We need to talk about institutional racism and ableism in Texas & Gov. Abbott's press conference just now about the #COVID19 phased response that will #OpenTexas starting May 1st. #txlege #hounews A thread -
Abbott repeatedly urged that we must take care of vulnerable populations, which he seemed to be using synonymously with the elderly/people over 65. The elderly are not the only people more vulnerable to this virus. Different disabilities & health statuses can make ppl vulnerable
But Abbott stressed the elderly, saying that although they were a small (maybe 25%) of those infected, they are >75% of those who die from it. So he was talking clearly about a disproportionate impact on the elderly being a reason to take extra care.
We know, however, that there has been a disproportionate impact on African American communities - I have seen that anecdotally among friends but the data shows it too. A reporter asked if there were plans for any "increased monitoring" in A-A communities b/c of the impact.
Abbott's response was that we (the state? his strike force?) will "consider that." And that the #txlege will continue to look at that.
Really? We're not considering or waiting to protect the elderly, so why consider or wait to protect other disproportionately impacted groups?
Really? We're not considering or waiting to protect the elderly, so why consider or wait to protect other disproportionately impacted groups?
Could it be that the system's institutional biases - institutional racism, institutional "othering" of those with disabilities - is "working" as it always has?
This is not acceptable. I hope that elected officials will respond to Abbott and ask for increased health surveillance, ask for increased resources targeting ALL vulnerable populations, and ask for specific accommodations be made for ALL vulnerable populations.
Because what works for those who rely on home health aides may be very different than what works for people of means who happen to be older than 65. Institutional biases do not correct themselves, and as we can see with COVID-19, they can be lethal. We have to be proactive.
The press conf made it sound like this will all be smooth and orderly. Let's hope so, but let's be realistic. I call on @GovAbbott to charge the strike force with making immediate recommendations to be implemented ASAP to address ALL vulnerable populations explicitly.
[Apologies for the "we need to talk" intro - I know it is overdone but my brain is already maxed out for the day."
