loudly stated mission to "support freedom and justice for black communities" says enough to connect the dots between the movement and environmental justice. I wonder how understood/considered environmental justice is by the BLM movement? I wonder if they have conducted any research of their own linking environmental justice to their communities to strengthen their cause and generate awareness?
Environmental justice is clearly something that needs to be considered when assessing someones social determinants of health. Social determinants of health consist of the conditions in which a person is born, grows, lives, works, and ages (to quote the WHO website). Of course their proximity to toxic waste incinerators etc needs to be considered when assessing the possible health outcomes of this person or their community! Looking back at the Rishi Manchanda video, we can see how few health care providers may actually think to ask questions about things like their patients social determinants of health - and yet these things are so, so important!
Hi Alex,
ReplyDeleteI am sure that members of African American communities have advocated/protested environmental justice issues. The Flint Michigan Water Crisis is a great example. When people are directly affected by such an atrocity, communities often come together to redress such hazardous living conditions. Whether or not the media/ news, government, white majority, the people in power, want to listen and make changes accordingly is the real issue.
Environmental justice is a treatment that I believe needs more attention world wide. Everyone regardless of race or income should have an equal opportunity to participate in decisions about activities that may affect their environment and/or health. No group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences. In my opinion it should be routine for providers to ask their patients about their social determinants of health. Although this may take up time from the usual 15 min visit, it is important to address these factors that can potentially be negatively impacting the patients health.
ReplyDeleteResponse: Christina
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you brought up the Flint crisis. Remember when this issue was all over the news? And now it feels like its been forgotten as other new, and equally terrifying, things cover the front pages. Still, this crisis has not been dealt with and still people are suffering.
Response: Brianna
Environmental racism - who knew, right?! I agree - this was a new concept for me as well. Still, it makes sense when you put it in context. It seems like something people in power would do (and DID) - its very sad to continually learn about how those in power seek to the benefit from the suffering of people less fortunate than they.