What Is Systemic Racism?
Systemic racism refers to the social structures, policies, and institutions that serve to oppress people of color.
The policies instituted by the settler colonists centuries ago continue to affectBIPOCtoday.
Policies laid the foundation for the negative effects that we are experiencing today.
Another huge part of this original sin was the genocide of Indigenous peoples.
And indeed, I do think that America was born with a birth defect; it was slavery.
Only then could Black people like her exercise their full rights as a citizen by voting.
Racism runs deep in terms of dehumanization and breaking people down.
Just witnessing or hearing about racism and race-based violence can negatively impact mental health.
Anxiety and depression in the Black, Asian, and Native American communities rose.
Every time a related event takes place, it brings feelings of trauma to the surface.
Black youth also suffer mental health problems as a result of systemic racism, particularly in institutions like schools.
Depression symptoms can include trouble sleeping, concentrating, and disinterest in the activities they used to enjoy.
Asian Americans
Asian Americans also had more anxiety and depression symptoms in the period after Floyds killing.
They are killed by police at higher rates than any other racial group, including African Americans.
The effects of systemic oppression in Native communities contribute to their mental health problems as well.
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The old adage that there is strength in numbers applies in this context.
Self-Care Is Important
Countering systemic racism isnt just about workplace strikes and marches in the streets.
A Word From Verywell
Systemic racism negatively impacts the physical and mental well being of BIPOC communities.
Research has shown that racism leads to a rise in anxiety and depression.
Anti-racism work cannot be done alone, and progress, at times, can be very slow.
It’s completely understandable if you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, exhausted, and angry.
Artwork by Catherine Song
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