While trying to avoid the trap of race essentialism and acknowledge the diversity of black experience, it feels like these metrics point in a direction that suggests disadvantage for black and latino people, while also showing improvement over time (e.g. life expectancy). Is it a mirage? Are there flames behind the smoke?
I don't know, and I can't care to explain. Are Baptists poorer than Episcopalians? If they worship the same god, why would he allow a difference?
Seriously, I do not believe that racism is the biggest problem facing black Americans. It's just a social skill deficit in our country, like the inability to do algebra or speak French. And I'm not suggesting that the government funds Kumon & Berlitz at the national level, but that those with skill and awareness stay alert to the defects around you. At Free Black Thought, I do the race thing because our very universities have become zones of pathetic ignorance and cowardice. I am indeed fighting for my PhD buddies. Still, I see that as part of the larger effort to re-ignite the promise of Western civilization amidst the current decay and confusion. I don't want stupid to crowd out smart. Yet I know there is money and political power in dumbing down society.
My first instinct was to snap at you when I was reading email in bed. I still haven't had my tea. Apologies. But here is a more patient explanation of my attitude if you haven't read it already. ( https://mdcbowen.substack.com/p/the-existential-dilemma-of-black )
Its still garden variety 2D mostly, but here are some charts of various disparities among races:
1) Prison populations:
https://www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/beyondthecount.html#demographics
This site has datasets available, and there is information state by state.
2) life expectancy gap between black and white Americans, but its improving, and it could be eliminated ~2035
https://spia.princeton.edu/news/life-expectancy-gap-between-black-and-white-americans-closes-nearly-50-30-years
3) racial wealth gap, along with home ownership
https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/notes/feds-notes/disparities-in-wealth-by-race-and-ethnicity-in-the-2019-survey-of-consumer-finances-20200928.htm
While trying to avoid the trap of race essentialism and acknowledge the diversity of black experience, it feels like these metrics point in a direction that suggests disadvantage for black and latino people, while also showing improvement over time (e.g. life expectancy). Is it a mirage? Are there flames behind the smoke?
I don't know, and I can't care to explain. Are Baptists poorer than Episcopalians? If they worship the same god, why would he allow a difference?
Seriously, I do not believe that racism is the biggest problem facing black Americans. It's just a social skill deficit in our country, like the inability to do algebra or speak French. And I'm not suggesting that the government funds Kumon & Berlitz at the national level, but that those with skill and awareness stay alert to the defects around you. At Free Black Thought, I do the race thing because our very universities have become zones of pathetic ignorance and cowardice. I am indeed fighting for my PhD buddies. Still, I see that as part of the larger effort to re-ignite the promise of Western civilization amidst the current decay and confusion. I don't want stupid to crowd out smart. Yet I know there is money and political power in dumbing down society.
My first instinct was to snap at you when I was reading email in bed. I still haven't had my tea. Apologies. But here is a more patient explanation of my attitude if you haven't read it already. ( https://mdcbowen.substack.com/p/the-existential-dilemma-of-black )