The War on Drugs: A Tool of White Supremacy in Systemic Oppression of Black Communities

Written By Charles Bolling

The war on drugs in the United States, ostensibly aimed at combating drug abuse, has been a pervasive force in the systemic institutionalization of Black individuals. This essay explores the roots of the war on drugs, its connection to the incarceration rates of Black Americans, the resurgence of forms of slave labor through its policies, and the subsequent exacerbation of the economic wealth gap within Black communities.

The genesis of the war on drugs can be traced back to President Richard Nixon, who employed it as a strategic tool against two perceived enemies: the antiwar left and Black Americans. John Ehrlichman, a key figure in Nixon's administration, admitted that the administration sought to associate marijuana with the antiwar left and heroin with the Black community. By criminalizing both substances heavily, the government aimed to disrupt these communities, leading to the arrest of leaders, raids on homes, and the vilification of these groups in the media. This deliberate manipulation perpetuated the systemic institutionalization of Black individuals within the criminal justice system.

The consequences of Nixon's strategy are evident in the staggering incarceration rates among Black Americans. Despite constituting only 13% of the population, Black individuals account for almost 40% of the incarcerated population. This stark disproportionality reflects the systemic targeting and unjust imprisonment of Black citizens, perpetuating cycles of poverty, broken families, and limited opportunities.

The 13th Amendment, while abolishing slavery, included a clause that allowed for involuntary servitude as a punishment for a crime. This legal loophole provided the framework for the resurrection of slave labor within the prison system. As a result, incarcerated individuals, disproportionately Black, found themselves working for nominal wages or, in some cases, for free.

The labor extracted from incarcerated individuals has become the backbone of capitalism, as corporations benefit from cheap and exploitative prison labor. This modern-day form of indentured servitude not only perpetuates the historical exploitation of Black labor but also contributes to the widening economic disparities within the Black community.

The war on drugs has played a pivotal role in deepening the economic wealth gap for Black Americans. The disproportionate incarceration rates and the exploitation of prison labor contribute to a cycle of economic disenfranchisement. Limited access to education, employment, and housing opportunities further exacerbates the struggles faced by Black individuals released from prison, hindering their ability to break free from the cycle of poverty.

In conclusion, the war on drugs in the United States has been a powerful tool of white supremacy, leading to the systemic institutionalization of Black individuals, the resurgence of forms of slave labor, and the exacerbation of the economic wealth gap within Black communities. Recognizing the roots of this issue is crucial in dismantling systemic oppression and working towards a more just and equitable society.

Charles Bolling
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