I often feel that I am writing this blog for myself, but I have a platform here. The evolution medicine blog and podcast has a modest number of subscribers. With the recent murder of George Floyd, I am moved to speak. I have been inspired by the peaceful protests that have swelled, and become worldwide, in the last week. It is important that people are exercising their first amendment right to assemble and petition their governments and our society to right this systemic wrong, despite personal risks of violence and the very real risk of coronavirus. A white coats for Black lives protest at Yale, led by physicians (below), showed how people can gather in a safe way. I support these protests, and the greater movement.
There is another connection, of course, to COVID-19. The virus is not racist; it is amoral and unthinking, replicating wherever there is opportunity. But the fact that it has ripped through communities where Native American and Black neighbors live is no accident. Racism and the social stress that goes with it has a lot to do with this. Unfortunately, there is no N95 mask for racism.
Joe Alcock MD
Categories: Uncategorized
Joe Alcock
Emergency Physician, Educator, Researcher, interested in the microbiome, evolution, and medicine
EvolutionMedicine 
Joe,
You are touching a lot more people and minds than you may think. Each one of us take your messages to others and your word is spreading far more rapidly than it may appear—keep up the good work. You are truly a great teacher.
Fred
Fred Madsen, PhD Madsen Nutrition Services, Inc. Adding the Wonders of Plants to Balance the Animal World
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You’re not writing it for yourself Joe so please don’t stop! When covid started and I was manning the covid ICU I thought I can’t wait til Joe starts musing on the evolutionary medicine angle on this pandemic. Troubling seeing what’s happened to your country under the current leadership. I hope the current movement is finally a step towards a more positive future for all and salute you for speaking out to support the fight for equality.
Thank you James