NCJ Number
172142
Journal
American Jails Volume: 11 Issue: 3 Dated: (July-August 1997) Pages: 61-62
Date Published
1997
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Discussions between black inmates and the Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff Department in New Orleans, La. gathered information on the attitudes of African-American inmates, with emphasis on how family issues and racism affect minority youth development, their attitudes, and the chance of later criminality.
Abstract
Results revealed that the family is the core of the problem in that an inmate's attitude begins at home. However, positive support of the family and nurturance by family members, the use of effective developmental methods, and the contributions of values and morals by family members and the community have all but disintegrated. The instability within the family structure is compounded by dependence on external factors, marginalization, problematic family relationships, and inconsistent development and support of African American children. The majority of young black males who are incarcerated will be vulnerable to a life of crime due to racism; racism is the integral and most challenging critical issue facing jail inmates who are young black males. The African American males declare that they are the neglected underclass and will consistently be the scapegoat as the reason for the country's problems. They appear to be separated from the mainstream and will remain to reproduce themselves; the result will be another generation of an isolated group whose standards support the many self-destructive behaviors of African American inmates. Lack of positive male role models in the home and the problematic relationship between the single parent and the youth is also a significant aspect of the instability of the family structure. To enhance growth and development, African Americans need first to assist each other, although some successful members of the community ignore their community and do not contribute anything to it. Photograph