Racism
is the belief that one's worth and capabilities are solely determined by their
race. Hence, this can build up a racial hierarchy and the false theories that
some races are superior compared to others. Looking back, it was racist beliefs
that made way for colonization and the slave trade. When synced with power, these
beliefs can turn out to become systematic racism. There are written and
unwritten laws that boldly discriminate against certain races, while on the
other hand promoting others. How can racism best be contended with? The challenges
against racism must be approached on societal, personal, and psychological
levels. In this blog article, we’ll look at 9 Possible Ways Racism Can Best
Be Tackled In The Justice System.
1.
Consider Or Accept That
Racism Exists
Most
people see racism as a figment of the imagination. Inmates who are bound to
racism and were wrongly targeted based on race during arrests experienced real
racism and during incarceration. There are court cases in the United States that
were won by plaintiffs claiming racism and inmates experiencing racism can be
met with opposition and denial. The fight against racism is challenging without
accepting the fact that it truly exists to take meaningful steps that can also
help inmates.
Mass incarceration is ranking the highest civil rights injustice over the past few years. Reportedly, those behind bars are and have been mostly black and Hispanic despite any unsubstantiated narratives to the contrary. Jail or prison time is usually the criminal justice corrective measure for lawbreakers. For low-level crime offenses and non-violent crimes like petty theft and drug possession, jail or prison time may not always be fair although these are corrective measures in society. Racism involving oppression, inequality, and privilege are real and exist.
2.
Challenge And Change
Attitudes and Beliefs
Stay clear of racially discriminating against others and keep up with your positive actions that can discourage racism. Childhood socialization should also be looked into, and parents should teach their children about the negative effects of racism. Government policies, community cohesion, and criminal justice should all be focused on changing people's attitudes and behaviors positively towards other races.
3.
Educate Yourself
In
the United States, there are over 300 million people, and the black population
is less than 13% according to the United States Census Bureau. Also, according
to the United States department of justice, black men make up the highest
prison population in the US. However, based on these statistics, most people
may believe that some things just don't add up. How can 13% of a population be
considered a threat to racists or others, whereas black men are mostly incarcerated?
Being
incarcerated is life-altering and makes it difficult to live a stable life in a
society like getting employed and finding a safe house after release. Also,
imprisonment cuts lifetime earnings and has negative impacts on the lives of
the children of incarcerated parents. These are among the individual-level
consequences of being locked up, but there are consequences on the societal
level. Blacks and minorities who are released from jail and prison also
face covert or blatant racism that can negatively affect their freedom and
livelihood, prevent their progress, and hinder their stability on top of being released prisoners. Nevertheless,
it is important for people who experience racism to responsibly and wisely address it, deal with it, and persevere.
4.
Attend And Promote Prison
Diversity Training
Training
should be mandatory for all prison staff so that they can have the knowledge,
skills, and behaviors to carry out their duties while at the same time
respecting the rights of inmates regardless of skin color. Working in a prison
can be complex and requires staff to have the skills. Most newly recruited
staff may lack the extensive knowledge and experience of prison work and can place
themselves in dangerous or life-threatening situations if they take actions
that seem to racially discriminate against certain prisoners. Hence, training
is a way to develop and promote a committed prison staff workforce and help
jail and prison staff make responsible choices and connections in an
environment that is supposed to be rehabilitative and not racially or otherwise
unfairly punitive.
5.
View Race Beyond Skin Color
Race
can also be seen by the majority as a competition against minorities and others
for wealth, power, and resources. In a competitive race or with a competitive mindset,
it can matter who gets across the finish line first and wins the most trophies.
However, when inmates are locked up, they can't compete for wealth, power, and
resources in the outside world and in the incarcerated and outside worlds, incarcerated
and released inmates of color and minorities are not dominating economically. Inmates
are bound to a smaller environment where their top priority is to survive and
thrive for freedom, fair and humane treatment, and respect.
Racial
justice or equity goes far beyond anti-racism. It isn't just about the absence
of racial disparities and inequities, but also the availability of deliberate
support and resources to maintain racial equity through proactive measures. There
are criminals of many races and backgrounds in prison so it’s naïve to believe
that one race is all good or superior.
6.
Use Social Media For Good
Don't
always block or unfriend racists or racists who have all negative stereotypes
and views about people and inmates of color. Rather, you should publicly,
tactfully, and respectfully challenge the biased statements and opinions they
make. And you should keep doing while
using verifiable and trusted facts and evidence because changing negative
attitudes and perspectives can take time, and your online engagement on
anti-racism could enlighten a lot of silent bystanders. Even if you don’t set
out to change someone’s racist beliefs, you may positively affect someone’s
outlook in positive ways. You should know that people who experience racism may
react emotionally because racism is real and harmful. If you choose, continue
patiently, tactfully, and respectfully, and keep using social media to motivate
others to join actions to challenge racism.
7.
Don't Provoke Situations To
Involve Police For Unnecessary Issues
When
it comes to matters involving black people, avoid maliciously launching or
provoking attacks against (other) black people and creating unnecessary
issues for malicious reasons. Consider avoiding involving police unless it
becomes harassing and escalating issues or threats to your safety, health, family,
and/or life. This is because, from the recent news headlines, the presence of
police increases the chances of lethal force on black people involved. Therefore,
if you’re angry that someone broke up with you and no longer wishes to deal with
you, consider finding positive and non-harmful ways to move on rather than
instigate malicious attacks, provoke unnecessary interactions, pull others into
retaliatory issues you decided to unnecessarily create out of anger, and risk
police involvement. Incarcerated minorities and inmates of color can face
additional problems if a corrections officer (CO) or prison staff member is
covertly racist and makes false reports against them. While this can happen to
any inmate, it is important to stay connected and up-to-date with your
incarcerated family member or loved one to know what’s going on. Also, many
released inmates of color who need to disclose their parole or probation status
can also face (racial) mistreatment on the job and when others threaten to call
the police on them for invalid or pretextual reasons. It’s important for released inmates
to know about the realities of on-the-job racism and have lawful backup plans
in place to address and manage it. In prison, each race tends to stick with their
own race in the recreation yard or chow hall. For many incarcerated people (of
color), reducing or eliminating conflict between other incarcerated people (of
color) can reduce or prevent any CO involvement and potentially harsher and racially-motivated
disciplinary measures.
8.
Pressure Leaders To Stop Race-Based
Police Brutality
Find
and join any trusted, black and minority-led organizations within your area,
get to know their concerns, and keep up with their actions and suggestions. Reach
out to government representatives regularly, encouraging them to increase
accountability for police brutality, demilitarize the police, and channel funds fairly
towards education, accountability, health care, fair housing, etc., that help
communities for people of color and impoverished minorities who may have socioeconomic
challenges defending themselves in the criminal justice system.
9.
Consider Safely Recording Interactions
That Appear Racist
Your
camera and social media are very powerful tools to contend with racism or what
may appear to be racism during traffic stops and arrests. When you come across what
appears to be a racist interaction, consider recording it, but only from a safe
distance. This may help someone in civil or criminal court to be exonerated. If
it is safe, you can approach calmly and work on resolving the issue with a
gentle disposition and tone keeping in mind that you can still be perceived as
a threat by police. At peaceful and non-violent protests, converse with those
who are physically and unlawfully harmed by the police. Some people eventually decide
to record a racist situation and share it across social media with the consent
of the victim, if possible.
Conclusion
If
you should come across someone being racist towards another man or woman, you may
decide to deliberately support the victim. Simply asking if they are okay, need
help, and/or telling them that what you just saw was wrong can go a long way in
helping. You can offer to report the issue with their consent and offer to provide
supporting statements.
Joining in the fight against oppression, denial of rights, and racism in America and positively can help to improve the justice system and for incarcerated and released inmates. The civil rights movement is still active today where you can participate all in with your commitment and actions for inmates and others.
Read more about racism and incarcerated individuals by clicking on the link below: (Disclaimer: Affiliate Advertising. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.)
References
https://www.census.gov/popclock/
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/PST045221
https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/hidden-consequences-impact-incarceration-dependent-children