(ThyBlackMan.com) The truth is that the most effective way to avoid incarceration is to not participate in crimes and illegal activity. I understand the argument about drugs and the implications on the black community, but knowing all of that, why is it we continue to commit crimes? Not all of the incarcerated black men (or women) are addicts or drug abusers. The majority of them are there for possession, distribution, burglary or homicide in defense of the drug trade.
These peddlers of poison in our community do not deserve yet another excuse or explanation of their behavior and deeds. The truth is greed is 
their motivator. Greed, force and the thrill of violence. I am really fed up with folks thinking that the so-called War on Drugs is the ‘real’ cause of all of this. What happens to common sense? If you know the U.S. justice system is unfair towards you, why does your black ass continue to give them opportunities to jam you up?
Many people are calling for a revolution. But this revolution needs to be mental as well as political. We need to educate and inspire our people to really take pride in themselves beyond wearing dreads or throwing up the black power symbol. Glorifying the ‘gangsta’ lifestyle and all of the immediate trappings of immediate gratification and conspicuous consumption just feeds this brainwashing to our youth.
The prison complex will continue to make money off us if we don’t have some kind of cosmic shift in our mindsets about money and power. It amazes me that some of the more prolific criminal minds don’t take equal pleasure making money and acquiring power in legal ways. If you really want to strut your stuff, level the playing field in spite of your disadvantages and background. Take that business savvy and all that energy formerly used to support your illegal activities and put them to more productive use. And be a benefit to your community. Not a detriment.
It’s ridiculous that we continue to attempt to blame others, defend our own wrongs and try to rationalize/justify crimes committed by and against our community. A friend raised a good question: do we not know the difference between right and wrong? I think the other question is ‘do we care?’ This formula has not worked for us in all these years. What’s the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing and expecting a different result. Okayyyyy…..
I am so tired of the blame game when it comes to the plight of our people. I am one of the most liberal people you will meet, but I am also a straight shooter who was always taught to tell it like it is and be honest about yourself. Yes, there are a lot of mitigating factors on why poor and minority and formerly oppressed people find themselves in the lowest part of society. But at some point, we really do need to overcome. Let’s start with overcoming the self-denial. Let’s start with overcoming the need to self-destruct. Tough, productive, pro-active love, ya’ll. That’s what we need.
Until we stop, just simply refuse, to continue down this path of self-destruction we will forever flood the prison gates.
Staff Writer; Emma M. Turner
