The United States was built upon the exploitation of minorities — even in today’s “modern world,” institutional and structural racism linger from the chilling past of segregation, especially in the economic field. Economic failure has become ubiquitous in households of color, especially with the unprecedented effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a June 2020 Federal Study, 43% of white people have lost their employment income since March 13 of 2020. By contrast, 63% of Hispanics, 54% of blacks, and 49% of Asians have dealt with the same misfortune. Furthermore, most communities of color do not have secured food programs to alleviate food shortages. 17% of Hispanics, 22% of African Americans, and 6% of Asians have gone hungry between May and June — concerningly high statistics when compared to the mere 7% for Caucasians. Although all households with children had a higher percentage of food shortages between all races, food shortages were higher with minorities. These studies do not exist to undermine the struggle of white people because we all go through troubles, but institutions and structures in our countries — such as corporations, the justice system, and agencies — have always been discriminatory toward people of color. If we truly lived in a country where justice is for all, would I be writing this? If the government can’t do anything about the disease itself, then they should at least begin to care about providing for the common defense and promote general welfare.
Written by Valerie D.