Prisons all over the country are starting to feel the pressure now more than ever. Why? Primarily, because prisons are becoming overcrowded with inmates. Many of whom are people of color. This is happening primarily because of the profit many corporations gain from high incarceration rates. The prison-industrial complex incorporates this notion that politicians' "tough on crime" ideology is simply racially profiling and targeting people of color and throwing them in prison for long sentences. The media also plays a large role in criminalizing people of color. It has been said several times that the media can make the innocent guilty and the guilty innocent. The Prison-Industrial Complex is a big deal because it is ultimately racism, hidden in politics. Paying attention to this growing problem can allow us to make smarter decisions when supporting certain corporations who profit from these prisons, as well as understanding the masked racism behind this ideology.
Imprisonment is no longer a last resort for so-called criminal activity but has most recently become the only resort. Rather than taking the time to understand the mind of individuals who participate in criminal activity and helping to break reoccurring cycles, the criminal justice system is quick to criminalize these individuals, thus failing to realize that, in reality, these acts are just cries for help. Typically, when a person commits a crime, it is because some crime has been committed to them. There is something from their past that haunts their present and, ultimately, their future. However, no one takes the time to consider this. Crimes such as domestic violence, drug abuse, and theft are not looked into as actual mental illnesses that could illicit this type of behavior but just as a wrongdoing that must be punished.
The fact of the matter is that more commonly are people of color growing up in impoverished areas that are targeted to be convicted of such crimes. They are considered weak because they have no power to defend themselves against the injustices being thrown their way. Making it easier to throw them in jail and throw away the key. According to the Center of American Progress, African-Americans make up 13 percent of the overall U.S. population, 40 percent of which are incarcerated. Latinos make up 16 percent of the overall U.S. population, 19 percent of which are incarcerated. Now compare that information to their white counterparts, where 64 percent make up the overall U.S. population and only 39 percent are incarcerated.
Ultimately, people of color make up over 60 percent of the United State's prison population.
The bad thing about this prison-industrial complex is not simply that it is a blatantly racist institution, but also that it is extremely expensive and is costing American citizens hundreds of dollars every year. According to former President Obama at a 2015 NAACP conference, the United States spends an estimate of $80 billion a year (or $260 per U.S. resident) on imprisonment. American taxpayers are paying for everything from prison employee benefits to inmate healthcare. And as the prison population goes up, so does the price we pay.
Ultimately, there are many factors that go into what the prison-industrial complex actually is and what role it has in our society and government. However, educating yourself on just the little things can help promote putting an end to the criminalization of minorities and the disadvantaged. It can also promote the need for criminal justice reform in today's age and time. To learn more about the prison-industrial complex check out the Colored Lines article, Masked Racism: Reflections on the Prison Industrial Complex.
