Racism and its effects can lead to chronic stress for children. While we have made historical progress, the beliefs and oppression that underpin racism persist it is, as the AAP statement calls it, a "socially transmitted disease." How does racism affect health and well-being in children?Īnd it truly is a disease. Despite our biological sameness, people continue to look for differences - and claim superiority. Racism grew out of and helped rationalize colonization and slavery. But historically we have found ways to not just identify differences, but to oppress people because of them. Biologically we are truly just one race, sharing 99.9% of our genes no matter what the color of our skin or what part of the world we come from. Racism informs our actions when we structure opportunities for and assign value to people based on our interpretation of how they look. If we care about the health and future of all of our children, it says, we need to take real steps to end racism - and to help and support those who are affected by it.
That’s the bottom line message of a new policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). It hurts not just their health, but their chances for a good, successful life.
Racism hurts children, in real and fundamental ways.
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