Structural Racism and the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Throughout our course so far, we have examined multiple aspects of race, racism, structural discrimination, and ethnocentrism. In this discussion, we will be applying the knowledge gained so far to examine current inequalities associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and interlocking forms of structural discrimination.
First, please read/watch the articles and short videos posted as the Learning Resources in the Week 5 Course Content area. Then address the following questions:
• How do the various forms of structural racism build on each other? Please give at least one specific example.
• What types of long-term harms did you notice in the articles/videos? How might current harms affect future generations?
• Based on what you have learned this term, what suggestions do you have for social change efforts to reduce these interlocking forms of structural discrimination?

Sample Solution

Understanding the Interlocking Forms of Structural Racism

Structural racism, a system of power that privileges white people over people of color, can manifest in various forms, including:

  • Economic Inequality: Disparities in income, wealth, and employment opportunities.
  • Educational Inequality: Differences in access to quality education and resources.
  • Housing Discrimination: Segregation and limited access to affordable housing.
  • Criminal Justice Disparities: Racial bias in policing, sentencing, and incarceration rates.
  • Healthcare Disparities: Unequal access to quality healthcare services.

Example of Interlocking Forms of Structural Racism:

A person of color living in a segregated neighborhood may face limited access to quality education, job opportunities, and healthcare. These interconnected factors can create a cycle of disadvantage that perpetuates racial inequality.

Long-Term Harms and Intergenerational Effects

The long-term harms of structural racism can include:

  • Health Disparities: Increased risk of chronic diseases, lower life expectancy, and higher mortality rates.
  • Economic Hardship: Poverty, unemployment, and financial instability.
  • Psychological Trauma: Stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Intergenerational Trauma: The transmission of trauma and its consequences across generations.

Current harms can affect future generations through:

  • Epigenetics: The study of how environmental factors can influence gene expression and be passed down to offspring.
  • Social Inheritance: The transmission of social and economic advantages or disadvantages from one generation to the next.

Suggestions for Social Change

To reduce interlocking forms of structural discrimination, we need to address the root causes of inequality. Here are some suggestions:

  • Policy Reforms: Implement policies that promote equity in education, housing, employment, and healthcare.
  • Community-Based Initiatives: Support community-based organizations working to address racial disparities.
  • Education and Awareness: Increase public awareness about the history and ongoing effects of structural racism.
  • Reparations: Consider reparations to address the historical and ongoing harms of systemic racism.
  • Intersectional Approach: Recognize and address the intersectionality of race with other marginalized identities, such as gender, class, and sexuality.

By taking a comprehensive approach that addresses the interconnected nature of structural racism, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society.

 

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