Whether or not “biological race” exists has been a topic of controversy over the span of many years. American anthropologist Michael L Blakey (1999), who specializes in the study of African Americans, defines biological race as “a population that differs from others in the frequency of one or more biological traits”. However, while it is wonted to say that biological race is merely a fixation upon cultural connotations (and often the two are confused), anthropologists have questioned the true difference between biological and cultural race. In an essay by Pigliucci and Kaplan (2003), they state that “regional differences[…]are the result of local adaptations to particular cultural pressures” thus defining race as a conception that is produced
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It is most commonly noted that African Americans are the main targets of various kinds of harassment and tyrannizing. In an article by Jenna Wortham (2015), Monnica Williams, a psychologist who researched the decrease in psychological health in African-Americans, wrote that “much research has been conducted on the social, economic and political effects of racism, but little research recognize the psychological effects of racism on people of color” (Wortham, 2015). This stress first develops in young children and adolescents, which then puts them at risk for chronic diseases later in life. According to an article by Tara Culp-Ressler on the study of effects of stress on African Americans, she states “researchers found that they were more likely to have higher levels of blood pressure, a higher body mass index, and higher levels of stress-related hormones once they turned 20.” It is also indicated that a study done in 2012 showed that African Americans are treated with less respect by doctors, and thus feel less welcome in the health care system (Ressler, 2014). Because of this, many begin avoiding the system all together. This precludes African Americans to get the care that they need, and exposes them to more “biological stressors” (Ressler, 2014). Even when African Americans attempt to attend to their health, it is stated that “black Americans are still more likely to lack access to surgical and emergency medical care, more likely to patronize hospitals that employ less-experienced staff, and much less likely to receive high-quality primary care” (Ressler,
It is most commonly noted that African Americans are the main targets of various kinds of harassment and tyrannizing. In an article by Jenna Wortham (2015), Monnica Williams, a psychologist who researched the decrease in psychological health in African-Americans, wrote that “much research has been conducted on the social, economic and political effects of racism, but little research recognize the psychological effects of racism on people of color” (Wortham, 2015). This stress first develops in young children and adolescents, which then puts them at risk for chronic diseases later in life. According to an article by Tara Culp-Ressler on the study of effects of stress on African Americans, she states “researchers found that they were more likely to have higher levels of blood pressure, a higher body mass index, and higher levels of stress-related hormones once they turned 20.” It is also indicated that a study done in 2012 showed that African Americans are treated with less respect by doctors, and thus feel less welcome in the health care system (Ressler, 2014). Because of this, many begin avoiding the system all together. This precludes African Americans to get the care that they need, and exposes them to more “biological stressors” (Ressler, 2014). Even when African Americans attempt to attend to their health, it is stated that “black Americans are still more likely to lack access to surgical and emergency medical care, more likely to patronize hospitals that employ less-experienced staff, and much less likely to receive high-quality primary care” (Ressler,