Caught in the Cycle

Why do African Americans make up such a high percentage of prisoners in US jails?

Much of the problem is due to poverty. A large percentage of African Americans grow up in very poor neighborhoods. The education system is also very poor. As a result, black students are not receiving an education which prepares them for college or for sufficient competency in many areas of work. Unable to find work, many African Americana, young boys especially, join gangs as a way to make money and survive. Hustling is presented as the only real option to support oneself and one’s family.  As a result, crime is widespread. And when caught, they are incarcerated. Having now obtained a criminal record, any hope of leaving the gang life to find a regular job has gone out the window. Thus, once released from prison, black individuals don’t know what to do to make money besides continuing the very work that put them in prison in the first place.

Thus, a vicious cycle churns over and over.

Another factor which contributes to the incarceration rate of African Americans is the influence of hip hop culture. The gangster lifestyle is glamorized in rap music. Hustling, buying guns, and killing others is put forward as “cool.” Thus, young boys follow the example that is set for them.

As mentioned in the article, another possible contributor could be the privatization of health care, prison commerce, and the other services made profitable by mass incarceration.  If the police force is incentivized to fill up more prisons, then it is possible more unjust arrests would occur.