CNNs Black in America w/ Soledad O'brien: July 19-27

[TruGRITS]

i understand what ChristianGirl is saying about being more solution-focused, but at the same time, in order for us to find and/or create efficient and effective solutions, we have to understand the sources of our problems. If you cut a weed above ground, it will cease to be an eye-sore temporarily, but surely it will return. The only way to get rid of it permanently is to remove the roots. We can't be expected to fix problems if we don't completely understand why the problems arise in the first place. And I believe that there is so much finger-pointing and excuse-making during the solution-finding process that it makes it difficult for us as a people to move forward.

Plus, there is so much disunity within our own race - between socioeconomic , educational, and ideological lines - that we run into issues with communicating amongst ourselves. So even when we do find solutions and try to implement programs to improve the community, many times, the people who could benefit from it the most are either unaware or don't take advantage of the opportunities.

It's sometimes difficult to see progress, but it is happening. We just need a hell of a lot more...

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by TruGRITS

the people who could benefit from it the most are either unaware or don't take advantage of the opportunities.

This is not because of disunity in the black community.

Blacks' condition should be placed in the larger social context of social problems. We are disproportionately impacted by certain social problems but we can not understand black community ills without understanding general social ills. To that extent, people keep talking about black unity being lacking but it really isn't lacking when we change our expectations of it. The dynamics of our community have changed with the changes in the society in which we have assimilated and acculturated. Generations ago when blacks had less social mobility and entrance into predominantly white social institutions, we needed to seem more monothilic and unified at a more national level--even needing to have "black leaders." We don't need that as much anymore because race still has a huge impact but it is also interacting with gender, social class, and other social factors to influence our life chances. There are a lot of issues to be addressed and there will be fragmentation. So folks who are waiting for some kind of "black people in America movement" will be forever waiting.

ETA: Now, the "crabs in the barrel mentality" that many people talk about is not just about black unity. That's about an individualistic mindset in an individualistic society, eventhough America talks about fostering a sense of nationalism and family values. The reason why the "crabs in the barrel mentality" resonates with blacks is because many blacks haven't learned that getting ahead in a competitive environment "like the white folks do" has always required networking, nepotism, and all that other stuff. So mixing the individualism with social capital is something that many blacks haven't been taught and haven't been exposed to.

[christiangirl]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

I don't know what environments that you all exist in...

The tragically apathetic kind. I've only had one time in my life where I was blessed enough to be around lots of socially proactive AA persons. I miss that greatly. I'm really excited for this convention I'm going to this week (The Association of Black Psychologists) because the discussions and forums slated sound absolutely tantalizing.

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

Are people waiting for a town hall meeting/CNN special format or for some widely publicized efforts?

The revolution will not be televised! It was true when Heron said it and it's still true now.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by christiangirl

The revolution will not be televised! It was true when Heron said it and it's still true now.

Yes, so black folks need not put all of our eggs in CNN's basket. Or Obama's basket. Especially Obama's basket.

There isn't ONE "black community solution" or ONE "black community deliverer."

(I'm talking secularly.)

[laylo]

There is no reason to feel failed by the "collective". Black people are not some force in the sky that is failing to come down and sweep us all up. Chances are that your feelings of nonfulfillment by efforts toward progress can be alleviated by you doing something. I actually get pretty overwhelmed by having to narrow down all of the efforts I want to get involved in to just a manageable amount.