http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/09/opinion/when-addiction-has-a-white-face.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=opinion-c-col-right-region®ion=opinion-c-col-right-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-right-region&_r=0
In the 80s, African Americans suffered a great blow due to the widespread crack epidemic, and the millions of people addicted around the country. Many officials came out to say that they were going to do something to help these people, and improve the situation. However, the government didn't do much else besides scare the public. They stocked up on weaponry, to "protect" their city and fight these "fiends", but didn't do anything to rehabilitate the addicted population or their families.
Similarly, the modern addiction is to heroin, however now, the addict is caucasian, and the response is different. Instead of using weapons or violence to restore order, government and police forces are now being taught to help these addicts, and get them into a rehab program. Gone is the fear and terror of addicts, and we are now being told to pray for their lives, and hope that they get the help they need. Of course, these addicts should be helped, but it is certainly a slap in the face to black families and individuals who have suffered the same thing, and gotten a totally different response.
In the 80s, African Americans suffered a great blow due to the widespread crack epidemic, and the millions of people addicted around the country. Many officials came out to say that they were going to do something to help these people, and improve the situation. However, the government didn't do much else besides scare the public. They stocked up on weaponry, to "protect" their city and fight these "fiends", but didn't do anything to rehabilitate the addicted population or their families.
Similarly, the modern addiction is to heroin, however now, the addict is caucasian, and the response is different. Instead of using weapons or violence to restore order, government and police forces are now being taught to help these addicts, and get them into a rehab program. Gone is the fear and terror of addicts, and we are now being told to pray for their lives, and hope that they get the help they need. Of course, these addicts should be helped, but it is certainly a slap in the face to black families and individuals who have suffered the same thing, and gotten a totally different response.
It's good to see people trying to solve the problem from the source. But the only question is, who is paying for the program?
ReplyDeleteBella do Fazio pd:8
Although I am glad that there has been a change in attitudes towards addiction, I feel like it is too little, too late for the families of those previously affected by addiction. Despite this, I hope that addiction awareness continues to grow and that more people are educated about the disease.
ReplyDeleteIt's still incredibly hard for most people suffering addiction to get any sort of treatment. Most have to threaten suicide to stay in a hospital long enough to even start detox. It's incredibly sad, especially when this is just now being brought up...Because now it's hurting the whites.
ReplyDeleteAmerican society seems to always shift when he problem starts to affect white people.
ReplyDelete