On April 22, many citizens, researchers, and clinicians engaged in the #MarchforScience across the world to promote how science shapes our lives and improves society. According to the official March for Science website, the march was a celebration of science. “People who value science have remained silent for far too long in the face of policies that ignore scientific evidence and endanger both human life and the future of our world. New policies threaten to further restrict scientists’ ability to research and communicate their findings. We face a possible future where people not only ignore scientific evidence, but seek to eliminate it entirely. Staying silent is a luxury that we can no longer afford. We must stand together and support science.” – March for Science In an interview with PBS NewsHour (click here to read the full story: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/people-joining-skipping-march-science/), I discussed my reasons for joining the March for Science. As a psychologist, I am fully aware of the role that psychological science plays in our lives. I've had the opportunity to talk with policy makers in D.C. about the benefits of psychological science to help understand and address issues in society. The American Psychological Association also officially supported the march in D.C. and for decades have supported the use of science in policy decisions on Capital Hill. Here is a video on how psychological science has helped society. Tips on Talking With Policy Makers About Science In a previous post, I have discussed some strategies on advocacy. In my years of engaging in advocacy, these tops have been helpful in getting my messages across to policy makers.
You can visit the APA website for more information on advocacy. Copyright 2017 Erlanger A. Turner, Ph.D.
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Many of you have seen the news the past few days and you are aware of more Black men being killed by police across the U.S. As a Black man and psychologist, this continued disregard for human life is very disheartening and traumatic. The recent incident in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is even more disturbing because it is my hometown and that could have easily been my life taken. Below is a poem I wrote to help myself with self-care and to hopefully give people food for thought. We need real action and systemic change.
Title: Human Race I can’t think I can’t walk I can’t talk I can’t breath I can’t move I’m mobilized by the shit I see in the news They say there is only the human race Yet my black brothers and sister keep getting shot Bodies being displayed in the streets Bodies being disgraced by cops The list of names keep growing by the day Trayvon Martin Sandra Bland Mike Brown Alton Sterling So many names to proclaim but the point is we seem to forget that were all one human race I woke up this morning with a pain in my heart Reflecting on all the lives that are lost All lives matter Maybe I’m a skeptic Cuz I'm in disbelief that the system we have is meant to protect the many people who are devalued the second a police is in their presence I can’t think I can’t walk I can’t talk I can’t breath I can’t move I’m immobilized by the racial trauma that historically is infused in a race that was taken from their homeland and enlaved in a system to be continually abused What is the fear that you have of Blacks in America? I thought this was a free country where all people are created equal Yet I sit and I watch over and over again How black lives don't matter yet there is uproar over an animal I’m traumatized by what I see on tv and on my twitter feed I’m tired of people misjudging me and I have not 1 but 3 degrees Yet that hasn't shielded me from “driving while Black” I’ve been pulled over by the cops Thanks God I wasn’t attacked We must fight as a nation to change the hypocrisy that is set up to advance a race Don't lose faith just remember the civil rights movement didn't happen in one day Copyright 2016 Erlanger Turner, Ph.D. On November 24, 2014, the grand jury in Ferguson, Missouri announced "no indictment" in the case against the officer who shot and killed Mike Brown (see full coverage here). According to reports following the decision, protestors came together across the county and some riots broke out in Ferguson. As a result of the increased tension regarding race relations and media coverage of the violence, some may wonder how much media coverage they should expose their children to. Parents in Missouri and across the country must take into account how repeated expose to media violence may impact children's psychological and emotional functioning. Not only can repeated expose cause distress, but it could affect the child's interactions with their peers. Below are some suggestions from the American Psychological Association (APA) on how to deal with media coverage of violence. · Take "news breaks". Your children may want to keep informed by gathering information about the event from the internet, television, or newspapers. It is important to limit the amount of time spent watching the news because constant exposure may actually heighten their anxiety and fears. Also, scheduling some breaks for yourself is important; allow yourself time to engage in activities you enjoy. · Take care of yourself. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your children. Be a model for your children on how to manage traumatic events. Keep regular schedules for activities such as family meals and exercise to help restore a sense of security and normalcy. · Keep home a safe place. Children, regardless of age, often find home to be a safe haven when the world around them becomes overwhelming. During times of crisis, it is important to remember that your children may come home seeking the safe feeling they have being there. Help make it a place where your children find the solitude or comfort they need. Plan a night where everyone participates in a favorite family activity. · Talk with your child. Talking to your children about their worries and concerns is the first step to help them feel safe and begin to cope with the events occurring around them. What you talk about and how you say it does depend on their age, but all children need to be able to know you are there listening to them. o Start the conversation; let them know you are interested in them and how they are coping with the information they are getting. o Listen to their thoughts and point of view; don't interrupt--allow them to express their ideas and understanding before you respond. o Express your own opinions and ideas without putting down theirs; acknowledge that it is okay to disagree. o Remind them you are there for them to provide safety, comfort and support. Give them a hug. · Watch for signs of stress, fear or anxiety. After a traumatic event, it is typical for children (and adults) to experience a wide range of emotions, including fearfulness, shock, anger, grief and anxiety. Your children's behaviors may change because of their response to the event. They may experience trouble sleeping, difficulty with concentrating on school work, or changes in appetite. This is normal for everyone and should begin to disappear in a few months. Encourage your children to put their feelings into words by talking about them or journaling. Some children may find it helpful to express their feelings through art. If you or your child experience significant stress consider talking to a professional for additional ways to cope. You can find a provider in your community by searching the website of the psychological association in your state. You may also locate a psychologist in your area through the APA website. Copyright Erlanger A. Turner, Ph.D. 2014 Follow me on Twitter @DrEarlTurner for daily post on psychology, mental health, and parenting. Feel free to Like my Facebook page, “Get Psych’d with Dr. T”. Also view my blog post on Psychology Today for more suggestions. References: American Psychological Association (2011). Helping your child manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting. Obtained from http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/aftermath.aspx |
AuthorDr. Turner is a licensed psychologist with expertise in behavioral pediatrics, child mental health, disruptive behavior disorders, and minority mental health. He is also certified as a National Register Health Service Psychologist. Archives
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