Local Context
Racial disparities in Chicago are contributing to the poverty cycle in low-income minority neighborhoods. For example North Lawndale is ranked number 4 out of 77 communities in the amount of violent crimes reported according to the Chicago Tribune. North Lawndale has had about 83 reported violent crimes in the time span of a month. “North Lawndale also has a poverty rate of 45.2% compared to Chicago’s overall poverty rate of 19.6%.”( North Lawndale, Chicago, IL Employment & Jobs. (n.d.).The high racial disparities in Chicago are contributing to the cycle of poverty because it is difficult to find employment after being incarcerated which then leads to higher crime rates. Higher crime rates means that tax payers have to pay more because prison institutions are already overpopulated as it is and adding more inmates will require more financial assistance to keep the prison functioning. According to the New York Times it costs $167,731 to feed, house and guard each inmate last year, according to a study the Independent Budget Office released this week. “Per-pupil spending for 2010-11 stands at $11,664 statewide, with a handful of districts now spending more than $25,000 per child.” (School spending increases in face of tight economy. (2012, October 31). Chicago Tribune.) An alternative is educating instead of incarcerating which is cheaper and can help spend taxpayers money on other programs. To attack any issue you have to think globally and act locally which means you have to start with the mindset that not only you are suffering from an injustice but that others around the world are suffering from the same injustice. You then begin creating change in your own community where the issue exists and then expand that change.