It is often stated that in America the large majority of crimes are committed by the black population despite only accounting for thirteen percent of the population. The numbers are indisputable, but only if you take them at face value. It is is true that crime within the black community is an issue that needs to addressed, but rather than address the issue, many would seemingly prefer to regurgitate crime statistics as reason to justify the marginalization of African Americans through targeted policing, harsher prison sentences, and various other forms of discriminatory practices. Coincidentally, it is these same practices that contribute to the instability within the black community, culminates into a self-fulfilling narrative. The issue …show more content…
Adult Black/African Americans living below poverty are three times more likely to report serious psychological distress than those living above poverty. Adult Black/African Americans are more likely to have feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness than are adult whites. And while Black/African Americans are less likely than white people to die from suicide as teenagers, Black/African Americans teenagers are more likely to attempt suicide than are white teenagers (8.3 percent v. 6.2 percent). If the crime rate among black americans is higher than other groups and the prevalence of mental health issues among black american is higher I think this is a fair connection to make. There are however, There are many conflicting studies relating the correlation between mental illness and crime. Some studies have concluded that there is little correlation between mental illness and crime while others have highlighted the large number of prison inmates with mental health issues. It is a complex issue that can have complex far reaching implications. The first of which being that in inferring a connection would be harmful and will have the effect of further stigmatizing those with mental