Podcast Three: Making Assumptions

I really enjoyed listening to this podcast about how assumptions and biases are carried out into policies that continue to impact lives long after science disproves them. In my cultural studies class freshmen year, we talked a lot about the way illegal drugs have infiltrated marginalized communities across the United States, specifically black and Hispanic communities, leading to exponentially high rates of incarceration. Although in that class, we talked more about the way drugs entered these communities (at times on the part of the government), I think it is incredibly interesting to learn about the policies that have followed. For example, Professor Bezio discussed the 1930s and 1940s target campaigns against immigration, in which the government linked marijuana to black and Hispanic populations.

These stereotypes that were written into law in the 20th century have become biases that continue to dilute American’s perceptions of drug use and drug users. This was facilitated by the government’s advice in the 1930s and 40s to drug use to “say no,” but provide no accessible services for those who experienced addiction. Thus, there are great disparities in access to adequate rehabilitation and help for those who need it, as well as taboos about addiction. Furthermore, the conversation about establishing free addiction centers has become increasingly divided despite any evidence that addiction centers are necessary and good.

 

 

3 thoughts on “Podcast Three: Making Assumptions

  1. Laura Roldan

    Access to drug rehabilitation is such an important issue, which needs to be discussed more commonly. Instead of incarcerating people for possessing illegal drugs, more emphasis should be placed on rehabilitating the addicted individuals to heal their illness. The taboo surrounding addiction treatment is so frustrating to see, because who need help should receive said help, instead of placing drug addicts into prison which does not provide any help to themselves or society.

  2. Sofie Martinez

    Yes!! I love that you mentioned drug rehabilitation, as it looks VERY different depending on your class, race, and even gender at times. Even different kinds of drug addictions have different levels of societal normalcy which is so weird to me. For example, if you’re a white man addicted to cocaine, its likely society will view you as someone who just screwed up but deserves to continue to life a happy and healthy life. But if you’re a black man addicted to heroine, you’re a nuisance to society and don’t deserve any kind of assistance what so ever.

  3. Hannah Burke

    As you mention, the government since the 30’s has told us all to “say no” to drugs, but have not provided helpful solutions for those who may need help saying no. Instead of rehabilitation, most who may be addicted go to jail, especially those of color. It is important to recognize the disparity in how those who use drugs are treated, chiefly based on their race.

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