When the Bough Breaks: Pre-viewing Activity

For class we will be viewing the film “When the Bough Breaks” that elaborates on internalized racism and its effects on the body.

YOUR TASK: Please watch this video OR you can choose to read the author’s article HERE. (Or you may select to do both).  After viewing (or reading), please leave your brief comment on the material below.

 

25 thoughts on “When the Bough Breaks: Pre-viewing Activity

  1. I chose to read the article by Camara Phyllis Jones. It may be that I lack strong comprehension skills and that I need an actual illustration of what the writer is talking about. Before she uses flowers to better describe what she is talking about I did not understand anything. This article makes you see what really goes on behind closed doors. One would think that one gets the same medical care as someone of a different race but one can’t seem to get better because it is in one’s genes to be unfit whereas people from another “race” are a lot healthier (but this is not the case). Even if a doctor does not realize he or she prefers a certain race he or she tends to work a little harder for people of that race. It does not have to do with just medical care but it can also be for employment, education, and housing. I see it every time I try to get a cab with my family, specifically when the cab driver is of a lighter complexion.

  2. I think that the film was very informative. It is a shame to have racism in healthcare or in any other area and all efforts should be made to get rid of it. In the film I also like how they explained in detail the 3 types of racism, I never thought racism was that detailed before. I would just think that it was a person to person injustice or prejudice act. Institutionalized racism can be the most challenging as it is biased. I liked when they gave an illustration of the garden and the types of racism that it represents because it made it that much easier to understand.

  3. In the article the author uses flower pots to describe the different types racism going and how the affect they can have on society as a whole. I particularly love when the author says that if we can convince the Gardner to invest in both flower pots they can die loving them red flowers but at least their children can grow up and come to see both flowers in their prime and see them as equals. I could not explain the current situation any better. I actually talk about this a lot when talking to my friends about getting those lush IT jobs in great companies. You’re gonna have to dance to the man’s tune until they all retire and less racist people began to take their seats and really allow companies to become diverse. What’s the fastest way to fix their racism? Just hope the next guy grew up with a more open mind and does not suffer from same issues. The old CEOs and other Chiefs grew up in different times and have no time to change their attitudes because it does not turn a profit.

  4. After reading the article and seeing the film I never knew there were levels to the different types of racism. Camara Phyllis Jones discusses the types of racism which are institutionalized, personally mediated and internalized, I used to believe racism was very simple but with the levels it became a lot more complex. It is unfortunate how racism affects how people are treated in healthcare and others places. What got my attention is when she discussed the Gardner’s tale bringing up how the there are two flower pots and the gardener prefers red flowers instead of pink flowers so she gives the red flower strong fertile soil and gives pink flowers the old soil, as in how the government is the gardener and rather value a certain type race more than the other which is wrong everyone should be treated equally, this actually made me see the bigger picture of racism and we should raise questions on how people should be treated equally and stop racism.

  5. Dr. Jones delivered a powerful and interesting message about racism. Racism still exists but some people don’t acknowledge it. I strongly support Dr. Jones statement that we, as a whole need to acknowledge that racism still exist. In order to make changes to some limitations that people encounter, such as, health care, we need to approach “the gardener” known as the institutionalized racism. It makes to me that once we address this problem to the institutionalizes racism, the other levels will follow. The Gardeners Tale made me view a whole different perspective about racism , that it still exist and is affecting our health. If we don’t do anything about it, then things will never change.

  6. After reading the article by Camara Phyllis Jones, I realized a lot more about different types of racism such as institutionalized, personally mediated, and internalized. Each form of racism has different aspects of what is considered racist, based on different factors. For example institutionalized racism would be based on the type of environment around a person of race such as their socioeconomic status. Since the article says both significantly relate. For personally mediated, this is the type of racism involving prejudice and or discrimination. Which could be an example of a suspicion to a person of a significant race, based on their skin color. Internalized racism involved people degrading themselves in their own race. An example of this would be feeling hopelessness due to their race feeling inferior. This specific form of racism struck me, especially because people doubt themselves. The government has possibly made them (anyone of any race) feel this way. The Gardeners Tale was a perfect representation of these forms of racism, making them easy to understand. I think more people should be aware of this scenario when thinking of racism. This could definitely change peoples outlooks on racism whether they are racist or not. This awareness of a major issue would influence generations in the future a better environment. Since it has been mentioned in the article that the most important form of racism to examine in order to make changes is institutionalized. This is because where, and how we are raised (the conditions), unfortunately affect our lives. Like how the red flowers in the scenario were given a better environment to bloom in to begin with. This does not mean we cannot change the conditions for everyone, making them the same or equal in a different way. Our government should make bigger changes for the sake of everyones well being.

  7. In the article, the author talks about three levels of race. It is a shame that we are still treated based upon the color of our skin in this day and age. In the article, we see the author tells the reason of racial existence and the main thing she points out are the ignorance of the government. The author compares the garden owner to the government, and the pink and red flowers are to represent the different races. It is clear as day that government should step up and demolish the concept of racism which will help create a balanced society.

  8. I really like the way that Jones was able to use a simple allegory to illustrate such a complex matter such as racism. Now that I think about it, I am not aware that these levels existed, and among the three, I must say that internalized racism is the worse, for it kills any hope of celebrating a racial group, even before it reaches the door. Although not an expert when it comes to racial issues, I believe that empowering a racial or ethnic group is key when it comes to fighting any sort of prejudice against them. Without empowerment, how else would they feel deserving of programs and incentives, or how will they understand their God-given rights? The belief that another race is better than your own is really disheartening, because who else but your own brothers and sisters can be truly proud of your lineage, of your unique culture? This is not to say that I am all for enthnocentrism; I am merely highlighting the beauty of differences and how these differences can benefit our society in many ways.

  9. Watching the interview with Dr. C. Jones added a significant amount of my understanding of the racial disparities that exist, and the connection to health outcomes. Dr. Jones breaks down racism into three levels, and which added such clarity. I had witnessed institutionalized, personal, and internal racism when I worked as an MRI technologist at a hospital in Morningside Heights. In all my years in healthcare, I had never seen the large number of younger patients loosing limbs because of diabetes, as I had with the patients there. It troubled me, and I had questioned myself as to whether this really indicated a variance in healthcare due to racism. Usually, I had seen this in older patients, and very infrequently. The Dr. used an amazing, beautiful yet disturbing analogy of the gardener and the care given to two different color flowers. This will stay with me forever, it reached deep into my understanding. At the end of the interview, although it had been mentioned at the beginning, I “heard” Dr. C. Jones worked at the CDC, and became aware of the CDC initiative. It reinforced the depth and realism of racism disparities.

  10. The author presented a very interesting theory where she categorized racism into three levels (institutionalized, personally mediated, and internalized). From my own perspective, I think that government is capable to eliminate or reduce the issue of racism. I’m pretty sure that minority communities face “particular difficulties” and are not protected or looked after unless their problems affect also the upper classes. That’s totally unfair because the change should happen because the minority communities matter

  11. In the movie, I was really fascinated how beautifully Jones described racism. She said that there are three levels of racism Institutional, Personally meditated racism, and Internalized racism. Also, she described these three levels of racism giving the example of red flower and pink flowers which was really different and I never thought about it before. She also said that racism is one of the fundamental causes of racial disparities in health outcomes. She believes that system needs to change. I think she also thinks that institutional racism is one of the most important factors where she described that it meant access to differential access to good and services, health care, income and so on. She also stated other levels of racism comes into play but they come after the institutionalized racism. Not the least, she believes that we should start asking questions about how race is contributing. She believes that we should be brave enough to name racism and tell how race is operating in America and when we have identified that we should identify things to change it and make a commitment to change it. I think when we start thinking these questions it will help eliminate racism in our own daily lives but also for people in our surroundings.

  12. I like how in the film, racism is explained in detail and is divided into three very important levels that helped me look racism in a new light. healthcare is something that is of great importance and racism in this can lead to very dangerous effects. Every possible measure should be taken to eliminate racism from every field but specially from the field of healthcare because healthcare is matter of a healthy life.

  13. In this article the author has described the racism in three levels that are institutionalized, personally mediated and internalized. Likewise, she depicted these three levels of racism by giving the sample of red flower and pink flower which was truly distinctive and I never thought of it before. She additionally said that racism is one of the basic reasons for racial incongruities in wellbeing results. I think she also conceives that institutional racism is a standout amongst the most vital elements where she depicted that it implied access to differential access to great and administrations, social insurance, wage et cetera. She then expressed the different levels of that have become possibly the most important factor however they come after the institutionalized racism. I believe we should all progression up and defeat the idea of racism which will make an adjusted society. This has to stop now. We all should be treated equally regardless of what skin color you belong too.

  14. Having read the article as well as watching the video “When the bough breaks” was very alluring to me as it raised so many severe and critical health concerns of African Americans. Despite the fact that, the consequential effects of labor and delivery like low birth weights and malformations of African American newborn baby may be racially connected, there is also a greater need to cross over the horizon to seek for nontraditional causes. While reading the article I perceived about One important point she mentions is that racism is important for public health professional, because it’s affecting the ethical and racial health inequalities in health outcomes. Moreover, she goes on saying about planting a garden to the racial segregation and lack of attention and equal rights and environments within society. In related to that I would say red and pink flowers planted in good and bad soil, its less likely to be good the flowers which planted on good soil. Likewise, if someone is living in bed and uneducated neighborhood, he or she most likely to behave with people badly unlikely who may have been raised in good neighborhood. She mentions three levels of racism and gives a clear definition and depiction of these three levels. These three levels of racism are institutional racism, personal mediate, internalize racism. I agree with the internalize racism as she mention is an individual accepts of racism, which cause them not to believe in them self. Therefore, not letting them take advantage of opportunities being given to them or doubt them self because of the believe that “white race is better”. Another level she mentions is internal mediate racism, which is unintentional racism, and I have seen that in many cases for example people being scared of an African American because they are seen as violent and harmful, or someone assuming Hispanic is an illegal immigrant that doesn’t know how to speak English.

  15. The article as well as the video “When the Bough Breaks” was very alluring to me, as it raised so many severe and critical health concerns of African Americans. Despite the fact that the consequential effects of labor and delivery, like low birth weights and malformations of African American newborn baby may be racially connected, there is also a greater need to cross over the horizon to seek for nontraditional causes. While reading the article, I perceived one important point. She mentions that racism is important for public health professionals because it’s effecting the ethical and racial health inequalities in health outcomes. Moreover, she goes on to say how planting a garden is related to racial segregation and lack of attention, equal rights, and environments within society. Related to that, she says that red and pink flowers planted in good are more likely to be good when planted on good soil. Likewise, if someone is living in a bad and uneducated neighborhood, he or she is more likely to behave badly than those who may have been raised in better neighborhoods.
    Another important concept she discusses is the three levels of racism. She gives a clear definition and depiction of these three levels. These three levels of racism are institutional racism, personal mediate, internalize racism. I agree with the internalize racism as she mention is an individual accepts of racism, which cause them not to believe in them self. Therefore, not letting them take advantage of opportunities being given to them or doubt them self because of the believe that “white race is better”. Another level she mentions is internal mediate racism, which is unintentional racism, and I have seen that in many cases for example people being scared of an African American because they are seen as violent and harmful, or someone assuming Hispanic is an illegal immigrant that doesn’t know how to speak English.

  16. After viewing the video, I believe that the three levels of racism described organizes the thought of racism very well. I find that racism is too controversial and highly subjective and this video described it all very well. I also believe the gardener’s tale is a great example of racism in general, showing how it does not always have to involve violence to be lethal as it once was. “People do not have to be racist to have a racist outcome” shows how racism can truly be unintentional just because of the norms of society. Out of the three levels of racism described, I believe internalized racism is quite possibly the biggest form of stress deriving from racism that there is. I believe that although society has its effect on people, the stress is much more critical when it gets to a person’s own self esteem. The feeling of hopelessness after internalizing this way of life is very detrimental to a person’s health. It is a shame racism has a high impact on a person’s well-being as it does.

  17. After watching the video I learned that there are three levels of racism which are institutionalized, personally mediated, and internalized. Dr. Jones tells the story of he Gardener’s Tale which depicts the the levels of racism with flowers. It is important to know that racism does still exist and that it can occur in many ways, for example by acts of either commission or omission. When describing personally mediated racism she explained how racism can also be unintentional. It was also described that institutionalized racism, which is the biggest problem, should be addressed first, and the other two will follow.

  18. This video opened my eyes to understanding racism and how it works as well as the different types of racism. Its really shocking to see how racism can affect a person health and well being even if they are from a wealthy upper-class family. I’ve also learned that not only it affects the mother, it also affects the baby as well. What I found most shocking was that even though America is known as one of the power country, its one of the bottom nation with highest premature African American child births. This shows that America is really not one of the powerful nations because it still needs to let go of the past and learn to accept everyone and every racial group and people with color equally.

  19. After reading the article, I was informed that there are 3 types of racism and i think personally mediated racism is one of the ones that stayed hidden for all these years. It hasnt made it onto the media in forever. Im not saying racism died down, it was just hidden. Now that police brutality has become so known and the recent republican delegate Donald Trump, people come out of their “hiding places” and bring discrimination back onto the media. Not saying Trump supporters are racism but there are many instances of supporters belittling people who are expressing their views in Trump rallies and were spat on, hit, and forced out because their views were different. The fact that we have a discriminatory representative trying to get into the presidency is just barbaric. I feel that America needs to go back to why we became a nation. What our founding fathers and past presidents had in place for the future of America.

  20. I chose to read the article and after reading the article i learned the 3 levels of racism and how it all works. Each one of these level has different aspects to describe them and how it all works and affect society. The way the authors describe them using plants was a bit confusing at first but later on i got a better understanding and what the author is trying to tell us. Also the authors stated that “institutionalized racism is the most fundamental of the 3 levels and must be addressed for important change to occur.” I really agree with that because that is the reason that there is an association between socioeconomic status
    and race in our country or even world.

  21. Liz Cardenas
    In this country racism is higher than any other country in the world. Everyone is described by looks such as whites or blacks , poor or rich. This affects our society and without knowing we are passing it to next generations. I think there is a solution to this situation yet its so complicated to come up with a solution that would best benefit everyone. Racism has break us apart and something must be done. This video educated me more about racism.

  22. I personally agreed with what the article was conveying. Racism is defined as “a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human racial groups determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to dominate others or that a particular racial group is inferior to others” Dictionary.com. The word racism has been around so long and developed as a seperation between color of skin and who is poor and rich. It seems like everything you read and watch it is based on racism. You ask yourself “when is this going to stop???”. I personally believe this is happening because some people are uneducated. For example, most people who dislike Afro-Americans grew up being taught this. They were influenced by their parents and have always assumed that Afro-Americans are below their level of intelligence. If they had realized that blacks were just as human as white people, they probably would not be as discriminatory. Unfortunately racism seems similar to religion in that it is almost impossible to change the minds of committed people. I believe that if young children are educated on the subject at an early age through television and school, racism will decrease dramatically.

  23. I want to first say that I loved the use of the illustration of the garden to show racism, it really helped me visualize and understand the matter much more. Secondly I actually never knew there were levels to racism. I always knew racism wasn’t completly gone and that it still existed but wow the fact that this is actually so true in this day in age disgusts me so much. I feel like the government needs to somehow get involved. It’s not fair that one race gets more approval than others. I also wanted to say that I feel like it’s not just that the racism exists but the reason it exists, I guess what I’m saying is I feel like the generations need to change. This video and article is a huge step to trying to help people realize what’s happening around them, and who knows maybe people will change. One should be educated about these things that happen in our environment so that there can be a stop. Honestly racism sickens me, and this just made me more mad. I don’t get how it’s in someone’s nature to actually prefer a human being over another simply because of what they are.

  24. THE FILM HELPED ME UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT THE LEVELS OF RACISM AND HOW IT CAN AFFECT YOU WITHOUT YOU ACTUALLY BEING INVOLVED IN IT. THERE ARE A FEW KEYS POINTS WHERE I ACTUALLY HAVE DONE MYSELF AND HAVE NOT NOTICE IT. RACISM SHOULD NOT STILL BE A MAJOR ISSUE TODAY BUT WITH UNDERSTANDING THE LEVELS I CAN SEE HOW IT CAN BE. THE U.S STILL HVE A LONG WAY TO GO BUT THE U.S HAS IMPROVED.

  25. I chose to watch and listen to the video. Ms. Jones explains three levels of racism which are institutionalized, personalized and internalized. For each one she explains what their meaning is and how they affect the health of an individual. Throughout the video she focuses on the institutionalized racism because she believes that if this type of racism is addressed then the other types of racism will be solved as well. She explains that this type of racism is about the differential access to goods, services and opportunities of society by race. Meaning that based on the race of an individual he/she has different education quality, health care access and more. She also mentions that race is related to the socioeconomic status of an individual. I agree with her argument overall because if people would receive the same exact opportunities such as good education and access to a good health care then these would bring out the best qualities of individuals. These would be tools they could use to flourish in the environment they are placed in. Hence, addressing the institutionalized racism will aid to solve the personalized which means people wouldn’t have stereotypes towards any race and they wouldn’t internalize any racism.

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