In the final section of this chapter, we reflect on the everyday experiences of racism that Black individuals encounter. These experiences often manifest as \"brief and commonplace, daily verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights and insults toward BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour<\/a>)\" (Sue et al., 2007). Though seemingly minor to those who perpetrate them, these instances, often referred to as microaggressions, have a profound cumulative impact on the well-being and mental health of those who experience them. They contribute to feelings of exclusion<\/a>, alienation, and a diminished sense of belonging<\/a> within various settings, including professional and healthcare environments (Cleveland Clinic, 2021).<\/p>\r\n\r\n Anti-Black Racism (ABR)<\/a> in Canadian dietetics reflects broader systemic issues seen across healthcare. Research has illuminated the inequities faced by Black Canadians<\/a> regarding health outcomes and access to nutrition care. Studies reveal that Black individuals experience higher rates of chronic diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, largely due to socio-economic and systemic barriers<\/a> (Seligman & Schillinger, 2010; Public Health Agency of Canada, n.d.). These disparities are compounded by the lack of culturally appropriate care, where Black patients’ unique dietary and cultural needs are often overlooked, discriminated<\/a> by or misunderstood by healthcare providers, including dietitians (Ng, 2023).<\/p>\n Current research highlights the critical need to confront these systemic inequities and biases<\/a> within dietetics. However, gaps remain in understanding the full extent of ABR\u2019s impacts on both practitioners and patients. There is insufficient data on the experiences of Black Registered Dietitians (RDs) and how racism within the profession affects their ability to serve Black communities. Moreover, research on the intersectional<\/a> experiences of Black women, Black LGBTQ+ individuals, and other subgroups in dietetics is limited, leaving an incomplete picture of how these dynamics influence access to care (Ng, 2023).<\/p>\n Ongoing research is vital to address these gaps and promote health equity<\/a> within the field. By continuing to investigate and acknowledge systemic racism<\/a>, dietitians can improve their care approaches, ensuring that nutrition and health services are accessible, inclusive<\/a>, and effective for Black Canadians (Ng, Wellington, & Pabani, 2024). This commitment to research also empowers dietitians to advocate for policy changes and greater representation within the profession, fostering an environment that values diversity<\/a> and cultural competency<\/a> (Abdulhamid, 2021).<\/p>\n <\/p>\nLearning Tip: Discomfort and Uncertainty As Part of the Curriculum<\/h3>\r\n<\/header>\r\n
Activity:<\/strong> The \"Word\"<\/h3>\r\n<\/header>\r\n
Activity:<\/strong> Make the Call<\/h3>\r\n<\/header>\r\n