Black Lives Matter is an emotionally charged, hidden agenda driven movement that lacks real leadership. When black lives matter initially came into fruition its platform seemed very positive. The initial actions of the movement were about the injustice of unarmed blacks being killed in police custody and lack of consequence for officers involved. As the “BLM” movement began to grow I started to become skeptical. As more shootings of blacks by police became national news a trend started to developed. Black person killed by White person, #Hashtag, Protest, No Indictment, New distraction, Everybody forgets and Repeats cycle. The movement only focused on police violence, which is important, but ignored black economics, boycotting, the nuclear family and the health care system. As the movement grew more sub groups started to appear with this “what about us mentality”. These sub groups all wanting their “piece of the pie” gradually started to push their personal agenda under the BLM momentum. These sub groups at times have an arrogant judgmental”I’m right your wrong and if you disagree with us then I can insult, label and generalize you mentality Without a congruent goal this has deterred and taken away from the credibility and focus of the movement. Incidents involving Police and Blacks have occurred for hundreds of years, this is not a new phenomenon. Many of these leaders have exploited Black Death has a platform for their personal agenda and fame. The sad truth is just the mass media is also exploiting black death and capitalizing from the emotional response and racial tension these events generate. The more shootings, the more protest, the more tension, the more coverage, with higher ratings that means… more money. Clearly just protesting and hash tagging is not changing or accomplishing much.Exercising black economics and building up the black community from within is very important. There are many internal issues within the black community that need to be addressed before any true social progress can occur. Self-accountability and healthy living are large factors that have internally deterred the black community.
Let’s talk about it
According to the World Health Organization, health is defined as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. Health is much deeper then illness and being sick, but when individuals are performing at their best in both mind and body. Statistically health is the leading cause of death in the black community. Health kills blacks more then any police officer, drugs, black on black crime or other deterrent affecting the black community. Unfortunately in the black community the health care system has many alarming discrepancies and problems. Discrepancy can defined as simply as “a difference especially between things that should be the same”. This means the health care system in America should generally provide the same opportunities, education and quality of care for all people regardless of race. For prospective According to the United States census bureau there are 321,418,820 million people in the United States. Whites are the majority at 77.1%, which are 247.8 million people. Hispanics are the largest minority at 17.6 % 56.5 million). Blacks are the 2nd largest minority at 13.3%, which are 42.7 million people. Although blacks are only the 2nd largest minority there are many health problems that effect blacks at larger rates then any other race.
More than one out of every three black people is plagued by hypertension, which is highest rate in the entire world. Hypertension can damage kidneys and lead to stroke, heart failure, high blood pressure and heart attack[1]. More than 2.2 million black Americans have diabetes.[2] An alarming nearly 70 percent of Black adults between the ages of 20 and 74 are overweight; more than half of ALL Black women are overweight. [3] Blacks also have suffered from depression and mental illness. Since 1980, suicide has doubled among young Black males. Suicide death outnumbers homicide deaths by five to three. [4] Many people who suffer from depression on a daily often resort to drug use as a solution. 80 to 90 percent of people who die of suicide are suffering from a diagnosable mental illness or substance abuse or both. Unfortunately nearly one-third, 32%, of all black Americans do not have a regular doctor[5]. Every year blacks die at early ages from these numerous alignments. Many of these deaths could be prevented with healthier diets, being informed, self-accountability and better quality medical care. According to a major study, the environment accounts for 20-30 percent of morbidity and mortality; genetics for 15-20 percent, and lifestyle for 40-50 percent.[6] Lifestyle is a major consideration in the elimination of disparities in health. However there are various social economic factors that have influenced these discrepancies. These include Environment, Culture, Access to Health Care, Distrust, being Uniformed and lack of accountability. Also TV, Entertainment, Music and Nig Nog culture have influenced overall lifestyle. Many of these factors cannot be individually dealt with however nutrition and what we put into our bodies can be controlled.
#BHM
In the black community often times when healthy living is discussed blacks become very uninterested and somewhat defensive. The reality is disease is the number one killer of blacks, which is directly dietary related. In part to genetics blacks already have a high susceptibility to disease and the “foods” we consume only makes it worst. Many blacks live in low-income high poverty communities in which for food options are scarce and low quality. “Nationally half of all black neighborhoods lack access to a full service grocery store or supermarket[7], However Nationwide, predominantly white neighborhoods have four times more supermarkets than predominantly black neighborhoods[8]. However most black neighborhoods have multiple fast food, fried chicken, and Chinese/Spanish/Caribbean food restaurants. Although this food may be appetizing and inexpensive, with easy accessibility they are greatly poor in nutritional value and do more harm to the body then good. The food is made from animals and produce that have GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) steroids, preservatives, and chemicals added to it. Many favorite black foods such as meat chicken and pork all contain GMOs and these harmful chemicals. If you think the “foods” you eat are safe google the “Dark Act” and the $400 million of lobbying by the Biotech and Food corporations to largely compromise the bill. .
Often times the argument for not eating healthy is it’s too expensive. However if blacks properly allocated their resources they could easily afford healthier foods. Blacks spend over a billion dollars annually on materialistic items. Although a majority of blacks live in high poverty areas, blacks seem to have money for new pair of Jordan’s/Sneakers, Headphones/ Electronics, TV, Bundles/Weave, or Drugs. This financial irresponsibility combined with being uninformed has been detrimental. Blacks should focus on black economics and investing money in things that will benefit the community. Although “The Hood” is majority black if not all businesses are own by non blacks generally other minorities. These include gas stations, supermarkets, banks, restaurants, dry cleaners and various other things. These factors in conjunction with genetics have influenced a large discrepancy for the black community. Of all black men ages 20 and older, 36.4% have high blood pressure, compared to 25.6 percent of white men.[9] Black women are close to 80% more likely to die of a stroke than white women, and 30% more likely to die of a heart attack. Black people are 10% more likely to suffer from cancer and 30% more likely to die from cancer than whites[10]. Also Black Americans with diabetes have a 27% higher death rate than whites with the disease.[11] In conjunction with dietary problems blacks lack proper exercise. “50% of black adults do not participate in light, moderate, or vigorous physical activity regularly as opposed to 35% of white adults With these alarming statistics its clear our diet has a large effect on life. Self-accountability is key for understanding what you are putting in your body and actually doing research.
For the Culture
Many of the alignments associated with bad diets could be contained and prevented with proper medical care. The problem is with 32% of blacks not having a regular doctor many are denied access to care. If blacks do have a regular doctor they often times receive low quality of care. This low quality can be attributed to the lack of representation in the health field. Underrepresented minority account for 30% of the population, but only 10% of the physicians.[12] “Culture plays a major role in the provision of quality health care, and the culture of medicine is predominantly white European. The provider must have the ability to identify with, relate to, and accommodate the culture of the patient. In many cases, the culture of patients, how they diagnose problems, and how they treat those problems. Essentially many blacks have white doctors who may not understand the factors affecting ones health and can cause low quality or misdiagnosis. Non-blacks who cannot relate to their culture see meaning a lot of blacks. All of these are serious factors that contribute to people being uniformed, feeling insecure or untrusting, and being uninspired to seek medical care. This feeling of distrust has been a large factor into the environment of the black community.
The Hood
Many blacks live in high poverty areas. These neighborhoods are often referred to as “The Hood”. The Hood often have many external deterrents from violence, drugs, homelessness and general poverty. 71% of blacks live in counties that violate federal air pollution standards[13]. Black and Hispanic children are also more likely to exposed to toxic substances or lead based pain[14]. The 2015 Flint Michigan water crisis was large example of the problems in the black community. Unfortunately there are many cites and communities across the nation that live in similar or worst conditions that do not get national attention. With a lack of federal support and aide these conditions only become worse. The rising negative tensions between the police and the black community has contributed to a large sense of distrust. The tension and frustration is not only solely with police but rather the legal and judicial process in the country as a whole. In conjunction with racial profiling disproportionate numbers of Black men are incarcerated as a result of polices that mandate imprisonment as opposed to treatment for substance abuse. With the large surge of national attention of police violence against blacks this has simply reopened many wounds that have yet to be healed. The most troubling aspect is police are supposed to “protect and serve. So when the people who are suppose to protect you are constantly acquitted and not indicted over killing of unarmed blacks how can you trust a system. The main difference between black on black crime and police shooting is blacks are held accountable and police are not. Along with the other crime and deterrents a sense of fear can begin. Some can contend violence is an inherent trait from this countries brutal history. “However as a Hotep I see both sides of the coin. Blacks kill blacks at a much higher rate then any police officer. Black lives only seem to matter when a white person is behind the trigger. There is a large amount of self-hate that resonates within the black community. Often time’s blacks have a “crab in a bucket” syndrome. Meaning we do not support someone who has success but rather hate and bring negativity to them. Sadly blacks and police kill other blacks for the same reason, they don’t see any value. With these poor living conditions, deterrents and distrust a large negative atmosphere looms over the black community. In conjunctions with the negative lifestyles portrayed through music, tv, and nig nog culture have influenced many to remain in this “crab in bucket” mentality. This negative atmosphere can often times lead to which can have drastic effects. Remember health is more then actual physical wellness but mental state and social well being.
The Youth
The negative environment can have the largest affect on black children. Often time’s children are misdiagnosed with physical and learning disability and other social stigmas. There are many troubling discrepancy’s that effect black children. Close to 1.8 million black American children do not have health insurance.[15] Black infants are nearly two-and-one-half times more likely than whites infants to die before their first birthday.[16] In a study of Black inner-city children with asthma, doctors prescribed long-term control asthma medications for only 42 percent of those who needed them.[17] These misdiagnosis and lack of access hinders the physical, mental and social development. Many of these children are raised in toxic environments often in single parent households growing up without a positive male influence. Maintaining the already weekend black nuclear family is essential. Obviously a child can be successful being raised by a single parent, however they are not spiritually getting the proper nurturing. In Ancient Africa, thousands of years before any western civilization, the original “holy” trinity was Mother, Father and Child. Mother and Father were always depicted as equal with each parent having different roles that complement each other. Mothers should nurture and fathers discipline. It’s important a child receives both Masculine and Feminine energy. Unfortunately there’s many external factor that are causing division amongst Black males and females. We sadly live in a “females aren’t s*it” “guys aren’t s*it” society. Each side pointing the finger and playing the blame game. In reality both females and males are both collectively at fault. Subsequently the children are the true victims. This lack of nurturing, guidance and security can alter a child’s progression. Strengthening and maintaining the black nuclear family is key toward social progress.
Solutions
“Many things must change to secure the right health care, healthy living, and well-being in America. The solution to this pervasive problem of health disparities is what we must advocate for system changes that include universal health insurance, guaranteed primary medical care, proportionate representation in health professions, bias- free interventions, nonviolent and exercise-friendly neighborhoods, nutritious food outlets, educational equality, career opportunities, parity in income and wealth, homeownership, and hope. There are individual, community, and governmental responsibilities for achieving these goals”[19].(Satcher) Somehow we must bring these different levels of responsibility together in a concerted effort to eliminate disparities in health care and health outcomes. With many obstacles and barriers facing the black community this can create an oppressed mindset feeling of being a victim. Obviously there is a systematic racism that exists in this country.However there becomes a point where the black community must recognize “yes the system has failed us, but constantly playing victim only propels this “oppressed” mindset. I personally do not believe in oppression and thinks it’s a mentality. Although many deterrents blacks cannot do anything about, blacks have direct control on our diet and what we eat. Blacks need to eat less meat and more fruits and vegetables daily. Having a plant-based diet can be very beneficial and eliminate/ prevent many health problems. We need to exercise more it could be simply as taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work or in your apartment building. Also make sure your children have healthy diets, get their daily exercise. Most importantly we need to hold all leaders and elected officials responsible and demand that they change current policy. Exercising black economics and building up the black community from within is key. For more information on healthier living and social progress please check outMealsaps.com, Hannibalisatthegate.com, Charbie.com, healthyself360.com, and unlockyourbravado.com
Sources
[1] Diet-Related chronic diseases that disproportionately affect African American Men,”
http://5aday.gov/aahealth/aamen/diet/PDFs/NY.state.pdf.
[2] Diabetes in African American Fact sheet, National Diabetes information clearinghouse, national institute of diabetes and digestive and kidneys diseases, NIH publication no.98-3266, June 1998
[3] Fact Sheet: African American Women and Cardiovascular Disease
[4] Smiley, Tavis. The Covenant With Black America. Carlsbad: Smiley, 2016. Print.
[5] “2001 health care quality survey,” The commonwealth fund, New York, NY, November 2001, chart 37.
[6] Satcher, David M., Md.,Ph.D. “Securing the Right to Health Care and Well-Being Introductory Essay.” (n.d.): n. pag. Web.
[7] Environmental and Economic Injustice: Fact Sheet, “http://www.ejrc.cau.edu/NBEJNEJFS.html
[8] R. Flournoy and S. Treuhaft, “Healthy Food, Healthy Communities,” The California Endowment and Policylink, Oakland, CA, September 2005, p. 10
[9] Smiley, Tavis. The Covenant With Black America. Carlsbad: Smiley, 2016. Print.
[10] “Minority Health Disparities at a Glance,” www.omhrc.gov/healthdisparities/glance.htm, Healthy Human Services
[11] Smiley, Tavis. The Covenant With Black America. Carlsbad: Smiley, 2016. Print.
[12] http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/12930.html.
[13] “Air Quality and African American , ” http://www.lungusa.org/ site/pp.asp?c=dvluk900e&b=308865, American Lung Association
[14] http:www.aboutlead.com/lead_poisioning/children.html
[15] “Child Health: General health facts,” http://www.childrendefense.org/ child health/ generalhealthfactsd.aspx, Children defense Fund
[16] W.Parker, “Black-White Infant Mortality Disparity in the United States: A societal litmus test, “Public Halth Reports, Volume 118, July- August 2003,336.
[17] A.M. Butz, P.A. Eggleston, K. Huss, C.S Rand, K.A. Riekert, M. Winkelstein, “Caregiver – Physician Medication Concordance and Under Treatment of Asthma among Inner-City Childern,” Pediatrics, Vol.111, No.3, March 2003, p.217
[18] Ibid., pp. 122, 123
[19] Satcher, David M., Md.,Ph.D. “Securing the Right to Health Care and Well-Being Introductory Essay.” (n.d.): n. pag. Web.