5 minute read
Ramadan Project
WHY HAVE AFRICAN COMMUNITIES BEEN IMPACTED MORE BY COVID-19 THAN OTHER COMMUNITIES?
By Meghna Battacharya and Yusof Hassan
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To say race is merely a colour is to neglect current issues. Multiple correlations in data show that with different races come different consequences to shocks in the economy. COVID-19 has exposed the ugly truth of these correlations, and this article briefly asks the question of what these truths are. Sources like the ONS show that Black African ethnicities have had mortality rates that were 2-2.5x higher than for people of White Ethnicity. The cause of this can be simplified to the exposure to COVID-19 that African community members have experienced, and this can be connected to employment opportunities available to African communities.
Firstly, according to a GAIN 2018 research paper, negative experiences of African community members in Nottingham express instances mainly of racism, followed by the problem of language barriers—both reasons that could hinder African community members’ chances at employment, especially in the sectors and specific job roles that allow their workers to work from home/minimise their exposure to COVID-19. The second, more theoretical reason, is something I will call the The Immigrant Paradox/Mentality, which pushes minority community members more into in-person jobs. This mentality is adopted mostly by immigrant workers, where workers are more aware/cautious of the risk of losing their job, and so they work hard to earn it (broadly speaking, as this will not apply to everyone). Read More here - shorturl.at/hqEFQ
By Meghna Battacharya and Yusof Hassan
In many communities, mental illnesses are rarely spoken about, and so can go under the radar until causing real issues. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, mental health issues have been on the rise. The Mental Health Foundation has identified factors that affect BAME communities’ mental health that don’t affect their white counterparts, including racism/dicrimination, social and economic inequalities, and the criminal justice system, among other factors (“Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Communities” 2015). From previous articles, we have examined how and why BAME communities may experience more significant mental health problems than most in the UK. Therefore, this issue is incredibly important to make aware in African communities. However, studies show that, specifically in African communities, these mental health issues are quick to be overlooked. A qualitative study by BMJ journal (Memon et al. 2016) concludes that there is a lack of sufficient information and awareness about mental health issues in BME backgrounds. This introduces the dangerous stigma surrounding mental illnesses in African communities that can cause further damage. Why is mental health stigma a serious issue? Stigma can cause delays, or even dismissals, of people suffering from these illnesses from attending therapy. In communities where mental health is not taken seriously or even seen negatively, those suffering from it will not take up professional help. Therefore, they can end up spiralling down, both emotionally and physically, which can further affect financial positions through a lack of optimal working, among other things. Read More here - mojatu.com
IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY
By Meghna Battacharya and Yusof Hassan
When addressing ethnic minorities, we always hear about community, African communities, Asian communities, etc. But why? Why do they matter, and to whom? Do we even need them anymore? According to a 2018 GAIN research paper, 67.3% of African members interviewed said they did not belong to a specific community. Although this number will have likely changed since 2018, this worrying statistic continues to affect the lives of the African community Some don’t see the benefits of community, and there is reasoning behind this. Maybe grouping people into communities based on where they originate from doesn’t work? Just because they are of the same ethnicity, that doesn’t mean they’ll get along. In addition, there are major cultural differences between first generation immigrants and people that were born and raised in England. This can cause rifts in a community due to opposing views. And so, to some they may seem irrelevant, or even disruptive.
BENEFITS TO COMMUNITIES BASED ON ETHNICITIES
By Meghna Battacharya and Yusof Hassan
Many benefits can be identified from the presence of minority communities being formed. Firstly, communities can assist one another in combating some of the harshly negative experiences that minorities experience in England. The GAIN research paper shows that, other than racism, one of the main sources of negative experiences is language barriers. Other than language barriers being inconvenient in daily life, this could also affect one’s chances in employment in the UK. As part of a community of people who have similar cultural and lingual experiences to oneself, it is likely easier to fit in and ease into the transition of learning how to operate in a country different to what someone is used to. One could hire a translator, but for one thing, that can be expensive. For another, the inclusion in a community means one can feel a sense of belonging, especially if one is homesick. The first point is mainly focused on ethnic minority members who are emigrating to the UK, but what about those that are born here? Unfortunately, those people can still have negative experiences based on their ethnicities, regardless of how in-touch they are with their ethnic roots. So, a community of people who share similar experiences—be it because of race, religion, or other factors—can be beneficial as a source of support against discrimination and the mental health issues that come with it.
Read More here - mojatu.com
WHAT IS THE BEST WAYS TO SUPPORT PEOPLE FROM THE AFRICAN COMMUNITIES DURING THE PANDEMIC?
By Meghna Battacharya and Yusof Hassan
COVID-19 has disproportionately affected ethnic minority groups in developed countries in the UK, with black communities having the highest diagnosis rates (Netuverli et al,. 2020). Reasons for this can include factors such as ethnic minority groups being more likely to live in urban, overcrowded communities which has increased their exposure to COVID-19. Pre-pandemic, a number of cultural and socio-economic problems had affected the mental health of members in African communities, including reasons such as lower-income households and higher likelihood to reside in overcrowded conditions (Beasor 2011). On top of this, more institutionalised racism has been embedded in the urban housing plans for African communities which has not only increased the probability of them suffering with the physical effects of COVID-19 more intensively, but also suffering adverse mental impacts. During this challenging period of time we have all endured, it is extremely important to put mental health first, as COVID has caused a mental health emergency. COVID-19 has undoubtedly aided financial and social uncertainty, loneliness and sadly the loss of loved ones has also been a disastrous consequence for so many. This article will try to articulate how best we can help members from the African communities and propose some suggestions on how to prioritise mental health for this community (Black mental health and self-care in a time of crisis Centre for Mental Health, 2021).
