Now I’m not going to deny that these problems are not things that hold black people down. I’m pretty sure someone can pull up stats that will support each claim. But let’s be real with ourselves. The only reason we ask this question is because there is a lack of respect for black people within society. And by society I mean white and black people in general. Do you realize how easy it is to make a career out of talking bad about black people? Watch any news outlet and I guarantee you that you will you find black and white people who will stay criticizing black people. There are whole conferences built on discussing the problems in black society.
Black and White people are profiting off of this one question, “What’s Wrong with Black People?” The truth is that this question is meant as an attack on poor black people. For some reason, we tend to group all black people together while disregarding that black people are people. People have flaws regardless of what race they are a part of. But due to lack of respect for black people by black and white people, all black people are created equal.
It’s fine to have the discussion. It’s cool to show “tough love” for our own race. But who exactly are we talking to? Who is the audience that we are trying to reach? Are we actually reaching the audience that needs to hear what we are talking about? Those are honest questions that I feel are not being answered in the proper way. When we have these conversations, it seems like the people who need to hear these talks are hardly ever involved. So if the people who need to hear these discussions are not involved, what are we really using that time for? In essence, it seems that we are basically talking bad about poor black people behind their back. And we wonder why the situation hasn't gotten any better.
That’s why I have a problem with the “black people don’t vote” argument. The people who argue that tend to argue that in the presence of black people who vote. What’s the point of telling a person who votes that the problems we are having is because they are not voting? Who are you directing your ire towards? Because if you’re not talking to the people who are meant to hear what you are saying, your argument is not valid.
I believe that the whole point of this conversation is to exercise our belief that white people are universally right. There appears to be a need for black people to be accepted by white people in the sense of how we live. But due to racism that dream will never be fully realized. For some odd reason some of us black people truly believe that social acceptance will come if we fix everything that is wrong in the black community. That train of thought bothers me for this reason. Racism has no respect of person. And why do we feel we need to appease a racist in the first place?
A racist person will still hate you regardless of how perfect your life may appear. You want to know how I know. Because I have still experienced racism despite coming from a family with two parents in the home, a bachelor’s and master’s degree, no criminal record, practicing the right to vote and not sagging my pants. What more can I do to get a racist person to like me? Nothing at all. Do I think all white people are racist? No, and I know that for a fact. Do I think most white people are racist? I don’t believe so. Is racism still alive? I’m quite sure of it. Do black people have the solution to racism? No and that’s a dumb question to ask black people. If we had the answer, don’t you think we would have put that in motion by now? How do you stop someone from hating you for no reason? You might want to ask the people who are doing the hating in the first place.
Black people shouldn't have to live in a culture where everything is our fault. When was the last time someone ask the question, “What’s wrong with white people?” The white community has its fair share of problems. I can’t directly tell you those problems because I’m black and I don’t know their struggle. But I’m pretty sure someone can tell you the issues in the white community. Matter of fact, how often do you here about what is wrong with any other race in comparison to how often you hear what is wrong with the black race? I’m quite sure it is minimal. I find it hard to believe that society has let down every race of people except black people. That doesn't add up to me.
You may ask why I’m writing this piece to begin with. It seems like I have touched on a little bit of everything, but I believe my point is clear though. Stating what is wrong with black people is not helping the situation if you don’t address the problem directly. It’s cool to hold each other accountable, but who exactly are we holding accountable? It’s not right to talk about a particular set of people behind their back. Educated black people don’t have the right to talk down on poor black people in the presence of other educated black people. Matter of fact, no one has that right. If you can’t address the people who need to hear what you saying in a way that is respectful to them, then you are wasting words by telling other people who are not directly related to the problem.