Reflection essay

Our recent studies from our textbook, focused on groups that are sometimes put to the side and perhaps almost forgotten.  These important people groups deserve respect and attention to their problems.  Chapter 6 is dedicated older people.  They are one of our most vulnerable groups and precious resources.  We should respect and cherish these individuals and seek to find resolution for their problems of social injustice, poverty, healthcare, transportation, housing, and safe, affordable, and healthy housing. From chapter 6, I learned that older people experience a lot of discrimination from aging. Chapter 7 highlights the unique concerns of the LGBT community.  As with any group or community which has been stigmatized, that suffering will likely influence one’s health, safety, and healthcare as well as our rule and laws.  Mental, emotional health and substance abuse are at risk when anyone is placed in a stressful and potentially violent and hateful situation.  The public is being educated and enlightened to the fact that all people have basic human rights and social injustice toward any one or group is wrong. From chapter 7, I learned that people are judged because of their lifestyles. People of the LGBTQ community do not get treated the same as the people around them.  People with Disabilities and their needs are examined in Chapter 8.  Disabilities define a wide scope of problems affecting many individuals.  Awareness of this social injustice has brought to light the need to accept those with disabilities, improve their suffering, and destigmatize what affects our many disabled neighbors.  There are laws which provide the easing of access to certain buildings through necessary consideration.  Medical advances have made it possible for many to enjoy some relief and find improvement in their lives.   Healthcare and access to that resource is imperative to the life of a disabled person.  Another aspect of social injustice is that the disabled person who is also poor is liable to remain in poverty.  That vicious cycle is needs to be broken.  Our disabled must be given positive support and true problem resolution.  We can do better. From chapter 8, I learned about the struggles that come with being disabled. It is hard for them to get/obtain jobs, pay for healthcare, and even day-to-day life can be hard for them. 

Incarcerated people are the topic of Chapter 9.  Social injustice and negative public health are linked to mass imprisonment.  Our nation has a problem with excessive incarceration which impairs the families and individuals from developing a well-rounded and fully experienced lives which heavily affects our African American community.  Prisoners, their physical and mental health, and that of their families  suffer deeply.  Poverty and drug use are a cause and factor for all involved, too.  The laws regarding sentencing and incarceration can and need to be altered.  There are solutions and those answers must be implemented. From chapter 9, I learned about the effects that going to prison can have on the way a person lives when they get out. Some places won’t even let someone work at their place of business because of their record. The social injustices regarding the homeless and the related health concerns are discussed in Chapter 10.  Homelessness may be caused by mental disorders, substance abuse, housing costs, and poverty.  Living without a home is an unsettling circumstance which has negative impacts on mental or physical health in the form of communicable diseases, drug and alcohol abuse, heart disease and being overweight, and death.  It is common for the homeless to forego treatment for a health issue.  This social injustice problem is an extensive issue impacting families with children, young people, women, veterans, and all races, especially African Americans.  This problem can be improved by making homelessness not a crime and providing medical care and housing. From chapter 10, I learned about the large numbers of homeless people within the United States and how hard it is for them to get on their feet.  Chapter 11 covers the heartbreaking reality of what refugees and the internally dislocated who fall under the title of forced migrants.  This category of social injustice and inequality is detailed by mental, emotional, and physical health crisis.  The horror and terror endured by many is devastating.  Most Americans cannot begin to understand what is suffered by the victims of war, conflicts, and other military actions.  The unhealthy living conditions, hunger, violence, and mistreatment derived from such actions leave people unable to fight disease or heal from their wounds and many suffer death.  Humanitarian intervention is necessary to rescue, nourish, medically treat, and relocate these victims.  We must band together for the greater good of the innocent. From chapter 11, I learned about how people from different backgrounds are discriminated against. Many of them are sent back to their countries and not even given the chance to start a new life.