COVID Comics: Decentering White Narratives in Graphic Medicine

COVID Comics: Decentering White Narratives in Graphic Medicine

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on our lives, with the loss of life and livelihood affecting various communities, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. In the face of this devastation, graphic medicine comics have emerged as a powerful medium to shed light on the diverse narratives and perspectives surrounding the pandemic.

One such comic that stands out is the work of Whit Taylor, who created a comic published in The Nib about giving birth during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This comic, like many others in the genre, allows patients to connect with the creator's experiences while providing them with the distance necessary to gain a different perspective on their own experiences. These comics have proven to be cathartic for patients, enabling them to find solace and understanding in the midst of their suffering.

Moreover, graphic medicine comics have proven to be invaluable for healthcare providers and caregivers. These comics offer a window into the inner worlds of patients, allowing providers to develop greater empathy and understanding of their struggles and resilience. In this way, comics have become a tool for communication between patients and providers, facilitating a deeper level of care and connection.

The field of Graphic Medicine has traditionally centered around predominantly white, middle-class narratives. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a welcome change in this regard. As the pandemic coincided with the racial reckoning of 2020, BIPOC creators have used comics to highlight the racial, social, and political aspects of the pandemic. This shift has the potential to reshape the field of graphic medicine, bringing in new perspectives and narratives that were previously underrepresented.

It is worth noting that comics have been used as a form of art therapy and as a means to discuss serious subjects artfully for many years. Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis, for example, opened up new possibilities for comics as a medium capable of addressing complex and challenging topics. Since then, the field of Graphic Medicine has grown, thanks in part to the efforts of medical anthropologist Sherine Hamdy, who introduced the author to comics that explore narratives of illness.

However, it is important to recognize that the field of Graphic Medicine is not without its challenges. The recent lawsuit filed by a coalition of state attorneys general against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) highlights one such challenge. The lawsuit accuses the FDA of excessively regulating the abortion pill mifepristone, arguing that it is being singled out for unique restrictions. The attorneys general argue that the restrictions on mifepristone limit women's access to this important medication and call for the court to declare it safe and effective.

Interestingly, this lawsuit comes at a time when a federal judge in Texas is considering whether to overturn the FDA's approval of the abortion drug. The possibility of conflicting rulings by different federal judges raises questions about the FDA's judgment and the need for consistent regulations.

In light of these developments, it is crucial to consider the intersection of health and social justice within the field of medicine. The history of medicine allows us to reflect on how medical expertise has evolved over time and how it has been deployed differently in various political contexts. By examining the political dimensions of health and medicine, we can better understand the disparities and injustices that exist within our healthcare systems.

As we look to the future of graphic medicine, it is important to embrace diversity and inclusivity. By centering BIPOC narratives and perspectives, we can expand the canon of graphic medicine to reflect the multitude of experiences and challenges faced by different communities. This shift will not only enrich the field but also ensure that the voices of those most affected by health disparities are heard.

In conclusion, here are three actionable pieces of advice for the field of graphic medicine:

1. Embrace diversity: Actively seek out and amplify the voices and narratives of underrepresented communities, particularly BIPOC communities. This will ensure a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of illness experiences.

2. Foster collaboration: Encourage interdisciplinary collaborations between artists, healthcare providers, and researchers. By working together, we can harness the power of comics to facilitate communication, empathy, and healing.

3. Advocate for equitable access to healthcare: Use the platform of graphic medicine to shed light on health disparities and advocate for policies that ensure equitable access to healthcare for all communities. This includes challenging restrictive regulations that limit access to vital medications.

By incorporating these actions into the field of graphic medicine, we can create a more inclusive, empathetic, and impactful space for storytelling and healing.

Sources:

• COVID Comics: Decentering White Narratives in Graphic Medicine
• Democratic state attorneys general sue Biden administration over abortion pill rules