New Books in Politics and Polemics Helena Hansen et al., "Whiteout: How Racial Capitalism Changed the Color of Opioids in America" (U California Press, 2023)
Dec 5, 2024
David Herzberg, co-author of the award-winning book "Whiteout," delves into the stark realities of racial capitalism's role in the opioid crisis. He discusses how U.S. drug policy perpetuates inequalities, with punitive measures targeting marginalized communities while privileging others. Herzberg reveals the historical roots of these disparities and critiques colorblind racism's impact. He advocates for a shift from punishment to compassion in drug policy, emphasizing the need to empower marginalized voices in the narrative surrounding addiction and recovery.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Racial Capitalism in Healthcare
- Racial capitalism, rooted in exploitation, persists through racialized consumption.
- Healthcare services, like drug access, remain segregated by similar mechanisms.
Heroin's Racial History
- Heroin's journey from a white Victorian-era drug to a prohibited substance highlights racialized drug policy.
- Its brief resurgence as a white drug before fentanyl underscores cyclical patterns and policy failures.
Risk of Policy Backlash
- Current high overdose rates in Black and Brown communities create a dangerous moment for potential policy backlash.
- Empathetic responses to white drug crises rarely extend to other communities, risking further marginalization.
