Summary
The American prison system has a high incarceration rate, with most of the individuals in reformatory facilities. However, it is impaired by discrimination and disproportionation, with Blacks and Latinos being the most affected groups. The statistics described in the article “The Contribution of Prisons and Jails to US Racial Disparities During COVID-19” show that one in three Blacks and one in six Latinos demonstrate the possibility of going to jail in their lifetime. Following the analysis, one of the leading perpetrators of racial disparities in the United States is mass imprisonment. The statistics indicate that as of October 2020, more than 10% of the inmates were infected by a coronavirus, and a substantial number died from the same. There are equally more racial disparities in the testing and treatment of the virus, and the movement of convicts in and out of jails further increases the risk of infections.
Reflection
The USA showcases persistent racial disparities, especially in the healthcare system. The discriminatory regime has lasted from systemic inequality within essential systems, such as health, housing, economic opportunities, and incentives. A similar trend is evident in the reaction toward the novel coronavirus pandemic. A significant number of Blacks and Latinos have been remarkably affected by the ongoing pandemic. They have been infected with COVID-19, and there are several cases of fatalities, which raises concerns. The conviction and jailing system is biased against the Blacks, and similar practices are followed in prison. The testing and treatment procedures are filled with inequalities where whites are given priority.
References
Nowotny, Kathryn M., Zinzi Bailey, and Lauren Brinkley-Rubinstein. “The Contribution of Prisons and Jails to US Racial Disparities During COVID-19.” (2021): 197-199.
Bowen, Andrew G., Robert A. Tessler, Deirdre Bowen, Miriam J. Haviland, Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, and Frederick P. Rivara. “The American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) from the American Public Health Association (APHA) Publications.” American Public Health Association (APHA) Publications. n.d. Web.