Mass incarceration disproportionately affects people of color from "summary" of A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn
The systematic targeting of communities of color for mass incarceration is a glaring example of the deep-seated racism embedded within the criminal justice system of the United States. This insidious practice has been employed as a tool of social control and oppression, perpetuating cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement for generations of Black and Brown Americans. From the War on Drugs to harsh sentencing laws, people of color have been disproportionately impacted by policies that favor punishment over rehabilitation. The criminalization of minor offenses in these communities has led to overcrowded prisons filled with individuals who often receive harsher sentences than their white counterparts for similar crimes. The legacy of slavery and Jim Crow laws continues to reverberate through the criminal justice system, with Black and Brown individuals facing systemic discrimination at every stage of the legal process. Racial profiling, biased policing practices, and unequal access to legal representation all contribute to the disproportionate incarceration rates of people of color. Once ensnared in the criminal justice system, the hurdles faced by individuals of color are immense. The stigma of a criminal record can make it difficult to find employment, secure housing, or access social services, further perpetuating cycles of poverty and crime in these communities. The loss of voting rights for individuals with felony convictions further disenfranchises people of color, eroding their political power and voice in society. Despite efforts to address these disparities, the racial bias within the criminal justice system remains deeply entrenched. Real change will require a fundamental shift in how we approach crime and punishment in this country, with a focus on equity, rehabilitation, and dismantling the systemic racism that underlies mass incarceration. Until then, the devastating impact of mass incarceration on communities of color will continue to be felt for generations to come.
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