Underlying Dynamic: Indifference About Who is Dying

This post is a departure from the norm.  I encourage you to read the article at the link below.  While I don’t ascribe to every claim in it, I do believe the author draws some very credible parallels and inferences.

He unpacks the troubling, even criminal possibility that has been on my mind for the last two months:  As it becomes clear that minority people (and poor people) are bearing a very disproportionate share of risk,  illness and death in this pandemic, while white people (and wealthy people) are relatively secure, there is a growing indifference about the death toll.  The focus shifts to “opening the economy,” since those most likely to suffer the costs of that are expendable.

I would not want to ascribe that motive to any rational human being.  Yet I do believe this motivation is funded by the unconscious bias of many, and the sick, conscious preferences of some.

This article is fairly lengthy.  In this time when direct actions are mostly off-limits for those of us who are “non-essentials,” I can assure you this is a worthwhile investment of time!

The Coronavirus Was an Emergency Until Trump Found Out Who Was Dying:  The pandemic has exposed the bitter terms of our racial contract, which deems certain lives of greater value than others.  Adam Serwer, The Atlantic 5/8/20

Resources:

Many articles in the prior post:  Black Exposure and Black Resilience.  Hundreds more since then, as the world begins to face the disproportionate impact of this pandemic.

Action:

I’ll repeat the questions from a prior blog post.  In this pandemic:

• How can I avoid taking advantage of my race and wealth privileges in an unfair way?
• How can I spot and call out the subtle, insidious privileges that benefit me and my family?
• How can I be a part of easing the extraordinary burden this pandemic is placing on my Black brothers and sister?
• How can I share what I’ve acquired or hoarded to ride out this virus?
• What Black-led organizations are responding to this crisis, and in what ways can I support those efforts – in person, financially.

Contribute to the Community Crisis Fund, a combined effort of United Way of Greater Rochester and The Community Foundation, specifically focused on responses to the pandemic as it impacts the most vulnerable community members.

Connect with St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center – dozens of opportunities for volunteering – or donating.

Contribute to Central Church of Christ, assisting people in need.  Minister Clifford Florence (585) 202-9651.

Contribute toFr. Lawrence Tracy Advocacy Center, 821 N. Clinton Ave. Rochester 14605.  The website says they are closed, but they are definitely working behind the scenes!.

Follow on Facebook:  United Christian Leadership Ministries for important activities and issues.

Sundays Webinar series by Nanette Massey:  “Venturing Beyond the Race Echo Chamber”    Topic discussion and conversation.

Get a subscription to Minority Reporter – to help support it, and to be informed on possibilities for action.  Excellent source of local news as it impacts minority communities.

Follow on Facebook:  Take It Down Planning Committee for important activities and issues.

Contact Action for a Better Community (ABC) for information on local volunteer opportunities and important local news.