A recent study has shown that disadvantaged people of colour are less likely than white people to identify as “anti-racist”. The researchers posit that this is because the simple act of “surviving and thriving” in a racist society, while explicitly anti-racist, is a part of everyday life for Black and Hispanic people and doesn’t distinguish them from other minorities. In contrast, it is argued that white people have to go out of their way to be perceived as anti-racist. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
