Racism: Discrimination In The Criminal Justice System

Racism: Discrimination in the Criminal Justice System

As former president Barack Obama stated in 2014, “You have men of color in many communities who are more likely to end up in jail or in the criminal justice system, than they are in a good job or college”(Brady). Racism and discrimination are two distinct things that affect men and women of color in America. Racism and discrimination did not end with the traditional thoughts of the Civil Rights Movement; it is still present in everyday lives whether it is subconscious or not. An example of discrimination in today’s Criminal Justice System is the increased difference of how people of color are incarcerated at a higher rate than those of the caucasian race. This can be seen when one looks

Racism is defined as “prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one 's own race is superior”(Oxford Dictionary), while discrimination is defined as,”the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex”(Oxford Dictionary). Although racism at times can be an extreme tactic in the criminal justice system and has a possibility to be present, society is more likely to see the presence of discrimination in the criminal justice system. One might ask why people who are not colored, and do not experience this problem should essentially care about the effects of discrimination due to the simple idea that ‘they are not affected’ which causes a simple answer: you are the problem. By saying nothing, you give a silent

An example of this is one of the most prominent movements in today’s society is the Black Lives Matter movement. Now, let’s get something straight. The Black Lives Matter movement is not a movement to take away from any other race. Black Lives Matter movement is not saying all lives do not matter, to anyone who believes that is not educated upon the reason the movement has begun. You wouldn’t go into a breast cancer place and say, ‘but ALL CANCER matters’ right? The Black Lives Matter movement is a movement that hopes to remove racial inequality in everyday life and in the criminal justice system through protests, and peaceful riots. It was in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer, George Zimmerman. BLM hopes to eliminate the discrimination that is prevalent in today’s American society, that has been in existence since years to come(What We