During an interview on CNN NewsNight, former Rep. Jamaal Bowman drew attention to the health disparities faced by the Black community, suggesting a potential link between the frequent use of the ‘N-word’ and higher rates of chronic diseases. The claim has prompted responses from both public health experts and civil rights advocates, though the scientific community remains divided on the validity of such a direct correlation.
Bowman, known for his progressive stance, argued that systemic racism and the psychological toll of racial slurs play a critical role in health outcomes. Critics, however, caution that while racial stress can contribute to health issues, attributing specific diseases solely to the use of a single term may oversimplify complex medical and social factors. The debate highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing health inequities in the U.S.