Jones article on racism

Three Levels of Racism

• Institutionalized Racism: Differential access to goods, services, and opportunities based on race.

• Personally Mediated Racism: Prejudice and discrimination (both intentional and unintentional).

• Internalized Racism: Acceptance of negative messages about one's own race, leading to self-doubt or devaluation.

The Gardener’s Tale Allegory

• Illustrates how racism operates at different levels using two flower boxes with different soil quality.

• The gardener (government/society) favors one type of flower over another, reinforcing racial disparities.

• Highlights how disparities persist over generations unless systemic changes are made.

Health Implications

• Race-associated differences in health outcomes are not biological but stem from racism.

• Institutionalized racism leads to disparities in education, housing, employment, medical care, and political power.

• Personally mediated racism results in biased treatment in healthcare and daily interactions.

• Internalized racism affects mental health, self-perception, and community dynamics.

Call to Action

• Addressing institutionalized racism is the most effective way to reduce racial health disparities.

• Public health researchers must investigate structural inequalities instead of merely adjusting for race in studies.

• The government (the gardener) must take responsibility for ensuring equity across racial groups.