Introduction

A resurgence of that movement may be taking place as minority and oppressed communities across the nation begin to redefine their struggle in terms of a safe and clean environment being a basic right for all, regardless of race or color. An analysis of the statistical health chart may be interpreted to mean that the true meaning of the trickle down theory is not money or wealth but environmental stressors, giving rise to multiple health problems, and an abbreviated life expectancy. People of color have grown distrustful of government agencies which try to find new and old ways of disposing environmental hazards in their communities; opposition to siting of hazardous waste facilities is pervasive in communities across the country. Although decent paying jobs in polluting industries may be an alternative to crime and delinquency, long-term health effects from polluted environs may mitigate against short-term economic gain. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.