I read in my health book that most criminals have a low level of education, come from a one parent home, and are unemployed. Many African Americans come from poor urban areas where they are more likely to come from a low socio-economic family. This could lead to more African Americans committing crimes for a variety of reasons. I'm not saying that there isn't any racial biases in the proportions of African Americans and Hispanics, but this could be one reason there are more of them in jail.

I also think, like the article stated, that some police or law enforcement officers do look more closely at blacks and treat them more harshly. Maybe it's the way the police was brought up to be racist. How can be make sure everyone is being treated fairly?

Ashley, I also believe that there is a link between coming from a low socio-economic status and the crime rate. Without an education alot of the people from a low socio-economic ,I'm sure, feel that they have little choice and they are more out to engage in illegal activites in order to survive.

Sure it is a great connection that crime rates have to do with economic standing, BUT did we not learn in class that whites are among the highest racial standing when it comes to poverty? What does that say about our law enforcement and judical system?

Hi:

I wanted to respond to Emily, in particular, and explain that while there are more total white people living in poverty, the white poverty rate is lower than is the rate for people of color. For example:
White poverty rate: 8 percent
Black poverty rate: 24.1 percent

If you'd like to look at very detailed breakdowns on these numbers, go to
http://www.census.gov/hhes/poverty/pove ... able5.html
for the current census data.

"Out of more than 1.9 million (1,976,019) people in jail in the United States, more than 1.2 million (1,239,946) are Black or Latino. The two groups make up 63 percent of the jailed population, while they only make up 25 percent of the American population."
This does not directly relate to the classroom but it this makes me think about the issue of the death penalty. If these numbers are this skewed based upon race or ethnicity, is the death penalty just? I admit I have never been in support of the death penalty, so I am somewhat biased, but how can we possibly put someone to death when we know that our justice system is far from fair.
Also, didn't the US stop using the death penalty for a while becasue it was obvious that more far more minorities were being executed than anyone else???