There will be environmental justice when everyone, everywhere, is able to enjoy environmental health hazard protection. I do not see it happening though since housing is a joke and job opportunities are scarce for some. The article pertaining to corporations mistreating black communities fits into the concept of social determinants because Social determinants hits 5 points such as where people are born, grow, live, work, and age. In the article it is said that in Chester, PA, there are 42,000 residents who grow, live, work, and play in the area that has one of the largest collections of waste facilities in the country.
The article connects to the “Black Lives Matter” movement because Chester, PA is predominantly poor and a black community but their health matters, even though they are low income. I do have a problem with the slogan though! I saw somewhere that said “All Lives Matter” and I like it way better because not JUST black lives, but White, Mexican, Filipino, Asian, Porta Rican, Native American, Japanese, Irish, Italian, Greek, Portuguese, etc., lives matter. ALL races and ethnicities matter, NOT just black lives!
Hey Rudi,
ReplyDeleteIt's ridiculous that Chester, PA which I searched is predominantly African American (75%) is the largest collection of waste facilities with four toxic and hazardous waste treatment facilities. The residents have even complained that it is underlying source of their health problems, and it's stupid that the government would rather have those waste facilities than take care of the health of the people. This is a prime example of environmental injustice.
Regarding the Black Lives Matter movement, I have to say that the slogan (and movement) is about bringing awareness that the government and police do not value African American lives as much as other lives. While it is true that all lives matter, the slogan is about highlighting the injustices African Americans constantly face compared to other races and ethnicities especially white.
Hi Rudi,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate you taking the time to lay out the social determinants of health and also you voicing your opinions with the connection to BLM.
Here's an analogy that helps relate to/grasp the concept of BLM:
If I go to a Breast Cancer awareness rally and donate to this cause, it does not mean that I am neglecting the importance of all cancers. It just shows that I am acknowledging the need for more research and dedication to one particular cancer right now in order to make it more equal with other cancer research and funding.
This is similar in BLM- it is not saying that all lives do not matter. It just is saying that black lives are nor getting equal treatment in various settings (i.e. environmentally) and therefore need extra support in leading to systemic change.