7 chapters across the catalog
The hosts draw a parallel between Duke University and Johns Hopkins University, referencing a previous episode about the latter's "plantation" relationship with Baltimore. They discuss the history of Henrietta Lacks and the displacement of black residents for university expansion. Mo argues that these large institutions create a dependency that fuels local resentment.
Ben Crump, Johns Hopkins, and the Henrietta Lacks Legal Battle
Attorney Ben Crump is now representing the family of Henrietta Lacks in a legal battle against Johns Hopkins, seeking compensation for the unauthorized use of her genetic material. While the university claims it never profited from the cells, the family points to the billions of dollars generated by the global biotech industry using HeLa cells. The hosts discuss the "Crump effect," where high-profile civil rights attorneys step in to secure large settlements for historical or systemic tragedies.
Rebecca Skloot and the History of Medical Exploitation in Baltimore
Author Rebecca Skloot discusses her book "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" on Democracy Now, explaining how she discovered the story as a teenager. She details the history of "colored wards" in segregated hospitals like Johns Hopkins, where poor Black patients were often used for research in exchange for "free" care. This history of exploitation, including grave robbing and unethical experiments, created a deep-seated distrust of medical institutions in East Baltimore.
A 2020 clip regarding measles vaccinations is used to show how medical professionals were coached to find "common ground" and use empathy rather than judgment. The hosts argue that the measles outbreaks in New York were a "test run" for the social shaming and lockdown mechanics later used during the COVID-19 pandemic. They highlight the tension between scientific knowledge and personal belief systems.
Tyler Perry cites the history of Henrietta Lacks and the Tuskegee experiment as valid reasons for Black Americans' "healthy skepticism" of the medical establishment. However, the hosts argue that Perry's skepticism was performative, as he was already committed to being a "pitchman" for the vaccine. They suggest his involvement was a win-win for his brand and the pharmaceutical companies.
Historical medical abuses like the Tuskegee experiment contribute to a deep-seated mistrust of vaccines within the black community, with polls showing only 25% willingness to participate. Anecdotes about individuals living off medical trial stipends illustrate the economic desperation often tied to testing. This skepticism extends to high-risk demographics who refuse the vaccine despite official health recommendations.
Dr. Peter Attia reflects on the "bitter contempt" he once felt toward obese patients with type 2 diabetes, admitting he judged them for their perceived lack of self-care. This medical disdain is often misidentified as racial bias, when it is frequently a reaction to the patient's physical condition. The discussion suggests that a lack of empathy for obese patients creates a self-fulfilling cycle of poor health outcomes, regardless of the patient's race.
