Medical myths about Black people have lingered since the 19th century. Once used to justify slavery and miscegenation, the harmful practices are used now to limit Black people’s access to quality health care and pain relief. Black people suffer because of the inequality or discrimination they have witnessed or experienced in health care settings, where they are treated poorly, if treated at all. Especially when we know that racism, not race, often over-determines the medical outcomes of Black people. As Alicia Wallace reminds us, “Race is a social construct, not a medical condition.”I’m Robin Boylorn, until next time…keep it crunk!

Source: New York Times November 08, 2023 20:01 UTC