Reference no: EM132347867

1. In our reading, we learned that institutional racism operates at various levels of the criminal justice system--leading to a high number of arrests of blacks compared to whites (Desmond and Emirbayer, 2010, p. 287). Poor nonwhite areas are often under more surveillance and police repression (p. 287), in large part due to racial profiling. It was having also been noted that racial domination systematically tilts the scales of justice against people of color--especially those who are poorer (p. 291). Overall, we learned that there is great injustice in our justice system--and that people of color are unfairly targeted and arrested. And incarceration only makes life more difficult for people of color. In fact, black men who have dropped out of school and hold a criminal record make less than $6,000 a year (p. 293) --a non-livable wage in America. It has also been found that prisons create more crime, and that those who are eventually released have not been aided in efforts to reintegrate. Here is where I suggest we improve: in the reintegration processes and in eliminating racial profiling in our unjust justice system. I would introduce programs and laws that encourage education for those imprisoned so that they can build a resume while in prison for future employment. I would also enforce in law enforcement training, initiatives that discourage racial profiling--perhaps making them complete courses such as this.

Desmond, Matthew and Mustafa Emirbayer. 2010. Racial Domination, Racial Progress: The Sociology of Race in America. New York: McGraw Hill.

2. Two ways that I could possibly create prison reform would be to assess crimes more carefully. Certain punishments deserve harsh punishments. However, others do not deserve the punishment that attached to it. I believe by really looking at the crime itself and making sure that the crime warrants the punishment is very important. Once this takes place it will allow for individuals who need to be arrested and imprisoned to be taken.

In this week's module it speaks about a saying that I have heard repetitiously. "If they would stop doing the crimes, they would stop doing time. Why do you people complain about this? It's not like they're all innocent. Stop committing crimes if you don't want to go to jail!" Although I wish this weren't our reality it is. However, I believe the reality of this doesn't have to be reality if the proper precautions are taken.

The second thing that I feel should be done is community programs that help keep people out of prison. I understand that it's also the job of the parent to assist in this. I believe that the community also plays a large part in the upbringing of the children in which live in and on the outskirts of it. I feel with more community involvement I this are it will help to guide individuals in the right direction.

Also, in the event that they have already went to prison a program that can help them once they come back to civilization. I believe that if there are programs and or individuals that can help with things such as finding a job and or a place to stay it will help tremendously. Also, there should be a program in place for these individuals that will not automatically force them back into the system if they make a mistake but give them some type of system that gives them another chance in another facility instead of going right back to prison.

Response to the following two discussion questions please asap

Topic: Prison reform