Hey Family! So much has happened since we've talked on here. I hope that this blogpost finds you well and in good spirit...for what it's worth. In the last few blogposts we were dealing with the uncertainty of quarantine and the pandemic. Now here we are months later, dealing with, as some would describe it, another pandemic. What's this other pandemic? Racism!
We knew racism existed before 2020 began. However, the very reality of racism became even more apparent, starting with the virus outbreak. Particularly in America. We saw it in the disparities of who were most affected. We saw it in work inequities. Some people were fortunate to work from home, while others had to brave their way to work everyday. Now we are seeing it in the incessant police brutalities and racist attacks against Black people. If you've been following the news or even social media, you are constantly bombarded with new or even old cases. With all of this, it's hard to not feel depressed or even bitterly angry. James Baldwin once said, "to be a conscious Black person in America is to be in a perpetual state of rage." I can definitely relate to this. It can feel like nothing is changing or that things are getting worse. More on this in a few.
In light of all of this, racism in other areas of society is also being highlighted. For example, racism in health, racism in education, racism in the workplace etc. Since this is a platform that centers health, I wanted to talk about how racism finds its way into nutrition and health. Strap in and lets get into it.
So, when I was in undergrad, we learned about social determinants of health in many of my nutrition classes. Social determinants of health refers to conditions in which we live that directly affect our health. Some examples include: socioeconomic status, area of residence, education, access to healthcare, access to food etc. These determinants are the reasons behind why African Americans are the most susceptible to all these metabolic diseases. Why? Because of racism. So, lets talk about it.
Red-Lining: According to the Huffington post, redlining was part of a color coding system used by government surveyors to demarcate areas that were "desirable" and thus would get funds from local lenders. Areas that were red lined were areas that were predominantly populated with minorities. Think, African Americans, immigrants from Asia etc. These areas were termed as "credit risks" simply because of the racial demographic. (1) The result? little to no funds. This will obviously affect other areas in the community: food, healthcare, schools etc.
Then there is food Insecurity. Food insecurity refers to the uncertainty of your next meal as well as lack of access to a variety of safe, nutritious food, not to mention, food that can be acquired in a socially acceptable way (eg. stealing or trash diving etc, these are not socially acceptable ways of acquiring food). Food security is affected by finances or the last thereof. In the field of nutrition several words have been coined to describe racism's impact on nutrition. One such term is food apartheid which describes the lack of well stocked clean supermarkets in certain areas. A lot of supermarket chains choose what areas to open in based on zip code and "profitability". This is a form of redlining which further denies access to certain areas to a variety of foods. This results in people having to travel to far distances just to get access to certain foods that would otherwise not be available close to their homes. This is an inconvenience and a barrier to access to balanced and varied nutrition that every human needs. I will talk more about this in another blogpost.
Another avenue through which racism rears its ugly head is through discrimination in Health care. We see this in the statistics of Black women who end up having deadly complications during birth of their babies. We see it in the racist BMI (rolls eyes) that was developed using only white males, by a Mathematician! I might add. Every time I see the letters BMI together I get heated, because not only is it a grossly inaccurate measure of health but it is also used by insurance companies as a way to deny people health insurance. It perpetuates weight stigma and further discrimmination. It amazes me how this measurement is still being used in healthcare, research, fitness etc. when it is so incredibly flawed. For one, the science used to develop the BMI system was conducted only with white males which means it is NOT an accurate reflection of the global population. I mean some of us are not white males, HELLO! Additionally, it does not take into account bone density, muscle mass etc. Most importantly, it only considers height and weight and by now, if you've been reading my content long enough, weight is not an end all be all indicator of health.
I say all this to say, that racism is EVERYWHERE in our society and there is lots of work to go around. Everyone has been speaking up on social media and going to protests, signing petitions, donating etc. It is easy to feel like you aren't doing enough or your efforts aren't making an impact. I've definitely felt like that. Here's my suggestion. Look at your skills, talents etc. In other words, what is in your hands? What do you already have that can be used to help? We all have a platform on social media, that's one. We have friends, family members who we can have conversations with about these issues, that's two. Some of us are fortunate enough to have jobs or go to school. Talk to your employers, teachers, professors, coworkers, classmates etc. Stand up for someone who might be facing microagressions or even overt racism. Donate (if you can) to protest organizers etc. My point is, each of us have a role and it doesn't matter how small. Small contributions can be combined to create a big impact. Do not underestimate the importance of your voice. So, use what you have, it is needed!
Taking Care of Yourself
In addition to using what you have to help, remember to fill yourself up. You can't use what you have to help if you are burned out. Refilling your cup is a necessary part of this revolution. Take time to hold space for joy, as often as you can. Take breaks from the news. It can be mentally draining to constantly see people dying with no care from the government. Don't forget to include God, talk to him regularly and ask him for peace and direction. It helps. Spend time with those you love and nourish your relationships. Eat! Yeah I said it. Eat regular meals and engage in movement you enjoy. Take care of your health, and of course, I mean outside of toxic and racist diet culture. That is revolutionary.
We will continue to push for change like many who came before us. There is hope!
I love you <3
References:
1. Jan, T. (2018, March 28). Analysis | Redlining was banned 50 years ago. It's still hurting minorities today. Retrieved July 20, 2020, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2018/03/28/redlining-was-banned-50-years-ago-its-still-hurting-minorities-today/
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