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The Impact of Institutionalized Racism on People’s Health
Institutionalized racism is the discrimination of people on the basis of race by political and social institutions. Its detrimental effect on the social and financial standings of people is often the topic of conversation. However, not many consider the impact racism has on an individual’s health, both physical and mental. The purpose of this paper is to analyze what effects discrimination based on race has on people’s health.
The Effect of Racism on Mental Health
Mental health has only recently become a topic of conversation with concepts like therapy and getting a diagnosis becoming more normalized. However, the psychological problems people of color experience are often not part of the discussion. These troubles start at an early age with «overt bullying at school, or the less obvious day-to-day toll of social exclusion and economic disadvantage, underpinning many of these children’s health issues” (Boyd-Barrett, 2019, p. 3).
Many people of color feel distant from both their ethnic heritage and their national identity, which is strengthened by the current social climate. These individuals can experience internalized racism, where they perceive white people as better than people of color. This, in turn, can cause other mental issues like anxiety or depression.
The Effect of Racism on Physical Health
The impact institutionalized racism can have on one’s physical health can be due to underlying mental issues. However, it can also be more specific, as with internalized racism in effect, people of color can equate getting lighter skin with having a better life. A possible solution is skin lightening bleach that generally has mercury “the prolonged use of which is linked to poisoning, skin damage and liver and kidney malfunction” (Khan, 2018, p. 2). Therefore, most of the damage to physical health is caused by mental issues.
Conclusion
The topic of the effect institutionalized racism can have on an individual’s health should be brought up more often as the discrimination can cause damage to both physical and mental health. Many people of color experience internalized racism, which can lead to anxiety and depression that can be the cause of physical issues. Another thing to note is that this trend continues the cycle of institutionalized racism, preventing society from changing for the better.
Reference List
Boyd-Barrett, C. (2019). How does racism affect health? California doctors speak out. California Health Report. Web.
Khan, C. (2018). Skin-lightening creams are dangerous – yet business is booming. Can the trade be stopped? The Guardian. Web.
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