The State of Things

Christopher Metzler 

Professor Albert

Honors DNY Coastal NYC         

24 Feb. 2021

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            The statement by Rosenberg which says that “epidemics put pressure on the societies they strike” (Rosenberg CE. Daedalus 1989;188:1-17.) truly resonates throughout the history and current events of America. Time and time again, we have seen inequality among people of different races and religions be highlighted and then lessened over time but never entirely gotten rid of. The grave number of injustices toward those such as African-Americans, Hispanics, Native-Americans, and many others serves as evidence of a country which did not care as much for its minority citizens as those who were not born minorities.

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            Epidemics exacerbate this ongoing issue which plagues the world by bringing the livelihoods of millions to ruins. While a virus does not see or act based upon the victim’s race or upbringing, those who are disadvantaged in society will certainly suffer disproportionately to those who succeed. For example, Sherita Hill Golden, M.D., M.H.S, a specialist in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, and chief diversity officer at Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, African-Americans as of April 20 2020, made up over 70% of deaths in the county while only being 26% of the overall population. (Golden, pg. 2). These deaths according to Golden, are most likely due to several risk factors that harshly affect minority groups. One of these factors is overcrowded living conditions, in which families and friends cannot physically social-distance in a small one-bedroom apartment for example. (Golden, pg. 3) Similarly, Golden states that people in these communities tend to work in essential fields at a higher rate than other communities and therefore cannot work from home, thus increasing risk of exposure to COVID-19. (Golden, pg. 3) Lastly, one more factor which heavily contributes to the tragic deaths in minority communities is the higher rates of stress within these groups. Golden states that this is likely caused by all of the unequal hardships that minorities face such as income inequality, violence, systematic racism, and all other forms of discrimination. (Golden, pg. 4). Further supporting Golden’s points, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) reaffirms that minorities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 due to inequities such as poor quality of housing, poor access to healthcare, unsanitary and dangerous job conditions, lower income and wealth, and lower average level of education. (CDC, pg. 2).

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            Another aspect of the “social analysis” that Rosenberg claims epidemics provide is the political changes that a society undergoes. As America and its citizens have seen, political division has been massively heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is undisputed among most, however, the reason as to why is subject for debate. Many will blame the opposing political party for all of the problems that are occurring, while others feel as though it is because of a mixture of irresponsible action on both sides of the isle. Whether or not there is a single entity that is responsible for our domestic problems, it is absolutely clear that nobody is to be blamed for the pandemic itself. As has been observed, rampant racism and bigotry toward Asian-Americans has been on the rise since the dawn of COVID-19 across the globe. According to NYPD Crime Statistics for November 2020, there have been 24 cases of Anti-Asian Crimes committed from January 1 2020 – November 29 2020 which were motivated by a fear that the victim had the Coronavirus. (NYPD, Hate Crimes Statistics Summary, pg. 3) In comparison, during the same period of time in 2019, there were only 3 Anti-Asian crimes in New York City. The shocking, grim, and tragic reality is that Asian-Americans have been suffering since COVID-19 came to the U.S. (NYPD, Hate Crimes Statistics Summary, pg. 3) Many agree that this was mostly due to destructive rhetoric by politicians, pre-existing and underlying racism among the general populace, and simply China being the place of origin of COVID-19.

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            In the documentary entitled I am Not Your Negro, James Baldwin (narrated/portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson) describes the vicious racism he witnessed throughout his life. Baldwin explains his perspective on the Civil Rights Movement which fought back against the culture of segregation and discrimination. Baldwin emphasizes that even though African-Americans are not enslaved anymore and at first glance are equal with the white-man, there is still very much work to be done. A striking moment during the documentary occurs when Baldwin states “Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” (Baldwin, I am Not Your Negro). With this sentiment in mind, it is abundantly clear that any and every issue which faces those in need, not just those who are rich or those who are poor, must be faced and dealt with, for if they are left unresolved, people will perpetually suffer and become victims of injustice and inequality.