The Effects of Incarceration Discrimination in the United States for African American Men

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Underachievement, lack of inclusion, and backward progression within society is a trend that engulfs African American men constantly in the American society. There is a continuous struggle to break the persistent mold. Although many feel that the United States has overcome its racist history, the legacies of slavery and racism still affect our policies and practices today. Of the nearly 2.1 million adult men and women imprisoned in the United States, roughly 70% are persons of color (Minton, 2012). Within the criminal justice system, people of color are imprisoned disproportionately due to racist laws, are denied access to the rehabilitative options given to Whites, and are harassed and mistreated by U.S. agencies. Although people of color commit most crimes at the same rate as Whites, the unequal targeting and treatment of people of color throughout the criminal justice system from arrest to sentencing results in the disproportionate imprisonment of people of color. The criminal justice system has driven a wedge between black men and society. African American men are involved in the criminal justice system, whether though incarceration, probation, or parole, at near epidemic levels. At the same time, the criminal justice system has encouraged and persisted in racial and discriminatory actions continuing the emancipation of blacks from society. Consequently, African American families are harmed in countless ways, form psychological to material suffering experienced by the entire family. The impact of incarceration on African-American men also results in awful consequences that limit their ability to become employed, to get an education, and even to participate in the political process. History of Societal Discrimination Befo... ... middle of paper ... ...ishers (p.87-216) Iguchi, M.Y., Bell, J., Ramchand, R.N., and Fain, T. (2005), How the criminal system racial disparities may translate into health disparities. Journal of Health Care (2005) 48-56 Minton, Todd (2012). Prison and jail inmates at midyear 2012 Retrieved November 12, 2013 from http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/jim12st.pdf The Sentencing Project. (August 2013). Report of the sentencing project to the United Nations human rights committee. Retrieved from http://sentencingproject.org/doc/publications/rd_ICCPR%20Race%20and%20Justice%20 Shadow%20Report.pdf Travis, J., Waul, M. (2005). Prisoners once removed. Washington, DC: The Urban Institute Press Williams, N. (2006). Where are the Men?. Community Voices, p. 3-9. Retrieved, from http://www.communityvoices.org/Libraries/Community_Voices_Documents/resourceLib rary_prisonHealth_whereAreTheMen.sflb.ashx

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