What's COLOR got to do with it?

[AKA2D '91]

Do we as African-Americans have to support or patronize businesses, industries, entities, endeavors of other African Americans SOLELY because our skin color is basically the same?

I've seen here on GC where some folks say, yeah I support so and so because it's a black business, has a black owner, etc. etc. Then someone else says, no, I am not going to support this black person because he or she does not represent the "ideas of Black America". Okay, so he or she is not representing "ideas of Black America", but neither is Billy Bob or Suzie Jane. At least something is being presented.

Do we support ALL of Black America? Or do we talk a whole lot of ya ya and constantly complain about what we don't see or how someone portrays a GROUP of us?

Really, does COLOR have anything to do with whatever decisions one makes in regards to spending their ALMIGHTY DOLLAR?

[ClassyLady]

In some instances, yes. When it's something unimportant like a corner store, I'll choose the black business, just because it's black.
But, when it deals with important things, like a doctor, my decision is never based solely on color. I go for the best regardless of where that person is from. I will not put up with subpar service in that respect simply because he's black.
BTW, the only place where I must patronize a black business is when it comes to my hair. No explanation needed!

[ZChi4Life]

I think for the most part, I go by the rule of: if you got it and it's a good price, then I'll buy it. I do try to support OUR peeps, but sometimes it's not all that easy to do that. Where I live, there aren't a lot of black owned shops/stores, etc. I would have to drive to the major city (about 45-60 min away) to get stuff from black owned places. So it's a little inconvenient. I've been trying to support online black businesses though, but I'm not a BIG online shopper really. So I do try to support when I can, otherwise, I'm an equal opportunity shopper

[The Original Ape]

I support my own.

[pointNclick]

I do tend to support BOBS (black owned businesses) that are: 1) legitimate, 2) competitive in price and value, and 3) provide good (not always exceptional) customer service. Especially when it comes to high priced items (jewerly or cars), dining (give me a black chef anyday), and personal treatments (spas and vacations).

However, what I don't do (and I know this is going to sound bad) is go to franchise stores in black neighborhoods. For example, if I want to buy something from a Kmart or Walmart, I will go way out to someplace in the suburbs or the country because: 1) the in store supply is much better, meaning it tends to be fully stocked, 2) the store is neater in appearance, and 3) the service is better.

IMHO

(no dart thowing please)

[This message has been edited by pointNclick (edited June 28, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by pointNclick (edited June 28, 2001).]

[Six_Three_Sigma]

I like one of the sisters above live in a place where there ARE NO black owned businesses (a college town), so I don't have any opportunity to support my own.

I am originally from a big city which has a huge amount of blacks and some black businesses also. I support them to the extent that I am able. One problem that I find with some of our black owned businesses is that the prices for the goods are PROHIBITIVELY expensive. This is particularly true in the case of clothing designed by African-Americans. (For those who say that other designers have expensive stuff also, I don't give them money either because their stuff is too expensive also.)

In short, color does not matter to me. What matters is that I like what you're selling, I appreciate the service, and the affordability of the goods.

Of course, I'd prefer to patronize AA businesses though.

[1 Woman of Virtue]

I support my own as well. But I do think it's interesting that when these discussions take place, many, if not most, Black people say, or feel that "well I tried to have a Black doctor, but I didn't like him/her so I went elsewere" or "I went to a Black grocery store, but they never have what I want, so I go elsewhere."
We often add that disclaimer, that "if the service is bad, then I won't support them". I find that interesting because you'll NEVER hear a Jewish person say "Well, I support my own, but if the service is bad, then I'll look elsewhere." They don't have one bad experience w/ their own people and then decide to buy Asian, cuz the service is better (or, God forbid cheaper)--they move on to the next Jewish salesperson, or doctor, or whatever. But no matter WHAT, they will do their best to find the best among their own. Even if it cost more.

In fact, most other groups do that as well--the Black community is the only community that funds the development of other communities over its own. Claud Anderson's book "Powernomics" does a fantastic job of explaining this. So while many of us argue about why it's alright to not support our own, other communities are flourishing largely because they recognize that philosophy as harmful, and ridiculous. A classic example: A dollar will rotate for 6 days within the White community. It will rotate for 4 hours in the Black community (for those who want the specifics, this info is taken from lectures given by Claud Anderson, and I believe can be found in the aforementioned book).

Granted we have less to choose from as consumers in a Black neighborhood, but even that is largely due to Black folks integrating into other communities--something else that no other oppressed group really does. In fact, most of the behaviors that the Black community engages in when it comes to consumption, are not only harmful to us, but they are beneficial to outsiders. But that's another topic...

[nikki25]

The figures on Black consumption will reveal that the Black dollar stays in the Black community for less than 1 day. We have the spending power of a small nation (just over $500 billion or 27% of total U.S. spending), but spend little of it in our own neiborhoods. So it is clear that we speak a great deal about supporting your own, but is also clear that our actions aren't as committed to our words. Now, from the studies I've reviewed, the only business that Blacks unequivocally support is the hair salon and barber shop.

The figures reflect that NO, color doesn't matter when we spend the green.

As for Nikki's spending, my stylist gets a great deal of my green. Otherwise, I spend wherever my conscience dictates.



[This message has been edited by nikki25 (edited June 28, 2001).]

[bellebeaua]

I am in total support of BOBS. Both of my parents own BOBS, and I will own one too in the near future. Although I am in support of BOBS, I will not provide my patronage if I feel that the services are inadequate. I respect the principle, and feel strongly that it is necessary, however, I am not a fool!

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Anything Worth Doing Is Worth Doing Well

[ENDROAD]

Originally posted by Total Elegance:
The deciding factor on whether I patronize a business depends on product, price, place, promotion, and presentation (Econ 101)....no matter the color.

I agree with Sisterfriend Total Elegance here. By the way Sisterfriend, do you think your boy Chris can hook me up? LMAO

[nikki25]

Originally posted by Total Elegance:
Girl Chris is so good you can come in with two dollars and a Tic Tac and you'll be riding a 2001 Lexus with a $200 a month payment for three years lol.

For a second I was like well dag, I'll go to him right now! I'm in the market for a car too! But seriously, that's really what will make or break your opportunities to continue to have folk patronize your business..WORD OF MOUTH!!!



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I will bless the Lord at ALL times His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Psalms 34:1, KJV)

[Sexy Mocha]

Originally posted by AKA2D '91:
Do we as African-Americans have to support or patronize businesses, industries, entities, endeavors of other African Americans SOLELY because our skin color is basically the same?

NO!

[Poplife]

I think we need to start that mentality, if you want to know the truth.

1 Woman of Virtue: You really need to come by my house. I really think you are my twin in thought. *lol* Aren't you glad you took the red pill?

I live by "Powernomics". Anderson is so truthful that it hurts. I think every black person needs to read that book. But watch out, not everyone is ready for such raw truth and thought. Sometimes I have to put the book down just to figure out how I can swallow what I just read.

Black people make too many excuses. We have gotten too comfortable. We love to lie to ourselves about our status in Amerikkka. We love to tell ourselves that there is nothing wrong with our thought process and reasoning. We love to tell ourselves that we are doing well when if you look at statistics, that is a load of crap.

We need to REALLY start helping each other. I'm talking about that coat donation, soup kitchen, flea market throwing, cash/check/charge donation mess. While that might make you feel good for a little while, how long does that 'help' affect the recipient? How many people have been booted out of their HFH houses because they can't afford the small payment that they have to make each month. I say, why put a slice of bread on someone's plate when you can teach him how to open his own bread store? Oh, but wait! Who's gonna shop there when everybody thinks that the white man across the street sells better bread?!

A serious problem with blacks is that we take the food out of our own mouths when we don't have to. Why is that we chastise when it's unneeded and let the more important things slip? For instance in the Asian Community when someone has a business with terrible service, other Asians basically harass them into getting their act together. When a black person has slow and unprofessional service then we just stop going there. Why? I think most of us don't care if they go down or not. As long as it doesn't affect us, right? Well, let me be the one to break it to ya: IT DOES MATTER.

I support my own every chance I get and will do it 'till the day I die!

No excuses. Only solutions.

[MeezDiscreet]

Originally posted by AKA2D '91:
Do we as African-Americans have to support or patronize businesses, industries, entities, endeavors of other African Americans SOLELY because our skin color is basically the same?

nope! nope! nope!! i support quality. if that means buying black, i will. if it means buying chinese, i will.

[sphinxpoet]

I will support BOB as long as the quality is of resonable standards. Some of these BOBs don't know what the heck they are doing! Roaches in resturants, poor Para (ie Olde Gold looking like yellow I hate that) and other stuff that peterbs me! If you own a BOB your quality of work should always be higher than you non-BOB competitors. That is how we will move in economic forefront.

The Sphinxpoet
A degree in economics(BA)