Zoua Vang - ASA 2 A02 - Week 6

Zoua Vang

ASA 2 A02

Week 6 Theme: Pathologizing of Asian Americans and the Americanization of Mental Illness & other Hidden Harms to Humans

Response:

The article, “Is Wi-Fi in Schools Safe?,” was very surprising because as our society is becoming more technological and the internet is a big part of it. Because there is an increase in technology and a demand for the internet, there is a need for Wi-Fi but who knew it could be hazardous to our health. This made me think about our UC Davis Campus as well because we have Wi-Fi almost everywhere on campus.  We would also be exposed to the electromagnetic fields or EMF.  But even if we are, how much does this affect our health?

In the other article, “Pathologizing Everyday Life,” mental illness is becoming medicalized. It is treated as a medical condition that is to be studied, diagnosed, prevented, and treated.  This is done so that mental illnesses could be “a new market for pharmaceutical companies, physicians, and other professional or consumer organizations.“ It is horrible that mental illnesses is or may be even more influenced by industry.  This is not to invalidate mental illnesses and the treatments that work but to point out that we do have to be wary of what industry may be influencing.

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Question: Although we are going green and doing our best to be paperless on campus, what impacts are there to the health of our campus community?

References:

• http://familiesusa.org/blog/2015/10/world-mental-health-day-tackling-stigma-and-highlighting-racial-and-ethnic-disparities
• Brian Spero. “Is Wi-Fi in Schools Safe?: Putting EMF Exposure on Your Radar of Potential Health Risks.”
• Cindy Russell. “Wi-Fi in the Schools: Are We Playing It Safe With Our Students.”
• T. Wasserman and L.D. Wasserman. “Pathologizing Everyday Life