Can medicine solve racism?
This idea may sound crazy, but according to modern scientific research, it may be possible. Propranolol is a drug designed for high blood pressure, but its side effects call for entirely new research directions.
Racism can be part of several mental illnesses and neurological conditions. For example, some people with dementia lose social conventions as their brains degenerate.
Here's a closer look at “anti-racism” drugs and how they work.
Racism: Propranolol found to 'reduce implicit negative racial bias'
A study found that the blood pressure drug propranolol was effective in “reducing implicit negative racial bias.”
Propranolol is a blood pressure medication.
Among its side effects is an apparent reduction in racial prejudice.
Is racism a problem in our brains?
The fact that this drug works shows that racism may be a “brain defect” that can be treated.
Racism: Can Medicines Solve It?
According to the University of Oxford, some forms of prejudice may respond to drug treatment.
People may not be biased because they want to, but because of chemical reactions in their brains.
For example, dementia can cause people to forget social conventions. People with dementia may say inappropriate things without realizing it.
Medications may be able to correct inherent biases.
The link between racism and brain injury has also been previously studied. Racial prejudice may worsen (or improve) after brain injury.
Racism: Why are people like this?
In some cases, being “racist” is an environmental problem. Some people grow up with certain beliefs that they may continue to hold into adulthood. Sometimes people have a bias towards trying to fit in with their peers. This is a type of peer pressure.
Some racial biases may be related to mental health.
Medical News Today reported that “racism can cause or worsen some mental health conditions.”
This could mean that “racism” is a behavioral flaw. Like other health conditions, some forms of “racism” may be treatable.
Has someone’s racism ever affected you?
Have you ever been on the other side of a biased feeling or idea?
Is Orania racist?
Orania is an autonomous community in mostly white South Africa.
Many people criticize their inclusive lifestyle. Some say Orania is ostensibly racist, despite the community's denials.
Politicians including Mandela have previously visited Orania.
Orania still vehemently denies that they are acting on racial bias.
What do you think?
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Read more articles by François Jansen (Alex J. Coyne)
