Why Racism Remains, Part I
Medicine takes an individual-focused approach in the physical sciences under the paradigm that we are animals comprised of body plans and systems much like other animals. Pacemakers, for instance, are usually tested on swine hearts before they go to clinical trials, because of the similarity of swine and human hearts. Laboratory rats are used for medical research covering topics from cancer to understanding the connection between brain structures and behavior. The field of anthropology has delved into such topics as ergonomics, for instance, to address inefficient and health-reducing designs of equipment, environment, and furniture. A sitting stance and keyboard design can for instance induce such health issues as carpal tunnel syndrome and SI joint dysfunction (lower back pain). We don’t blame malice within an individual for being ill, especially when it happens to others with similar situations. We know fairly quickly when these things happen and why because we feel pain, and it is...