The U.S. is #1! In incarcerations, that is. A few days ago the Pew Center for on the States released a study showing that the incarceration rate is at an all time high. From the Washington Post article:
With more than 2.3 million people behind bars, the United States leads the world in both the number and percentage of residents it incarcerates, leaving far-more-populous China a distant second. [Source: WaPo]
You’ve probably already guessed that the numbers for black Americans are much worse. Among black men between the ages of 20 and 34, the study found that 1 in 9 were behind bars. Contrast that with a rate of1 and 30 for the U.S. male population of the same age range and a 1 in 100 rate for the entire adult population. However you look at it, 11% is a very high number. It is also important to note that this number does not include those on probation or incarcerated in juvenile facilities. And the picture for young black men appears even more bleak when considering the fact that homicide is the leading cause of death for this group.
I know some will argue that me making such points only highlights our deficiencies, denigrates the image of the black man, and further stigmatizes us in country that largely looks down upon us as it is. Additionally, some might say that we should focus on the positives in the black community.
As I have mentioned before, I think it is important to understand the seriousness of our problems as well as the things that are working well. Our advancement is dependent upon both of these understandings. This report only addressed one aspect of that equation and unfortunately it is quite grim.
2 responses so far ↓
1
Zack
// Mar 3, 2008 at 4:32 pm
The high incarceration rate of our young black men is very disturbing. Both the homicide and incarceration rate of black men should be a resounding alarm throughout our community and America. We should respond to this much like we attended the polls in high numbers for Obama. The killing and incarceration rate of our black men is a freight train that’s gaining momentum as it heads to hell. We must garner the moral strength, political will, and a sense of urgency to stop its destructive forward motion.
Yes, some black men are advancing, as Obama and others have shown. But to only look at one side of the equation is to ignore “the elephant” that’s standing in our living room and crapping all over the place. A high percentage of our young men are losing their lives; and going to prison and jail on a daily basis. They need our help and attention. We have a big problem that won’t go away by only looking at the positives. In fact, the problem will get worse, much worse.
2
Mike
// Mar 4, 2008 at 8:14 am
I agree. A balanced perspective including our troubles and successes is critical. To choose one over the other risks overlooking vital information for moving us forward.
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