It's amazing to think that in 2018 we are still struggling with environmental justice. I would like to think that as a nation we have progressed over time but the harsh reality is that we have not made much progress. As defined by the EPA in 2007,
The Black Lives Matter movement isn't solely about the violence occurring with shootings but rather as a whole. Black lives are equal to White, Latino, Asian, and many other races. Allowing corporations to establish in areas where there is a low-income population is the same as allowing them to decrease the life expectancy. We must all advocate for each other because we are all human beings. Let us never forget that.
"Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. EPA has the goal for all communities and persons across this Nation. It will be achieved when everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards and equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work."
This definition is clear and tugs at the heart by thinking that there can be fair treatment and equal access to a healthy environment, but Chiles article "8 Horrifying Examples of Corporations Mistreating Black Communities with Environmental Racism" states otherwise and brings to light the term environmental racism. The term environmental racism proves that indeed there's a practice that affects groups or communities because of their race of class as stated by Chiles. This then ties term social determinants because due to social status and location African Americans are more likely to be affected. It's grueling to read that three out of five African Americans are living below poverty and near toxic waste areas.The Black Lives Matter movement isn't solely about the violence occurring with shootings but rather as a whole. Black lives are equal to White, Latino, Asian, and many other races. Allowing corporations to establish in areas where there is a low-income population is the same as allowing them to decrease the life expectancy. We must all advocate for each other because we are all human beings. Let us never forget that.
Hi Iliana,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I would agree and say that we are not as ahead of the issue as we have convinced ourselves to be. We continue to see many forms of environmental justice in minority groups and among people of color. As you mentioned, social status and location of mostly African American communities puts them at risk of experience firsthand environmental injustice or racism, as stated in the article. Sadly waste sites and other industrial companies that produce hazardous waste or release toxins into the atmosphere, are usually built neat low income neighborhoods, and the residents of these neighborhoods are primarily people of color. These companies do not make the quality of living better for these communities and they play a role in preventing these communities to grow.