This article provides a comprehensive review of the article by Lin (2002). This article addresses how media portrays racism and its influence to lifestyle and health. A sociological approach to the problem of racism is applied, arguing that the society needs to understand the different forms of racism, biological origin of racism, and its meaning in the society. Therefore, sociological concepts such as ethnocentrism, race, and ethnicity can vastly influence media’s perception on racism. The three concepts have different meanings, but are all related and can influence health practitioner’s ability to evaluate media’s coverage of racism issues. For instance, in Richard, Richard, & Nicole (2009), “the interrelationship between the terms ethnicity, culture, ethnocentrism and race is quite complex. These worlds however have a long history coupled with having been used to convey various meanings.” In addition, Lewontin and colleagues in their article titled “not in our genes” have emphasised on existence of a strong interrelationship relationship between culture and science (Lewontin et al., 1985). In the case of ethnocentrism, which is the belief that one’s ethnicity is superior, the media may exaggerate certain health complications as being prevalent in a certain race, thus, increasing stigma and discrimination. This mistaken perception will endanger others since they may believe that they are not at risk and may not take preventative steps. It therefore highlights the importance of a health workers awareness of media coverage about racism and its impact on an individual’s health.
