Health Equity
Angelina Jolie Takes on Racial Bias in Medicine, Amplifying Voices of People of Color
Angelina Jolie has written a passionate op-ed about the unfair emphasis on white skin in the medical field. She advocates for people of color, including her own three children, as she believes they have been negatively impacted by bias in healthcare. This report, which comes from FOX NEWS, sheds light on the issue.
Jolie’s article in the American Journal of Nursing on July 5 caused a stir as she addressed a new technology that helps detect bruising on individuals of color. She believes this innovation could be a valuable tool for those in abusive relationships. While discussing domestic violence, Jolie also shares her candid thoughts on how the healthcare system has put her adopted children’s well-being in jeopardy at times.
The alarming problem of racial bias in medicine detrimentally impacts healthcare equality. Individuals from minority backgrounds commonly encounter subpar medical care compared to white ethnicity, causing detrimental effects such as delayed or inaccurate diagnoses, barriers to appropriate treatments and medication, and, ultimately, worse health outcomes. Nevertheless, influential figures like Angelina Jolie serve to shed light on these racial imbalances and rally support for necessary modifications. A commitment to combating racial bias within the medical field will undeniably facilitate enhanced public health, foster trust amidst marginalized communities and healthcare professionals, and establish a truly fair and impartial healthcare system.
In the field of medicine, racial bias plays a significant role in causing disparities in healthcare. It is known that individuals of color regularly encounter less favorable treatment and inferior healthcare compared to their white counterparts. Numerous studies have demonstrated the disparity in pain management for African Americans, who are less likely to receive the required pain medication (Burgess et al., 2006). This unfortunate reality directly results from racial bias leading to delayed or inaccurate diagnoses for people of color. Healthcare providers, basing their decisions on racial stereotypes, often disregard certain symptoms or dismiss their patients’ concerns. A fascinating study recently discovered a rather unsettling trend: Black women with breast cancer tend to receive their diagnoses at a more advanced stage than white women. That, unfortunately, leads to poorer outcomes for them (Akinyemiju et al., 2017). ample evidence suggests that racial prejudice plays a role in granting uneven access to necessary treatments and medications. To make matters worse, individuals of color often face insurmountable obstacles such as high costs, limited availability, or even a lack of insurance coverage — all factors that impede their ability to receive the care they urgently require. It is abundantly clear that these disparities in healthcare based on race are morally reprehensible and have dire implications for the overall well-being of individuals and entire communities of color.
Controversially, some assert that racial bias in medicine is a minor issue and unimportant, arguing that racial bias in healthcare is rare and does not reflect the overall system. However, it cannot be denied that research consistently demonstrates the existence of racial disparities in healthcare, which undeniably impact health outcomes. It is insufficient to attribute these disparities solely to socioeconomic factors, as numerous studies have proven that racial disparities persist even when controlling for socioeconomic status (Williams et al., 2019). In addition, healthcare for all is not a privilege shared by every race. Minorities struggle with insufficient insurance, scarce healthcare options in their neighborhoods, and prejudice from the medical system. These obstacles inevitably result in unequal healthcare.
Raising awareness about racial disparities in healthcare is one of the areas to which Angelina Jolie strives to bring attention. Given her status as a notable celebrity, Jolie possesses a considerable audience, allowing her to emphasize significant matters, like the impact of racial bias in medicine. Through her encounters with the healthcare system, like undergoing a preventive mastectomy, Jolie effectively spotlights the necessity for transformation. The actress has also openly shed light on the significance of healthcare accessibility and how racial bias can detrimentally affect individuals and communities of color. Jolie’s ability to use her prominent status and sway can greatly contribute to galvanizing funding and backing for tackling racial prejudice in medicine. The formidable potential that Jolie’s endorsement possesses lies in its capacity to appeal to a wider scope of individuals and initiate discussions surrounding inequalities in healthcare, thereby inevitably cultivating heightened consciousness and involvement.
In contrast, skeptics do not buy into the notion that celebrity advocacy produces substantial change. They argue that celebrities primarily exploit their standing to enhance their interests rather than engage in bona fide advocacy.
While there is some truth to the fact that certain celebrities may prioritize their agenda or profit, we must acknowledge that not all celebrity advocacy is driven by self-centered motives. Numerous celebrities are genuinely concerned about the causes they support and leverage their influence to amplify the voices of marginalized individuals and bring about meaningful transformation. Moreover, the impact of famous figures on people’s minds can bring to light crucial matters that would have otherwise slipped under the radar of ordinary people. Although these stars might lack the proficiency and insight necessary to tackle complicated medical problems, their advocacy still triggers radical transformation by sparking public dialogues and rallying backing from specialists and groups with the required know-how and capabilities.
Shaking up preconceived notions about race in the medical field benefits all. Removing racial inequalities in healthcare is a crucial step towards bettering the public’s well-being in general. When people from all walks of life have equal opportunities to receive top-notch healthcare, necessary preventative measures, and prompt diagnoses, the overall health of the entire populace improves. Tackling racial biases also nurtures a stronger bond of trust between marginalized communities and healthcare professionals. Suppose individuals sense that their needs are acknowledged. In that case, their voices are truly heard, and their situations are genuinely comprehended by their healthcare practitioners; they are significantly more likely to actively pursue medical treatment, adhere to prescribed wellness plans, and ultimately experience improved health outcomes.
Promoting equity and justness in healthcare requires challenging racial biases. We must confront and redress the biases ingrained in the healthcare system to foster a system that treats all individuals fairly, with dignity and respect.
Addressing racial bias in medicine is crucial to tackling healthcare disparities. It is important to confront all biases and inequalities in the healthcare system for a fair and equal society. Public figures like Angelina Jolie can help advocate for change. Doing so can improve public health, establish trust between underserved communities and healthcare providers, and create a more equitable system.
