Essay Questions

What is the main theme in Under the Skin by Linda Villarosa?

The primary theme in Under the Skin is racism against black people in the USA. Although the United States of America has the best medical technology, most black people are denied access to it simply because of their dark skin. According to Villarosa, the White body is not superior to the black body because all human beings deserve equal treatment when they seek medical attention.

What excuse is given for not prioritizing black people in healthcare in the United States of America?

Villarosa states that medical practitioners in the United States claim that a black body has thicker skin, which experiences less pain than white skin. However, this excuse is a calculated race theory that denies black people access to equal medical care. Villarosa dares the legislators in contemporary America to discern unproven theories that promote racism in the healthcare sector. Villarosa's literature about racism in healthcare came when America witnessed discrimination against black people in hospitals at the height of Covid 19 pandemic. Most black people were denied access to ventilators, and priority was given to white people, arguing that they were the most vulnerable.

Apart from Covid 19, what other illustration does Villarosa provide to prove that black people do not receive equal healthcare treatment?

Villarosa does not miss the point when convincing readers that the USA intentionally mistreats black people in the justice system and health care. Villarosa uses case studies to illustrate her point. For instance, she points out that in the 1990s, most black people died from HIV AIDs than white people because medical priority was given to white people. Consequently, there is systematic discrimination in healthcare despite the many efforts to reduce the disparity.