To the Editor:
Re “More Black Americans Should Be in Vaccine Trials” (Op-Ed, Sept. 14):
The Op-Ed asks: “Who will be included?”
My answer: me.
As a 32-year-old Black woman, I know this was an unpopular choice, and continues to be for my community. I’m well aware of the racism Black Americans have faced in medicine with countless examples such as the Tuskegee study and Henrietta Lacks, as cited, but I still enrolled in a vaccine clinical trial, cautiously optimistic that it would yield a better result.
Despite our painful history, I volunteered because I know that Black Americans must be represented to ensure that a vaccine works on us. I also joined because I’m really ready for this pandemic to end.
There is a lot of mistrust about this process and the vaccine, and more definitely needs to be done to rebuild that trust, but, unfortunately, it won’t be rebuilt overnight.
Therefore, I encourage any person of color who feels comfortable to volunteer in a clinical trial and to share their stories to encourage others. It’s the only way we will get out of this pandemic.
To the Editor:
Re “Japan Airlines Says It’s Grounding the Term ‘Ladies and Gentlemen’” (news article, Sept. 30):
Small steps can often be the most important steps, and Japan Airlines is proving that.
Using more inclusive language is a crucial step for gender equality, especially in places that are more conservative. This one policy can be a steppingstone to a more inclusive Japan, one that accepts every gender and every sexuality.
It is nice to see a big company speaking out on such an important issue like gender equality, and it is something that we don’t see very often. Right now it is about language, but tomorrow it could be about recognizing and accepting every gender and sexuality, and a week from today it could be about legalizing same-sex marriage and adoption by same-sex couples.
It is time for other companies to speak out like this. It is time for us to throw away the gender norms and accept that we are all different.
Lia McDonald Meteer
Arlington, Mass.