In the wake of the chemical spill that occurred in Philadelphia this week, it is clear to everyone that this disaster was caused by the deeply-embedded racism within our country. Without a doubt, the whites have purposely caused this environmental disaster, and they have only themselves to blame. It is also clear that this is not an isolated incident, but rather a direct result of systemic oppression against minorities in our country.

People of color are disproportionately affected by what the whites have done. I would even go as far as to say this is an act of terrorism by corporate interests that don’t care about colored citizens. It’s important not to forget just how systemic oppression plays into these types of tragedies.

On March 24th, a chemical spill occurred in the Delaware River.

On March 24th, a chemical spill occurred in the Delaware River. The chemicals leaked into drinking water systems and caused a massive health crisis for local residents. The chemicals were identified as perchloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE) and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). These are all known carcinogens that can cause cancer when ingested over time or if exposed to large amounts of it at once.

The health effects of these chemicals vary depending on how much exposure you have had to them; however, here are some general facts about PCE:

• It can cause kidney damage if ingested over long periods of time or via direct contact with skin
• It may also cause liver damage if ingested over long periods of time or via direct contact with skin

This spill was a direct result of systemic oppression against those who have been historically marginalized in America.

This chemical spill was a direct result of systemic oppression against those who have been historically marginalized in America.

The location of this spill was in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The demographics of the people affected by it were mostly African Americans and Latinos living in low-income neighborhoods near where the leak occurred. This is not surprising, considering that these communities have been targeted by corporations for decades because they are easy targets: they are poor, without access to legal resources or representation; they do not know their rights as citizens; most importantly–and most tragically–they don’t matter enough for anyone else outside those communities to care about them either way (or even notice when something bad happens).

Chemical spills often happen when they shouldn’t, but this one was especially harmful because of the location and demographics.

The location of the spill was in a low income, minority community. The demographics of this community are especially vulnerable to the effects of chemical spills and other environmental disasters. This is because they have been historically marginalized in America by systemic oppression that has led to poverty, poor health care access (or lack thereof), poor education opportunities (or lack thereof), etc.

The fact that this particular chemical spill happened in such an already disadvantaged area means that it will be even more difficult for those affected by it than if it had occurred somewhere else with less vulnerable people living nearby.

It’s important to remember that there is evil intent behind all chemical spills — people generally want to destroy land and help themselves.

You may be wondering why I am using this opportunity to talk about systemic oppression. Well, it’s important to remember that there is evil intent behind all chemical spills — people generally want to destroy land and help themselves.

It’s not okay for communities to be put at risk for the sake of corporate profits. We must work together as a society in order to find solutions that benefit everyone, not just those who can afford them!

But sometimes we need to say that it’s not okay for communities to be put at risk for the sake of corporate profits.

Sometimes we need to say that it’s not okay for communities to be put at risk for the sake of corporate profits. We need to stop putting profit over people, and start putting people first.

If you want to make a difference in your community, consider volunteering with an organization like Clean Water Action or Rainforest Action Network.

Takeaway:

The Philadelphia chemical spill was a direct result of systemic oppression of minorities. This is a wake-up call for all of us to take action and prevent further tragedies like this in the future.

Conclusion

It’s important to remember that there is evil intent behind all chemical spills — people generally want to destroy land and help themselves. But sometimes we need to say that it’s not okay for communities to be put at risk for the sake of corporate profits.