Around the birth of my first son in 2012, I felt a similar emotion. Trayvon Martin was killed. I was pregnant when a black man was born into a world not ready for him.
And here I am again, with a three-and-a-half-year-old now, following the deaths of many, many others. I am brought back to despair by the recent deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Casile, and Dallas and Baton Rouge Police officers. The constant barrages of horrific images and commentary from traditional and social media footage only make it worse.
This is what led me into academia. My career as a researcher was something I pursued reluctantly. Because these events will not go away, a magnet attracted me to the research of racially charged incidents that were widely publicized. I was especially drawn to people of color. Although I’m heartbroken by the events, I’m glad I do research that could lead to a better understanding of, if not healing, the wounds between us.
Vicarious racism is a common experience for many black people. Vicarious racism is the term used to describe experiencing racial injustice indirectly through family members or peers. This definition, I believe, is not broad enough. Vicarious racism is experienced by people who have not been directly involved in the event but identify with victims of racism based on race. Other factors include age and gender.
As a pediatrician, I am very concerned about the impact of vicarious racism on our children and young people. My research is growing, but I am worried that vicarious racism has a greater impact on black Americans than we think, especially youth. I also want to know the best way to help all our children. What can we do to help them cope with their emotions? What can we do for them and ourselves to deal with racism?
Media Onslaught
A prayer vigil for Alton Sterling via REUTERS. Jonathan Bachman/REUTERS
The deaths of Sterling and Castile, Dallas officers, and Baton Rouge officers brought back many of the nation’s tensions. All of these racially charged incidents took place in geographically different locations. Children in each state were affected by them. There are many children outside these states.
Although there is some research done, more needs to be done. Even if the children or youth were not geographically close to the incident, they could still be affected by it. However, the closer the child or youth was to the incident, the more mental health effects they would experience.
A study conducted in 2001 revealed that, after the attacks of September 11, undergraduate students had higher levels of acute stress disorder (ASD), PTSD, and ASD symptoms. Edward Blanchard, a researcher at the University of Albany in New York State, studied three different geographic populations. The first was in Albany (New York), the second was in Augusta (Georgia), and the third was in Fargo (North Dakota).
In this study, “connection” with the victims of the World Trade Center was a predictor of PTSD and ASD. This means having a close friend or knowing someone who was directly involved in that event. ASD was found in all three groups. In Fargo, it was nearly 10% of the undergraduates. Augusta had a rate of almost 20%, and Albany’s group reached a level nearing 30%. The study found that children in the study showed more psychological symptoms nearer the World Trade Center, but they were still affected even 1,000 miles away.
The findings of this study are important because they show that children can be affected by traumatizing events if their identity with the victim is strong, regardless of location. Imagine how many youths of color may be able to identify with these incidents based on their age and race.
The hearse that carried the body of Dallas Police Officer Sgt. Michael Smith via REUTERS. REUTERS/pool.
The media coverage that followed the events was also traumatizing. After 9/11, the media was also extensive and constant, just as it had been for these racially-charged events. According to the Blanchard study, hours of television watching was a significant predictor of ASD or PTSD symptoms.
A second study was used to assess PTSD in 166 children and their mothers who were not directly affected by the attacks of September 11. Nearly 5.5 percent and 1 percent, respectively, of the children were symptomatic. Children who identified with victims were at increased risk for PTSD symptoms.
Parents can help children who are suffering.
Although the 9/11 attacks were different, they share some similarities. These include feelings of fear and pain, which are especially felt by minorities. Children are not exempt from the trauma caused by these events. These events can be traumatizing and retraumatizing to children through media exposure, but also through their parents’ words and actions.
A 2013 study of 104 African-American parents with children aged 6-18 revealed that they felt the necessity to protect themselves. Parents discussed racism with their children and tried to help them process the situation. They also advised them on how to act in a similar circumstance.
These oral stories are accompanied by the guidance or socialization that parents give to their children. This becomes part of a generational inheritance. These tragedies are interwoven with the history and trauma that African Americans have experienced over generations. This is a problem that must be addressed.
Our children have been affected by the events that took place in the last two weeks. The nation is mourning. We must protect our children against the effects of exposure to media coverage.