Why have people over the past few centuries decided that race is such an important thing? In the 1619 project, my reaction to the doctor’s not being thorough enough with a woman’s twin pregnancy is feeling disappointed. At the start of Christe’s pregnancy, I was proud of her. However, I soon felt sympathy for her, as her doctor did not prioritize her health and was not thorough, even though she was pregnant with twins. I feel sad that she did not receive the proper health care she needed, and I am upset that the doctor she went to was not doing her job properly. When she said that she had heard that one of her twins had passed and that she had to carry the other, it was an emotional moment.
Knowing the commonality of black women over the years getting raped, prostituted, and sexually exploited is disappointing. Half of the babies that black people had during slavery were born as stillbirths, and only about half would make it. Black babies have a two-times higher percent chance of dying before they turn one than white babies. Hearing that she had to be forced to bury her baby and not have a chance to mourn the loss is sad. I’m surprised that they even forced her to strip in front of a whole court.
Women in the past used to try to escape slavery and avoid becoming pregnant by their slave masters. In today’s day and age, women are protesting and voicing their rights and opinions against what is being dictated by other genders. Black women used to have the highest child mortality rates, and now they have the highest childbirth death rates. Due to a lack of familiarity with the medical standpoint, it is hard for them to ask deeper questions beyond “Is everything ok?” and “How is the baby?” They don’t know the medical time frame for when they should come back, only know what the doctor is telling them.
When a bi-racial couple or group is seen walking, holding hands, or engaging in any other form of public display of affection, they often receive dirty looks or stares. This can be an uncomfortable and unwelcome experience, making it difficult for people to feel accepted in their communities. It is important to remember that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and kindness, regardless of their race or relationship status. We should strive to create an environment where everyone feels safe and accepted.
The false characteristics of black people, such as their smaller heads, thicker skulls and skin, and fuller lips, have been used to oppress them throughout history. For example, black women were not allowed to have anesthesia during childbirth because people assumed they were “immune” to pain. The term “bonus daughter” was used to refer to a daughter from her husband, instead of using the term “stepdaughter.” Women were also valued based on what their future held for them; if they had a white or pretty baby that grew up to look good, slave owners would say that they were more valuable. Furthermore, black people were forced to breed based on their body type in order to create stronger slaves.
In more recent times, this oppression has manifested itself in other ways. For example, a man was recently shot multiple times by police officers because they assumed he was a threat due to his size and the fact that he was wearing black clothes. This is just one example of how black people are still oppressed today. The speaker also talks about the legal and government sides of things. They add how governmental ways influence things.
Black men are often stereotyped as dangerous and up to no good, which has caused them to fear for their lives. They are scared to get pulled over due to police brutality, and in an emergency, they are often the first to be blamed. Unfortunately, people don’t recognize that black men suffer in society too, in some areas more than black women.
There are many ways to resist the way society wants us to conform to these stereotypes. We can join protests, websites, clubs, and organizations to fight for justice for those who have lost their lives to police brutality and to end police brutality against black people. Activists can also make speeches and organize peaceful protests and gatherings with people of similar beliefs. Additionally, we can disrupt societal tactics by knowing our rights and asserting them whenever necessary.
“Stand Up” – Official Lyric Video – Performed by Cynthia Erivo
Imani, I think it is great that you are bringing attention to this problem in our society. These issues don’t get discussed as often as they should, and I agree with you when you say we need change. I think it is important when you said “In more recent times, this oppression has manifested itself in other ways. For example, a man was recently shot multiple times by police officers because they assumed he was a threat due to his size and the fact that he was wearing black clothes” because it highlights that this form of oppression based on harmful stereotypes is still going on today and not just a thing of the past. When you discuss inequity in healthcare, I was reminded of the book “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” because it heavily discusses how African Americans have been taken advantage of in the healthcare system, I recommend reading it if you would like more information in this area. Thanks for writing this, I am looking forward to reading more from you in the future!
This is an awesome post, Imani. The topics you talked about were very hard and emotional subjects that society doesn’t acknowledge or want to acknowledge. As a Black woman myself, it makes me sad that when I have a medical emergency I can’t fully trust the doctors because of the bias toward Black women. Lastly, it also makes me sad that Black people especially women don’t know much about medical terms and so it makes it hard for them to understand exactly what is happening to their bodies.
This is very moving. While also being a woman of color, have you had any of your own unpleasant experiences with doctors