The rates at which minorities are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are disproportional to those of white people. Healthcare has always been an area in which black families have been systemically neglected with the proper resources to remain healthy: a right that should be given to everyone. Even though it might feel a little distant to those who aren’t directly affected by the virus individually or by the poor health of a relative or a close friend; we should be aware of all the layers that are constantly adding to the oppression of black people.
An academic article, Racial Health Disparities (Taylor, 2019), emphasizes areas in which Black people are kept at disadvantage due to the systemic system we live in. Maternal mortality rates, infant mortality rates, child firearm mortality rates are all higher for Black people and the list could go on. The stereotypes that are associated with black people are so deeply engrained in people’s minds that crime is often heavily correlated with being black. With all these misinformed perceptions that white people have formed towards the black community, it doesn’t help to add that the wealth disparity has a large influence over the success of minorities. “The high cost of coverage has kept the number of uninsured and underinsured unacceptably high: of the 27.5 million people that still lack health insurance coverage, 45 percent cite cost as the reason for being uninsured” (Taylor, 2019). The COVID-19 pandemic has caused additional pressure, and there are many out-of pocket costs that add to the strain on basic necessities. Battling between the financial pressures of medicine and those of basic necessities should not be a concern that black families should go through.
When I first read that minorities are dying at higher rates than white due to Covid, it’s heartbreaking to say it, but it came at no surprise. This comes to especially to black people because the rates at which they are dying are literally genocide. This is similar to how the healthcare system in this country treats black expecting mothers versus their white counterparts. This starts from sharing less education, information, or even the spread of misinformation, to how they treat the patient, and especially during labor. It’s really so sad to see it and so often. When is enough enough?
I think the quote at the end of your first paragraph (“we should be aware of all the layers that are constantly adding to the oppression of black people”) speaks volumes to the problem of racism itself. There are so many different components of racism that are inherently intertwined it can be difficult to understand it all. But I think you did a great job explaining the current situations that are ADDING to the oppression of people of color. White people need to be very careful not to forget these things once their lives go back to normal…
This topic has been on my mind for so long. It’s frustrating to hear in the media and elsewhere that people are just assuming that people of color are more susceptible and there isn’t anything we can do about it, however if years ago healthcare and health insurance was guaranteed and provided to everyone we might not run into this issue!!