The article I have chosen to write about is, The War on Drugs Is a War on Black Americans, by Jean-Gabriel Fernandez. The author discusses the long-standing issue of racial discrimination in the United States' criminal justice system, specifically regarding the war on drugs. It argues that the war on drugs is a war on black Americans, as they have been disproportionately impacted by the harsh laws and policies surrounding drug use and possession. The article highlights the historical context of drug laws in the U.S. and how they have been used to specifically target and criminalize black communities, while white drug users and sellers have largely been ignored or given lesser punishments. The author also discusses the negative impacts of these …show more content…
The article explores the historical context of drug laws and policies in the U.S. and their disproportionate impact on black communities. It emphasizes the negative effects of the war on drugs on black families, communities, and overall socio-economic mobility, perpetuating the enduring inequalities faced by Americans of color. The article relates to course concepts such as the effects of residential segregation, which has contributed to the development of underclass communities in the United States, and how these communities are disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system. Additionally, the article highlights the systemic racism and discrimination that has existed in the United States, perpetuating the inequalities faced by people of color. It discusses how drug laws have been used as a tool to target and criminalize people of color, while white drug users and sellers have largely been ignored or given lesser punishments. The article also explores the exclusion of people of color in the legal cannabis industry and the racist attitudes driving cannabis criminalization. In conclusion, Fernandez's article highlights the need for systemic change in the United States' criminal justice system to address the racial inequalities and injustices that still exist within our