The Regrets of a School Dropout -
Thoughts for Larue Campbell et al,
"In the end, all things being equal or not, success in life is a self-selecting process. As individuals we option ourselves in or out, depending largely on the choices we make on our behalf, regardless of externalities. Those who succeed, do so by ‘hook or crook’, against overwhelming odds. Those who fail can always point to the behavior of others, but also with an invisible wink-and-nod to their own complicity. Advantage over the daunting odds is to be found in innumerable places along the way. For the privileged, it can often be purchased, or arrive as a bestowed right, or legacy, of the past. Whether this is fair or not, is a question of moral debate, but unquestionably it remains how the world operates. For the poor masses, advantage almost always comes through education, acquired with determination, and against systems designed to maintain the status quo, despite contrary rhetoric. In all cases, assimilation is the cornerstone, or lever, to achievement of change for the better."
James C. Collier
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I don't think assimilation is the cornerstone at all. I understand the rationale and even respect the logic behind the philosphy, but I think that stereotypes of African Americans, cultural differences, and noticable physical differnces don't allow it. What I think is more important is for African Americans to do away with negative aspects of the culture that prevent achievment and change social norms to those that encourage sucess.
ReplyDeleteI understand that assimilation is a 'dirty' word to many Blacks. However, displacing negative aspects/behaviors/norms, that thwart success, requires us to substitute with behaviors of proven efficacy. And lives are lost with each tick of the clock. Call it whatever you like, but the truth is there are very few new things under the sun, after 50,000 years of evolution. Blacks need to be about doing what is right for themselves, regardless of the inventor. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what you would think of this:
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