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The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) regime continues to face allegations of racial and political discrimination against large sections of Guyana’s population. Although the government denies the accusations, one should consider that the accusations are coming from numerous credible sources – including respected international government officials.
Experts say that racial discrimination remains a pervasive issue worldwide with far-reaching consequences. Medical experts say that the practice affects individuals and communities on numerous profound levels. Beyond its immediate social implications, racial discrimination inflicts deep psychological wounds that can persist long after the explicit act has occurred. Understanding the negative effects of racial discrimination is crucial in dismantling systemic biases. As such, experts have studied, conducted surveys, and written extensively on the negative effects of the practice.
Researchers write that at its core, racial discrimination strikes at the heart of a person’s identity. This creates a sense or feeling of “otherness” that can have lasting psychological effects. In other words victims of discrimination are hurt because they feel like outsiders or second class citizens.
Dr. Kimberly Barrett, a psychologist and expert in diversity and inclusion, emphasises that, “The psychological impact of racial discrimination is multi-faceted, affecting self-esteem, mental health, and overall well-being. It’s a form of violence that leaves scars on the psyche.”
In her writings, Dr. Barrett states that, one of the most pronounced negative effects of racial discrimination is its contribution to mental health disparities or inequalities. Experts say that studies consistently show that individuals who experience discrimination based on race are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and other mental health disorders. The constant stress of navigating a world where one’s identity is devalued can lead to chronic psychological distress.
Accordingly to publications on the subject, racial discrimination often and frequently manifests as a relentless assault on an individual’s sense of self-worth. And the constant exposure to discriminatory attitudes and actions can erode self-esteem, leaving individuals grappling with feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness. This erosion of identity can have long-term implications, affecting personal relationships, career aspirations, and overall satisfaction with life.
The medical people say that the toll of racial discrimination is not limited to mental health; it extends to physical well-being. Chronic exposure to stress – a common outcome of discriminatory experiences – has been linked – by numerous researchers – to a wide range of physical health issues. These issues include serious cardiovascular problems including heart attacks, compromised immune function, and a higher risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes. As such racial discrimination becomes a significant factor in health disparities among different racial and ethnic groups.
To put it plainly, if a group suffers discrimination, that group is more likely to have poor physical and mental health. And that group is likely to be sicker and have more frequent and severe medical problems than other members of the population.
The problem also affects other aspects of life. Those include education and employment opportunities. Unequal access to quality education and employment opportunities based on race can lead to economic disparities – widening gaps between the rich and poor – that may persist for generations. This is so because effects include reduced economic mobility – the inability for self improvement – reinforcing cycles of poverty and limiting the ability of marginalised communities to develop normally.
Psychologists note, too, that discrimination can strain interpersonal relationships, leading to a sense of social isolation. This is so because people who face discrimination may become hesitant to trust others, contributing to a breakdown in relationships within communities. Particularly in areas with diverse racial groups, such as is the norm in Guyana.
The impact of racial discrimination is not confined to individual experiences; it reverberates through generations. Dr. Barrett notes, “Generational trauma is a real consequence of systemic racism. The trauma experienced by one generation can influence the mental health and well-being of subsequent generations, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage.”
Evidently, racial discrimination from any source can produce long lasting effects. All the experts agree about that. However, it is intuitively evident that if the government of a country engages in the deplorable practice – the results may be devastating. The Guyanese people, and the PPP government may wish to think deeply about such matters.
