Introduction
It is important to note that the indigenous people of the American continent were the first victims of the vast historic expansion of the European empires. Although centuries have passed with major civil rights and equity improvements, American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people are still being treated unequally, and there is a clear footprint of systemic discrimination against the group. Therefore, the most evident areas of inequality can be observed regarding poverty, health disparity, and education.
Poverty
Firstly, the Native American people of the United States are the group impacted with the highest poverty rates. Evidence suggests that in 2018, “the national poverty rate for Native Americans was 25.4%, while Black or African American poverty rate was 20.8%. Among Hispanics, the national poverty rate was 17.6%” (Asante-Muhammad et al. par. 8). In other words, Native Americans can be considered the poorest minority groups in the US, where 1 out of 4 people lives below the national poverty line. The source has a direct connection and relevance to the first claim since it highlights the prevalence of poverty among the group of interest. More recent statistical data from 2020 suggests that “across the United States, 1 in 3 Native Americans are living in poverty, with a median income of $23,000 a year” (Redbird par. 1). Thus, the trend indicates that the situation is becoming worse for the group, which is likely related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic implications. The overall issues are manifested in a multitude of factors, such as unemployment, wealth inequality, income inequality, and housing.
It should be noted that the lack of resources can be attributed as the main cause of all disparities experienced by the Native American communities. In a beacon of capitalism, which is the United States, money translates to opportunity, improvement, and power. The problem of poverty can be traced back to the first invasion by European colonizers when Native American people still were not able to fully recover.
Health Disparity
Secondly, Native American people living in the United States experience the highest level of health inequality, which is indicated by a high rate of chronic illnesses, low quality of life, and low life expectancy. According to CDC, there is a “significantly higher prevalence of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, being overweight or having obesity, diabetes, … a lower prevalence of having a personal doctor among AI/AN compared to whites” (Adakai et al. 1314). In other words, lifestyle patterns and risky behaviors are poorer or worse among Native Americans, which translates to lower health metrics stated in the claim. Another piece of evidence suggests that “accidents in the AI/AN population caused 11.6% of total deaths in 2017 compared with 6.0% of total deaths … life expectancy for AI/ANs is 77.5 years” (Carron 26). The latter value for White Americans is equal to 79.8 years, and similar patterns can be observed regarding all health-related comparison measurements. Both evidence points have direct relevance to the claim since they showcase how health disparity manifests across different and varying aspects of healthcare.
One should be aware that health is the most valuable commodity and right for an individual. Without proper health, one cannot function in the most effective manner making him or her unable to achieve their full potential. From birth, a Native American person faces an uphill battle for one’s survival since many health risk factors are present in the community compared to the rest of Americans.
Education
Thirdly, children and the youth of the indigenous people of the United States experience one of the highest levels of educational disparity. Native American children are “twice as likely to read below grade level in 4th grade, and 1.5 times more likely to be below grade-level proficiency in math in 8th grade compared to non-Hispanic White children” (Yip par. 5). The statistical data directly supports the claim since the information shows that education lags in the earliest stages. Another source claims that “One-tenth of AI/AN students could not complete K-12 education. The school dropout rate for AI/AN 16- to 24-year-olds is the highest in the nation” (Cai par. 12). In other words, Native American children and the youth, in general, are underperforming compared to the national average in all phases of the educational process.
Although it might be a major challenge to bring significant life improvements for the entirety of the Native American community, at least the youth should have an opportunity to this pit of inequality. However, the educational system also reflects the failure of American society to lift the group from its issues. Without ensuring equality in education at the very least, no future betterment for Native Americans can be expected.
Counterclaim
In response to the proposed claims, one might argue that Native Americans are given the most comprehensive set of benefits. A Native American living in tribal lands and reservations can get benefits in the form of “funds for housing, utilities, food, and other necessary things” (PowWows par. 5). In other words, the evidence supports the claim directly because there is a system of support for the group in many areas. It is stated that “if you’re an American Indian or an Alaska Native, you may have new health coverage benefits and protections in the Health Insurance Marketplace” (U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services par. 1). Thus, healthcare disparities are countered by health insurance benefits offered by the federal government.
The problem with such counterclaims is the fact that they do not address the root cause of a multitude of disparities. Therefore, the benefits are not preventative but rather focused on treating the symptoms. Native Americans are discriminated against on a systemic basis across a wide range of aspects of life. Offering benefits might ease the effects of unequal treatment, but they are not solutions. American society needs to recognize the problematic state of the Native American community by helping them to raise awareness of the issue. The latter needs to be followed by an increase of representatives of the community in structures of power. Since the group is the smallest minority in the United States, the population can easily dismiss or remain unaware of the inequality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Native Americans living in the United States are treated unequally on a systemic basis, which can be most prominently observed regarding poverty, health disparity, and education. The current systems of help and assistance for these communities do not address the problem at its core. The benefits only function to alleviate the pain and suffering inflicted on the victims of the system. The lack of power, voice, and resources puts Native Americans in a vulnerable and disadvantaged position, where not even the youth can escape inequality and discrimination.
Works Cited
Adakai, Monique, et al. “Health Disparities Among American Indians/Alaska Natives – Arizona, 2017.” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, vol. 67, no. 47, 2018, pp. 1314-1318.
Asante-Muhammad, Debrick, et al. “Racial Wealth Snapshot: Native Americans.” National Community Reinvestment Coalition, 2022.
Cai, Jinghong. “The Condition of Native American Students.” National School Board Association, 2020.
Carron, Rebecca. “Health Disparities in American Indians/Alaska Natives: Implications for Nurse Practitioners.” The Nurse Practitioner, vol. 45, no. 6, 2020, pp. 26-32. doi: 10.1097/01.NPR.0000666188.79797.a7
PowWows. “Benefits for Native Americans | Apply for Native American Money.” PowWows.com, 2022.
Redbird, Beth. “What Drives Native American Poverty?” Institute for Policy Research, 2020.
U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “Health Coverage for American Indians & Alaska Natives.” HealthCare.gov, 2022.
Yip, Tiffany. “Addressing Inequities in Education: Considerations for American Indian and Alaska Native Children and Youth in the Era of COVID-19.” Society for Research in Child Development, 2020.