African Americans face numerous problems in today's society. Even with results such as the abolition of slavery and racial segregation. In the 21st century they still face social and political problems. A critical issue facing African Americans is mass incarceration. As a result, the increasing number of them being incarcerated compared to other races and how this contributes to unemployment and leaves a broken family unit. African Americans are incarcerated more than other races. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayAccording to Roberts (2004), in 2002 two million inmates in U.S. jails and prisons outnumbered white and Hispanic men. (436,800) were White men and (235,000) were Hispanic while (586,700) were missing men (Roberts, D., 2004, p. 1274). Even though they are the most incarcerated, they are unlikely to find work once released. Due to the time spent in prison, many of them have lost simple work skills and do not even have the same opportunities to acquire a proper work ethic as others. Inequalities in resources due to criminal records may be caused by stratification systems. “Social stratification is a system of structural inequality in which people receive different amounts of society's valuable resources” (Knudsen, 2018, slide 2). An unequal distribution of resources shaped by social institutions can prevent minorities from providing for their families. While prison becomes common for African American minorities. He has a negative attitude towards those on the outside. Who now have to manage the emotional, financial and economic effects. Children with one or both parents behind bars usually act out and repeat the same patterns as their parents. According to Putnam (2000) “In areas where social capital is lacking, the effects of poverty, adult unemployment and family breakdown are amplified, making life much worse for both children and adults” (Putnam, 2000 , p. 317). In order for African Americans to see change on an issue they face, like mass incarceration, things must change. First, prosecutors should reduce penalties for low-level crimes where appropriate. Their conviction is not expected to send them behind bars for long. Instead, they should find the most reasonable punishment that simply fits the crime. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay According to Anzilotti (2017) “Urban Institute had developed a set of principles that they said should guide decision making in the criminal justice system, including that sentences should be proportionate to the crime, that everyone should be offered meaningful possibility of release”, Anzilotti, E. (2017, 13 July). Secondly, class inequality should be ended. Racism in the criminal justice system is the result of pure discrimination between different racial groups. Especially African Americans. If there is going to be change, it will have to start with how society judges in the criminal justice system. Mass incarceration is just one of the many problems facing African American culture today, but it is critical that we strive for better outcomes. Although it is difficult for African Americans to stand by the government while they are treated unfairly in the justice system and lose their families. They are still American citizens.