The first step to repairing the disarray in our society is to identify what needs to be changed. Hill’s writing makes it clear that there are a variety of issues we should take notice of, but the egregious treatment of the disadvantaged and impoverished is clearly an incredibly significant issue. Now that we’ve identified places that need help society should have a responsibility to adequately spread their resources to help those in need. Police brutality and relations between the black community has also continued to be an issue that needs to be addressed if we want to start helping these vulnerable populations. First and foremost I think police should have more training and more severe punishments for violent infractions against civilians. Before any relations in the community will change people have to see the violent behavior end and be able to trust law enforcement officers.
In terms of our drug laws and the congested criminal justice system, I find it extremely difficult to justify keeping some archaic anti-drug laws that are used to convict mostly black males. Laws that criminalize small amounts of marijuana are often used to persecute disadvantaged populations which we see on a daily basis in our justice system. The draconian, inflexible laws that were used to protect citizens are now often used to continue the cycle of poverty and crime in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Arrests for small amounts of drugs should not be prosecuted as harsh felonies; rather, I think jail is meant for dangerous and violent criminals. Laws need to be reviewed to catch up to the times and the thousands of non-violent criminals incarcerated for small drug infractions should be released. Incarceration itself should be a rehabilitative process and but for violent offenders (incarcerated for life) it should focus on how to help people return to society to become a successful citizen.
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