Racism, is it the new normal? Racism is prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against a person or group because of their particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority. However, last year, and more recently with the death of Goerge Floyd, many states and countries are declaring Racism; a National Health Crisis. This term being associated with Racism now implies a bigger problem. However, let’s backtrack to the first time Racism was declared a Health Crisis. Ohio was the first state in the U.S deeming Racism a Public Health Crisis.“Racism is a public health crisis,” according to a statement from Rep. Juanita Brent (Ohio-Cleveland). “Ohio must address racism by developing policy to address racial equity to protect all Ohioans. There are racial disparities in healthcare, housing, workforce development, and every fabric of our system. That is why we must continue to stand together, let our voices be heard, and fight just as our ancestors did. Revolutions are not a one-time event.”
Is Racism big enough to be a health crisis? Yes, Racism right now, is an integral yet unfortunate part of our society. Many black people are threatened or killed because of a racist viewpoint. They are in fear for their lives! This situation that affects 15% of the U.S’s population qualifies to be a Public Health Crisis. Alongside Utah; California, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada, and other states have decreed Racism to be a public health crisis. What happens now?
Can a declaration really make a difference? Just pushing it through the process can have an impact, said Paula Tran Inzeo, a director at University of Wisconsin’s Public Health Institute.
“Part of the work is to name and acknowledge that those things are true and that people in power believe that it’s true,” she said. By recognizing that Racism is a health Crisis, governments hope to spread awareness to Racism, and help combat it. This also makes it “official”. As of right now, America hopes to combat a mindset, and idea. Now that his viewpoint is real and their actions are real, States can progress in creating a unified area. This act also lets states track how much progress they have made in diminishing Racism. Making Racism a Public Health Crisis, will help combat it, and eventually destroy it.