Figures such as those given above — enforce racist attitudes within society, creating a poor public image of young African American men. Furthermore, the institutionalization of young African American males in their most productive years perpetuates poverty among the African American culture and gives these young men an “education” in the prison subculture. With such a great number of African American men involved in the criminal justice system, few are left in the work force to support their families.
Young African American Men and the Criminal Justice System in California