M3.3 Environmental Justice

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Black lives matter takes on a new meaning when you think about all of the waste and toxic chemicals that are disposed of more in low-income, predominately African American communities. The social inequality is intensified when you see that it is not just police brutality and the justice system that are the problem, it is the vast majority of other industries. Reading over the article from author Nick Chiles about the "8 Horrifying Examples of Corporations Mistreating Black Communities With Environmental Racism" I am stricken with disgust at the way industries and the government blatantly ignore the dangers they are putting 27% of the U.S.'s population in. This disregard creates inequities for social determinants of health, which sets these communities up for failure.  Environmental advocates and the Black Lives Matter groups are fighting different battles and hoping for the same outcome-to get rid of the harmful chemicals and toxins in communities around the United States. Joining together as a combined force will increase power in these movements and hopefully enact quicker and better change for all.

Comments

  1. Daisy AlbarranSeptember 16, 2018 at 3:36 PM

    Hello Kera,

    It is unfortunate what the government, and even the people living in the community, allow to happen to vulnerable population. There are influences, such as the current administration, who doesn't place importance on minorities. In this case, I do not think there will be a change unless we change our government towards people who empathize for vulnerable populations. I think that eventually, with enough involvement and support from the general public and our representatives, that there will be change for all.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 16, 2018 at 7:44 PM

    Hi Kera,

    Social inequities, such as environmental racism towards African-American American communities, show how the government and environmental administration have neglected to address the major issues that continue to exist today. Agreed -- the Black Lives Matter movement extends much more than police brutality. Racial inequities, such as the toxic chemicals companies expose them to, must be stopped. As public health leaders we must create just laws to eliminate environmental racism and improve health outcomes.

    Carmen

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownSeptember 17, 2018 at 10:55 AM

    Hi Kera,

    I agree that social inequality is intensified when you include the actual physical toxins and chemicals that are disproportionately being released in black communities. The article by Nick Chiles was eye opening and awful to read about. How blatant racism can be yet it is still so blatantly ignored. As if the social constructs black communities face isn’t hard enough to overcome, the physical environmental ones are equally concerning. I agree that Environmental advocates and Black Lives Matter movement should join together to fight for these injustices.

    ReplyDelete

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