The article’s central thesis is the legalization of drug possession to eliminate racial discrimination and bias against specific individuals and establish equal rights and opportunities for all country citizens. It is known that, in the United States, there is a trend of frequent arrests of black people for possession of marijuana, almost four times compared to their white “colleagues in the workshop” (McCowan, 2022). Measures taken soon will reduce both the number of crimes and arrests, including creating a stable, effective policy and economy.
Critical racial theory (CRT) contributes to the analysis from the point of view of eliminating injustice concerning the arrests of black people. In contrast, equally white people can also be involved in violations of laws. Nevertheless, the fact that the term “marijuana” is associated by many with the “oppressed category of persons” is unfair and egregious in itself. Moreover, politicians tried to divide America and separate “colored” from “ordinary” citizens in every possible way. It is reasonable to assume that the crimes could have been falsely imposed to incite hatred against African Americans and create the appearance that supposedly blacks are already criminals by nature. In brief, CRT is based primarily on the concept of racial bias and aggressive attitude towards the “oppressed nation.” This information influences the analysis to make it possible to understand the picture of the situation and take adequate measures. The CRT once again allowed one to strengthen the thesis that possession of marijuana should not be a crime.
One should note that the article highlights the policy on decriminalization of cannabis, which could allow some individuals to avoid criminal penalties for possession and distribution of marijuana. Moreover, this process will ensure the removal of criminal records and grant freedom to several people for crimes once committed. At least equally, both black and white citizens can count on the support of the state and its government.
The article calls into question issues about social, political, and cultural values together. Firstly, from the point of view of social phenomena, the text touches on such moments as the decline of morality and discrimination against a particular segment of the population. Secondly, regional conflicts and dilemmas concerning drug legalization can be attributed to political problems in this case. Thirdly, within the cultural values framework, emphasis should be placed on barriers and gaps in the understanding of “good” and “bad” elements for society and an individual.
Reference
McCowan, K. (2022). The legalization of marijuana still doesn’t include everyone. The ARD.