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Modern Systemic Inequality

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The Wire: A Look Into Modern Systemic Inequality Michael Tacconi University of Phoenix Soc/100 [The body of your paper uses a half-inch first line indent and is double-spaced. APA style provides for up to five heading levels, shown in the paragraphs that follow. Note that the word Introduction should not be used as an initial heading, as it’s assumed that your paper begins with an introduction.] Poor, urban, black neighborhoods have suffered the effects of high unemployment, poor education, high crime rates, and rampant drug abuse for a long time. While a chunk of society is aware of the issues members of these communities face, there are people that are unaware of the circumstances and might possibly have negative assumptions …show more content…

It is an uphill battle obtaining a job with a criminal record. A study of prisoners by the Urban Institute indicated that eight months after imprisonment, only 65% of those released had found employment at any point, and only 45% were currently employed at the time of the study. These numbers indicate that many of those who leave the prison system are unable to break the cycle of illegal behavior, likely out of necessity. In one scene, Cutty, a reformed drug dealer recently released from prison, pleads to keep his job to his boss, whom recently learned of his criminal past. Despite his punctuality and great work ethic, Cutty loses his job. With hesitation, he rejoins his old gang and returns to his criminal lifestyle. To explain the role of politics in urban inequality, a brief history is in order. As jobs left urban areas as stated above, the Reagan administration reduced the amount of federal aid to city governments. Not the best timing. With unemployment rising, the drug epidemic and homelessness was rising. As discussed earlier, the politics of school funding is flawed and is not built to actually educate but to “get by”. Politicians have long talked to little effect about regenerating the inner city, and increasing opportunity, social mobility, and diversity. Little

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