Blog 9

     This week we talked about environmental racism, adoption, and health inequality. First of, environmental racism is linked to health inequality because of the main reason of those in low-income areas doesn't have access to the care they need to live comfortably. Structural racism includes housing discrimination, racism, poverty, and unequal and discriminatory treatment in the medical system. In lecture, it was said that depending on the race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status and health disparities vary. For example, in the COVID-19 pandemic, African Americans are more likely to have greater risk in health due to the racism that lives within the health care system. In the article, "Racism is a Serious Threat to the Public's Health," they state that, "racial and ethnic minority groups experience higher rates of illness and deaths across a wide range of health conditions" (CDC, 2021). Low-income black communities are often situated near hazardous areas that affect their health. Fumes from sites like that are harmful to the human body. And due to these factors, Black Americans are continuing to work despite having symptoms of any sickness, including COVID due to the fear of cost and lower rates of health care coverage (TCF, 2020). I didn't fully realize the there was more than just status of income that perpetuates health inequalities. I never really thought about race, poverty and health coverage. Some ways to reduce these factors is actually admitting there's actually something wrong with the system itself. Inequality exists within communities. People who aren't as fortunate are more likely to suffer the disparities than those who aren't as struggling. There should be actions to address it and determine what's the best line of action is. Because institutional racism exist as well. I also believe that is some of the health care organizations were to allow themselves to partner with something that promotes health equity, it would be amazing to have everyone at the same level of equality as equality doesn't always mean equal. 
    Adoptees and non-adoptees someday will come to terms with their identity, where they came from, where they live, how fortunate they are, what culture or religious practices they they honor. But it's important to remember that the differences between the two are clear. Non-adoptees doesn't have to worry about if they're parents ever think about them, if they ever decide to see their parents again after they turn 18, learning about their given name instead of their adopted name. Adoptees worry if their family back home ever wanted them or think about them. They wonder if they have similar traits to their biological parents and what it would be like growing up back home. Transracial individuals who grow up into a white family may lose sense of their culture and identity. If they aren't taught about their ethnicity and just sheltered, it can become confusing and could lead them to being discriminated against as they weren't taught. Pushing back or rejecting the differences between being adopted as an Asian and raised by a white family doesn't realize the experiences of racism that they might have to face growing up. They might get made fun of for not speaking their native language because of being an adoptee or made fun of because their parents doesn't look like them. It's important to talk to your child about these struggles they may face before it can lead to depression and unhealthy relationships between the families.