Consequences of Racism on Children's Development

I vividly remember as a child being outcast because I was lighter than most African American in my neighborhood and small town in Southern Georgia. There were so many clear and spiteful pictures that came to mind when I read this assignment, even now as a middle age adult.  Racism within my own community has what hurt me the most.  Every summer my brother, two other cousins from Maryland and I would spend part of our break in Farmville, North Carolina.  I remember having to attend Sunday School, prior to our parent’s attending church, and being the youngest separated from those I came with.  When placed with a group of children I immediately was attacked and called everything from “high yellow mellow” to “albino” (which at the time I did not even know what that meant).  The adults in the group said nothing; just let this torment go on for what seemed forever.  I got up and ran to my family, who even at a young age knew this was not right.  At such a young age, how cruel this was and to this day I can see the images of those not knowing the damage they had caused (emotionally and socially). 

It seems as though I have been dealing with this issue most of my life and I have just adjusted to it.  As I grew older, I have been able to openly talk to people if they have the courage to ask questions.  My support system has been family and friends who have experienced similar situations and by sharing our feelings has helped to mend some of the hurt, sadness and damage done by those within my own ethnic group.

I choose to examine Australia and how racism effects the development of children.  In Australia, racism is connected to the history of colonization and migration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait people) most importantly removal of Aboriginal children from their families and denial of full citizenship.  Even though Australian society has become more diverse with continuing immigration, racist language and attitudes that were commonplace is no longer accepted.  Racist’s beliefs make their way into the media in Australia, where children are watching assumptions being made toward minority groups, particularly those visible different and not part of the largely British and Celtic background.

Racism was significantly associated with child illness in a 2010 study.   Negative affects was identified as a significant mediator of housing and child illness within native communities.  Consistent with evidence from adult populations and children from other ethnic minorities, this study found that vicarious racism is associated with poor health among those within local child populations.  While legislation now exists to protect the rights of all citizens, there is a continuing legacy today from the effects of these racist practices.

As we see, racism is just a form of bullying that negatively affects everyone.  Skin color just makes it easier to identify who you want to pick on.

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.doi:10.1136/jech.2010.117366

Public Health-Access to Healthy Water

Imagine being hot, thirsty and no possible clean water to drink.   These are the conditions for millions of people throughout the world.  Turning on the faucet or grabbing a bottle of water is common for many of us, but for 884 million people, this is not an ordinary occurrence.  This topic was very meaningful to me as we are seeing more natural disasters happening throughout the world that are affecting us all.  How can we turn our back on those who just one sip of water would make a world of difference?  An American taking a five-minute shower uses more water than a typical person in a developing country in a whole day. 

Haiti's 2010 earthquake destroyed this country.  In researching Haiti I was ashamed to learn that the lack of water still exist to the degree it does.  And because of this the following problems are continuing:

• $1.6 million has been raised to supply Haiti with new drills and water supplies.  The goal is $2.4 million.
• Water has been restored to more than 340 communities and the hope is that 400 will be rebuilt by 2011.
• Villages that were previously using wells have been destroyed by landslides and still have not been rebuilt.
• Quality of water is not an issue, but quantity is.  Haitians are not concerned with the brand of water they receive but that they receive.  If people are thirsty, they will weaken and die.  If those that are injured do not receive water, they will weaken and die. 
• Without clean water health supplies will be unsanitary but still have to be used.  This will spread diseases and people will become infected and eventually weaken and die.

I am determined to promoting ways that we all can get involved in improving safer water.  I have signed up with http://www.water.org/ to get continued feedback on ways to help throughout my community.  I will celebrate on March 22 along with the United Nations, as they emphasize a global solution to those struggling with healthy water. I am become a voice within my school for us all to support this overwhelming problem.

Childbirth-In My Life and Around the World

My first birthing experience (25 year ago) was what I considered to be fairly simple.  My water broke several days prior to birth and I was admitted to the hospital even though I was not dilating or near delivery.  By day two, the doctors agreed that if I did not start to dilate they would need to perform a cesarean.  Well, lord and behold, early that morning I started and within two hours my son was born, without any complications.  It was what I, and many mothers I have spoken with, considered to be an easy birth.   Fourteen years later, I had a similar delivery in that I was a career woman who had worked all day and come home that evening without any labor signs.  At midnight I went into labor and rushed to the hospital, less than two hours later my son was born. I choose these experiences because I have not shared in many births, just my own two and have only talked with parents about their birth experiences.  In our country, prenatal care and advances in technology both affect and impact child development.  Issues such as medical supervision, routine examinations, and interventions are key in reducing complications of pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

I have always been intrigued with Brazil and therefore researched childbirths in that country.   Natural births are not common, but when they happen they involve routine use of epidurals and episiotomies.  If you are fortunate enough to be in a private hospital, you will more than likely have a caesarean (70 to 90% chance). Doctors prefer caesareans as they are faster and more practical, as they can schedule them ahead of time, to prevent being called on at an inconvenient time. Fasting is an almost compulsory item and in many hospitals tricotomy is required.  Some hospitals have labor and delivery rooms, but they are usually inside the OBGYN centers.  You are only allowed one relative or friend, but absolutely doulas.  And even some states and cities, husbands are forbidden from entering the obstetric centers.   As opposed to the Brazil, caesareans are not an immediate in the U.S. and certainly not for the reasons cited.  Even though I did not have many individuals in my rooms during either of my births, I cannot imagine not having my husband present.

I was surprised to read that many health care providers favor C-sections when labor (93%).  The impact of the birthing experience in Brazil continues to face developed country problems.   Children are much healthier now and more of them are getting healthier faster, because of improvements in education, use of health services, transportation, water supply, and their own individual behavior.