Professor states politics decide health among the low income bracket
Joanna Styczen, Daily Vidette Staff
Issue date: 2/26/08 Section: News
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Robinson was the history department's Black History Month speaker. His topic, Racial Health Inequalities and Contemporary Politics in the United States, presented topics for every person to consider.
"Professor Robinson's topic is a timely one. It plays a prominent role in the recent presidential debates," Toure Reed, associate professor of history, said.
According to Robinson, inequality deeply ingrained in politics explains the health disparities we see in the U.S.
He focused his presentation on the health of black Americans to make his point prevalent.
"Things such as genetic variations, health care and certain behavioral patterns of people may not be responsible for the high levels of disparities we are seeing among certain races," Robinson said.
"Social status and public policy play the greater role. Health is an exquisite barometer of our social and political arrangements," Robinson added.
Numerous sources of data from all around the world show a common "social gradient."
According to Robinson, as you go down the income ladder, death rates steadily increase for both races. However, the number of black deaths is always higher than white deaths.
This ongoing phenomenon, Robinson believes, is directly related to politics.
From health insurance and residential segregation government decisions to socio-economic status and macro-economic policies, Robinson believes politics play a big role in healthcare.
Robinson used an example to prove his point of just how much genetics can vary between people of the same race.
He emphasized that they are not a reliant source in determining health statistics for a certain race.
"The professor said that two people of a different race, living on opposite sides of the world, can have a more similar genetic makeup than those from the same continent and race. I find that very interesting," Mallory Waliczek, physical education major, said.
Robinson concluded that the health gap between blacks and whites doesn't reflect on genetics and behavioral patterns.
Instead it reflects on the failures of political will to provide U.S. inhabitants with the appropriate healthcare.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
errol halverson
posted 2/26/08 @ 9:49 AM CST
What a bunch of crap you have to be kidding me.It is the governments fault that I do not take care of my self.I do not walk or jog or eat right. Great I knew it was not MY fault that I am lazy and over weight. (Continued…)
ehalverson
Errol halverson
posted 2/26/08 @ 9:58 AM CST
What a bunch of crap. It is the governments fault if I am in poor health. I knew that it was not my fault that I was lazy and over weight.Thank god I do not have to give up my remote. (Continued…)
Fasting
posted 2/26/08 @ 10:46 PM CST
Way back all people were dark skinned. When these dark people came to temperate areas, they had trouble. But the light skinned people did well, so that is why we have all these light skinned people in the temperate areas. (Continued…)
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