Not enough health care professionals are talking about this.
When you realize that a nutritious diet, clean air, exercise, good sleep, and low stress are the key foundations to health and happiness, the next realization is on the horizon.
It is this: Not everyone has easy access to health. Many people are just trying to survive.
Let’s be more specific: Black people and Brown people have worse physical and mental health than their White counterparts – because they have less access to medical care, nutritious food, and clean water; less time for self-care, and more exposure to daily stress.
They have less access to the income and inherited wealth that makes life relatively stable, and wellness within reach.
They are more likely to be killed – by COVID19, chronic disease, and law enforcement.
Let’s get close to the root cause: This country was built on the massacre of Native people, and the enslavement of African people. And it continues to run on the cheap labor of Black and Brown people.
To make this massacre, enslavement, and exploitation possible, this culture systematically dehumanizes those who are not white. It’s not always obvious – if you are White or seen as White.
But for Black people and Brown people – especially Black people – this is apparent every day. It is generational. It’s experienced in big and small interactions. It’s part of life.
It’s not because someone is Black. It is not because of genetics. It’s because the system is racist.
If like me, you are White or White-passing, and you are shaken, bothered, and disturbed by the killing of Ahmaud Aubery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, I invite you to go beyond your sadness and anger.
I invite you to deepen your learning about racism. And especially the way in which you play a role. Then take action.
This is not a comfortable journey. This is not a pleasant, reassuring, soothing one.
But if you are uncomfortable with this, imagine the pain endured by Black people. Use the pain of this moment to align yourself with the struggle of people who do not look like you.
Here are some resources that may help:
Anti-Racist Book List – artwork by Jane Mount
Buy these books from Black-owned bookstores.
To read online:
FOR OUR WHITE FRIENDS DESIRING TO BE ALLIES
When My Beautiful Black Boy Grows from Cute to a Threat
Black Minds Matter: Interrupting school practices that disregard the mental health of black youth.
To watch:
Trevor Noah: George Floyd and the Dominos of Racial Justice
“13th” A Netflix documentary about the high rate of incarceration among African Americans.
For Self-Reflection:
Writing prompts to explore your biases by Leesa Renee Hall
This is in no way a complete list, and I’ll admit I feel uncomfortable doing this. I’m not an expert. I’m afraid that this is clumsy, I’m afraid it’s not a “good enough” message. I’m telling you this not to make it about my feelings, but to encourage you to stand up for what you think is right, even when it’s uncomfortable. Especially when it’s uncomfortable.
This is not a time to be perfect. It’s a time to get involved with sincerity and humility, an open heart and mind willing to learn from Black people, and the courage and willingness to do the work.
Come join me on this journey.
Teray Garchitorena Kunishi, ND
Get in touch at http://www.deeplyhappy.com/contact/
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