Giving a Lifeline to Poor Black Communities

June 4, 2015

 

There is no lack of people who want to reverse the downward spiral in Black communities. Liberals, conservatives, Whites, Blacks, Democrats and Republicans all have the same desire; improve the                quality of life and prospects of people mired in a lifestyle undeserving of any American citizen,           for more than a generation.

Additionally, there is also no lack in the number of programs to address problems in poor and poorly educated communities. Unfortunately, many of these programs have failed, yet remain as the public        is told the 'solution' is spending even more money!

What is missing in the discussion to aid Black communities is the resistance to assimilation, essential  to being competitive in American society.

"Assimilation" can be as simple as "showing up on time" or "properly dressing" for school and work.  It also is "respecting the law" and "behaving civilly" no matter the difficulties.

This brings me to a NY Times op-ed by Duke professor Jerry Hough, that addressed the  problems faced in Black communities. In writing "How Racism Doomed Baltimore" Hough  addressed the  "segregating" patterns, http://nyti.ms/1RXrMIi

Not surprisingly, Hough came under fire for wandering off Duke's reservation, drifting away from the  'canned' conclusions most in academia offer when addressing problems in Black communities.

Hough was publicly criticized for the op-ed. 'The comments were noxious, offensive and have no place  in civil discourse. Duke University has a deeply-held commitment to inclusiveness grounded in respect   for all, and we encourage our community to speak out when they feel that those ideals are challenged or undermined, as they were in this case," stated by Michael Schoenfeld, vice president for public affairs and government relations.

Schoenfeld's criticism of Hough does not advance a long overdue conversation, it muffles it. His view is right in line with most in academia, thoughtful analysis and criticism is verboten in the polite circles of the intellectual set if such remarks makes any disenfranchised group uncomfortable .

So, no matter any gems of wisdom Hough provides, his commentary may only be remembered for the "noxious  and offensive" remarks.

But, I cannot let Hough op-ed piece be buried by Schoenfeld. I want to address the key word, "assimilation"which  Prof. Hough brought center stage in the discussion, a word mentioned now, rather than decades ago.

You will never see topic of "assimilation" included in the Afro-American studies syllabus, yet Blacks are the only group of struggling Americans where it needs to be addressed, despite Schoenfeld's refusal to appreciate it.

The problems in many Black communities goes much deeper and without comparison to others who struggle  even harder we will never be able to distinguish why most are successful, while Black communities continue to fall further behind.

For example, I've yet to hear of newly arrived Asian, Indian or even African students pressured by their peers not to  "act White" by studying as Blacks students are often told.

This is misguided ignorance. Its not 'acting White' to excel academically, its an essential step to achieve success in  chosen careers. This is why so many Asian, Indian and African families come to the United States!

I contend the "assimilation divide" begins in public school. Think of mixed groups of six yr olds. Their behavior  and personalities patterns are similar. Now add ten yrs to their lives. You will often find a noticeable distinction   between the Black children and the other ethnic/race students. In those ten yrs. "something happens", allowing many young Blacks to grow up differently. They develop into adolescence with an edge, a chip on their shoulders  against authority in any form.

Unlike White, Asian and Indian children who are 'left alone', young Blacks are targeted, prime "customers" for the agents who want to bring havoc to American governance. They provide little positive support, merely point   to outside influences to condition developing children's minds to become hardened against civility!

These young impressionable minds are fed a toxic cocktail which they consume as they develop. Its no wonder  they fall well behind others in learning and resistant of assimilation, worsening their opinion of our country.

Academia conveniently points to the "hand they are dealt"; worst poverty than other groups, minimal parenting, and negative influences each day they step out their front door.

But, no matter the causes for the terrible conditions in many Black communities, before we can address any of them, the residents themselves need to believe in American governance.

Without confidence, especially for law enforcement, angry young Blacks will continue to travel a path of self destruction.  This can only be done in the public schools which themselves are failing. Only when voices like Prof.  Hough is allowed to  heard rather than muffled through intimidation will the discussion be seriously addressed.

 

Ajbruno14 gmail.com