Alright, first – let’s explain to those that are not minority what institutional racism is and how it works. For those that are minorities in Minnesota – you are living in it, even if you don’t realize it.
According to Urban Dictionary – Institutionalized Racism is the process of purposely discriminating against certain groups of people through the use of biased laws or practices. Often, institutionalized racism is subtle and manifests itself in seemingly innocuous ways, but its effects are anything but subtle. Institutional racism as it was originally introduced by Black Power activists can also mean inequality based on race through social, economical and political bias policies.
Therefore, Institutional Racism creates health disparity, education gap, etc. We know that Minnesota has horrible records in everything for minorities – hopefully we are not asking Jack or Jill for any proof.
Sen Eaton who represents a large minority in her district had a bill today in health and human services finance committee SF 1684 that wants to provide better mental illness treatments and prevention. As I sat there listening to her, then to NAMI representative talk about the need then came a caucasian mom who talked about her 29 year old son who went through many mental illness episodes and how the police and mental health community intervened and how well he is doing now.
As one of very few Blacks in these too White health committees, I could not help but testify even though it is not an area I know or even understand too well. But how do you sit through that and not imagine if that 29 year old was an African American man with a mental illness would have been shot by the same police who saved the Caucasian patient or ended up in the criminal system if he had the same violent mental crises.
Yet, Sen Eaton again neglected to even engage and get input from her minority voters, from any other communities of color including Somalis who unfortunately are suffering with a troubling rise of mental health crises. This kind of out of touch, arrogant, dismissing and belittling the needs of communities of color is what creates unequal access which then creates Institutional Racism. Policy makers like Sen Eaton who also wants to dismantle the state autism task force in light of yesterday’s new CDC autism numbers that have increased 30% nationwide has done it again, and enhanced Institutional Racism by writing policies that would affect communities of color without their input or engagement.
In other words, if SF 1864 passes in its current language, there will be no culturally responsive training, treatment or prevention for the 29 year old Black or Latino man who has a mental illness. He will most likely end up dead or arrested. I really hope another Senator adds more inclusive language that assures treatment and prevention is culturally and linguistically appropriate so that irrespective of your race or ethnicity – your mental health condition is treated equally. Imagine if Sen Eaton walked on the ground and actually visited Hennepin County mental illness center where there are many Somalis and other minorities suffering with mental illness, or read this report, then wrote her legislation in a more inclusive and kind way. Instead, Sen Eaton chose again to dismiss and disregard the needs of her minority constituents.
I hope my fellow Somalis and other minorities think about that as we go the polls again this year because unless we clean the seeds – we will never get fruits that are beneficial to our communities. In order to get good fruits, you must plant great seeds and eliminate bad ones like Sen Eaton by voting her out so that she never has the opportunity to create or enhance Institutional Racism through bias and prejudice policies.
Below are some books that I would recommend many MN DFLers to read because so many of them seem to think health disparity or education creates itself. It does not – it was created and is maintained by your bad, failed and belittling policies. Why should we vote for you, if your policies don’t address our concerns?
Racism Without Racists by Author Eduardo Bonilla-Silva:
White Privilege Explained by Tim Wise – Maybe he can educate MN DFLers:
And, if you are still under the delusion that institutional racism does not exist, then read Here:
Or Here: Now the difference between back then and now is, back then they did it to your face and prayed on our lack of knowledge and understanding of what the racists were doing. Today, they do it through bills and legislations, and they still pray on our lack of knowledge and understanding of the legislative system. For example, if you go to any health and human services committee in Minnesota capitol and the room is full, yet no person of color is there. Just look at how there is no Black policy adviser for health or education for Gov Dayton of Minn, Senate Majority leader Bakk, MN House Speaker Thissen or Asst Majority Murphy. In other words, keep us out of the loop and create bias policies that hinder and neglect our health.
The other difference between today and back then is TODAY – we have the voting power and right to kick them to the curve and elect folks that reflect us and will uplift our communities.
Above words do not represent any committee, agency or candidate.
Thanks!
Idil – Somali Autism Mom & Minority Advocate