Controversy Erupts Over Claims Linking Racial Stress to Health Disparities

Recent remarks by political figures have sparked intense debate over the causes of health disparities in the black community. Former Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., asserted that stress from racial discrimination contributes to higher rates of heart disease, cancer, obesity, and diabetes in the black community. Meanwhile, Whoopi Goldberg suggested that black Americans might fare better in Iran than in the U.S., drawing criticism for her comparison. Bowman’s claim that stress from being called the n-word directly or indirectly is a root cause of these health issues has been widely criticized. Critics argue that such stress is not a common experience for most black Americans and that health disparities are more closely linked to biological and socioeconomic factors. Studies, including one by Northwestern University, highlight that biological risk factors like weight and waist circumference are primarily responsible for higher diabetes rates among black Americans. Goldberg’s comments, meanwhile, have been met with disbelief, as Iran consistently ranks among the most repressive nations in the world. Critics argue that her statement oversimplifies the complexities of systemic racism and undermines the progress made in addressing racial inequalities in the U.S.

Published: 7/10/2025