Lost, Found, and Oriented

Reacting to the rise of racism in our society has become the major issue for me during my orientation with the Anti-Racism Commitment Coalition (ARCC). As part of this orientation, I attended one of ARCC’s Community in Action discussions, a recorded session open to members and covering the history of racism within the medical field. The session drew on Harriet Washington’s book Medical Apartheid and featured guest speakers with firsthand experience in health care, including a licensed vocational nurse and a registered nurse who described ongoing racial disparities in hospitals today. Anti-racism is not a one-day goal, but rather an effort to make society understand that racism is not a good way of addressing our issues. Posting slogans on social media or showing support to the victim in public is merely a shallow attempt. Real change is only possible if we keep learning and educating others once the hype is gone.

I have also learned how various aspects of society, from education and healthcare to employment, sports, and immigration, are influenced by racism. Through the readings and the programs shared by the ARCC, I came to understand how these social injustices impact real people, families, and communities.

One thing that really made an impression was the value of personal accountability. Being anti-racist requires you to speak out against unjust remarks, advocate for racially equitable institutions and enterprises, and be receptive to perspectives that differ from your own. You don’t have to be flawless; you just have to stay engaged.

https://unsplash.com/photos/a-group-of-people-holding-a-sign-that-says-color-is-not-a-crime-zIHsQqJ71IE

The most valuable lesson I learned through this orientation is that anti-racism is a continuous struggle. It takes diligent and unremitting effort to perpetually educate oneself, voice one’s opinion, and work to make a difference.