The US Surgeon General Jerome Adams is being criticized by the media after making some controversial statements during a COVID-19 address from the White House. During his address to the people of America, Adams stated that people of color need to continue the fight of coronavirus by staying healthy and by practicing social distancing "for your big mama." This was obviously the statement that is currently taking fire and it does seem to be a little careless and offensive to the African American community. His intent was to target the African American community and wanted to try and get the point across by using these statements.
He explained that the COVID-19 case and death rates are higher for "Americans of color" than it is for white Americans. When asked about his reasoning for using these words Adams explained, “We need targeted outreach to the African American community, and I use the language that is used in my family. I have a Puerto Rican brother-in-law. I call my granddaddy ‘granddaddy.’ I have relatives who call their grandparents, ‘big momma’,” Adams said. “So that was not meant to be offensive. That is the language that we use, and that I use, and we need to continue to target our outreach to those communities.” Adams also added that everyone regardless of your color needs to follow the president's coronavirus guidelines. Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and drugs will improve your chances of immunity and it is suggested to keep checking in on your family members over the phone. I think that during this time of pandemonium, there will be words and things said that may not be fully thought through.
As I've said in the past I think that as a country we need to be aware of the things going on and to address them accordingly but also focus on the main goal which is defeating this horrible virus. Surgeon General Adams, in my opinion, meant no harm with these remarks and was potentially hoping to get the attention of the entire country. The statements that he made were unacceptable and I believe that he will learn from this. The use of slight remarks and stereotypical sayings are unacceptable at any time and should not be used in this day and age, especially when your audience is the entire world.
Source: https://www.vox.com/2020/4/11/21217428/surgeon-general-jerome-adams-big-mama-coronavirus
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