A Calculus of Race and Death?

A Calculus of Race and Death? - Washington Post

It is distressing to hear Black leaders accuse authorities of devaluing Black victims of crime, while at the same time lamenting the plight and disproportion of Black males in prison. This would seem to put authorities in a Catch-22 situation.

If law enforcement vigorously pursues the perpetrators of criminal acts against Blacks, then more Black males end up in prison, as male-dominated Black-on-Black crime is statistically disproportionate. In turn, once the disproportion in crime is translated into incarceration rates, they are accused of racism in prosecution and punishment. It is a no-win situation.

If Blacks want authorities to act aggressively for their protection, they must accept that the likely result is more Black males in prison. If Blacks want fewer of their group incarcerated, they must reach back to early childhood and education where so many first get off the right track.

James C. Collier

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