| Author |
Message |
    
Tonya
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Tonya
Post Number: 5688
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 06, 2007 - 04:39 am: | 
|
BETWEEN THE LINES: Moving Past Black America's 'Talented Tenth'
By Anthony Asadullah Samad
June 5, 2007
*This is the season for cotillions and now botillions, scholarships luncheon and banquets, opportunities for those who have, and those who work for companies who have, send as many students to college as they can-so they say. Or do they?
College has become more competitive as higher education becomes a more prized commodity in the global workforce. Even the once "self-made" man and woman, whose entrepreneurial spirit once shunned education better have an MBA from some top tier "B-school (business school), or have someone working for them that has one in order to compete.
And it is in this season that black professionals and socialites call their scholarship rolls of "their children," who are often second and third generation college attendees (with a few first generation college attendees mixed in) that replicate the legacy tradition of America's elite democracy practices.
This from a people who were 99% illiterate at the point of slavery's abolition in 1865 but 30 years later, in 1895, were arguing the best way to achieve social acceptance, labor proficiency (Booker T. Washington) or intellectual proficiency (W.E.B. DuBois). Forty years after slavery, after the turn of the 20 Century, black folk had stratified into "social classes" and the appearance of "black elites" emerged with DuBois' new "talented tenth" ideology that the top ten percent would lead to other 90% of the race into social acceptance.
Well, 100 years later we're still waiting for that ideology take hold, and what we've witnessed instead in the perpetuation of black elitism and the formation of a black "bourgeoisie" that would just as soon save themselves and leave the masses behind. This is a dangerous mindset as our children need more help now than at any time in our history since the turn of the 20th Century.
The talented ten percent have shrinked to a more exclusive "five-percenters" as college bound black students in the "A" or "B+" range (3.5 grade point average and above) represent just five percent of all black students. Today, a 4.0 (what used to be an A average) will not get a student into some of the top tier universities and colleges in America.
Yet, many of our best and brightest go to college, many with multiple scholarships offers, while the rest end up in community colleges or out of college just because their grades aren't good enough, and more over college is not an affordable endeavor for students not part of the elite tier of scholars. Does that mean those who can should not try to help the rest get into college, or live the 'bourgeoisie" experience?
Have the black elites lost sight of what they could do, and should do, to change the plight of Black America? Some think so. Some think the black bourgeoisie can do more.
This is controversial topic for Black America as the race grapples with economic classism within the race. The wealth gap is greater than ever within the race, and we see a bifurcation unlike ever before within the black community. We live in a "chic society" where exclusivity separates the best from the rest, as VIP rooms, velvet ropes, private clubs and personal bankers insure clique-ish exclusive access to "the good life." There are benefits to accomplishment and success. However, exclusivity doesn't have to translate to elitism. Elite opinion direct how his country rolls while mass opinion keeps from rolling out of control. It's the same in the black community. Success is modeled by where you live, what you drive, what you wear, and the groups you belong too. Whether you are considered part of the "black elite" is centered on whether you are on enough "A list" invitations to be considered "in" or whether you can hang in the most exotic (and decedent) of social affairs. When it comes to community service, charity in some of these groups (I'm not talking about all of them), border tokenism. Scholarships is just one of these areas.
In the 20th Century, it was the black fraternities and sororities, as well as prominent social groups that put up the money for the Brown cases, that endowed black colleges, that opened private schools for black children, that built black hospitals, much of which only a faction is black done today. The talented tenth 100 years ago did more with less money and less numbers than the so-called black elite today. There's something to be said for that. Today, we give less even though college costs more, and fewer give at all beyond their own children's need. We need to stop that.
Many professional black men's monthly "green fees" or "pu**y bills" (lavish expenditures entertaining women who entertain them) are more than what they give in annual scholarships. Professional black woman's monthly "pamper" bill (hair, nails, and massage upkeeps) are more than what they give in annual scholarships. I haven't even factored in "bling" (jewelry) and clothes expenses, or semi-annual trips. Many black folks are doing well, but could learn to do good at the same time. Clearly, the black bourgeoisie could do more. And just to clarify, all black professionals aren't bourgeoisie, but many do engage in elitist behaviors that could be considered "bourgsie" acts. One well known socialite groups held a cotillion for foster girls. It received rave reviews in the community, even though the members were deeply divided on it. Their fear was that it would make them like "common" dealing with "common girls." The black elite's biggest fear is being perceived as common-not doing something good for the community.
Another group brought prom dresses for foster girls and girls from poor families. Another gave $100,000 in scholarships. The 100 Black Men of Los Angeles and its affiliated supporters, through its Young Black Scholars Program, gave over $200,000 in scholarships for this coming academic year. These are significant commitments, but dare I say it-more can be done. For to whom much is given, much is expected.
I'm engaging a couple other exclusive organizations the need to expand our reach beyond the A and B student (a position I've held for 20 years) to help others students see their future by helping them fulfill their academic potential. If we can't see it, they'll never be able to see it. We can all do that. We can encourage others to give more and reach out to more than just their children. They all our children and they deserve the same opportunities as the "well to do." It's time those that have make an effort far beyond what we have done to make a difference. Otherwise, the grassroots community and the generation we, beyond and large, perceive as disconnected from the struggle and from us will see as just a bunch of bourgsie ni**as who made no sacrifices for them. They're all talented. We just have to move past the ten (or five) percent, and reach the masses.
Anthony Asadullah Samad, Ph.D., is a national columnist, managing director of the Urban Issues Forum (www.urbanissuesforum.com) and author of the upcoming book, Saving The Race: Empowerment Through Wisdom. He can be reached at www.AnthonySamad.com
http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur34053.cfm |
Chrishayden
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 4590
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 06, 2007 - 01:08 pm: |
|
This dude is soooooo 20th Century. The Talented Tenth is out for itself, which DuBois finally realized which turned him to Communism and away from American blacks who he realized would never lead the masses of black folks. They are too American.
The Black masses will have to come up with its own leaders. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 8747
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: 
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 06, 2007 - 01:08 pm: |
|
Well, Anthony Asadullah Samad has taken a page from Bill Cosby's book, chiding one class of blacks for not being more responsble. He expects the black bourgeoise to not only finance the education of their own children but to make money available for the less fortunate, downplaying the important role community colleges play in making the leap from high school to college for a lot of kids. So many people were outraged by what Cosby had to say, but they are less indignant about those who blame the middleclass for not uplifting the underclasses even as they dismiss their charitable acts as condescending. Perhaps such criticism is justified, but there's enough responsibility to go around. Maybe if the underclasses would be more responsible in their reproductive habits, they wouldn't have to depend on the black middleclass to be their extended family.
|
Chrishayden
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 4597
Registered: 03-2004
Rating:
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 06, 2007 - 02:03 pm: |
|
So many people were outraged by what Cosby had to say, but they are less indignant about those who blame the middleclass for not uplifting the underclasses even as they dismiss their charitable acts as condescending.
(That ain't me. I don't expect them to do a damn thing. See the Middle to Upper class Negro sees himself in a unique spot--the more OTHER Negroes on the outs the better for him.
Seeing as how most Middle to upper class Negroes are in overseer positions you can see how they'd get this view.
What ticks me off is rather than act like this is true and realizing that their precarious position in America is usually due to some white man's WHIM and being a little humble they want to puff themselves up and talk about their achievements and qualifications. They want to tell somebody how to act when they can't hire them or do anything at all.
What they ought to be telling them is that they can't do a damn thing for them and won't, this is America in the 21st Century--every body for they damn self)
In other words. The Truth.
I won't hold my breath. |
Tonya
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Tonya
Post Number: 5692
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 06, 2007 - 02:35 pm: |
|
It's a shame that all of our "classes" are being defined by the worse and most Ghetto-fab among us. (Is this also the work of the media, hmmm?)
"The Black masses will have to come up with its own leaders."
Totally agree, Chris. I'm wondering if this will ever get through, tho, seriously |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 8749
Registered: 01-2004
Rating:
Votes: 3 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 06, 2007 - 02:59 pm: |
|
If what you 2 believe is true, then it's you critics of the middleclass who are stupid since you expect the middle class to do nothing more than what they are doing; enjoying what little piece of the pie they have been able to acquire through the fruits of their labor. And, as usual, a worse case scenairo has been cited to generalize about the black middleclass, a large population whose members are very varied when it comes to attitude and awareness and giving back. And people who are savvy enough to achieve the ranks of the middle class know that they enjoy their affluence at the behest of the white man but just because they aren't mopes who sit around pretending they don't enjoy the amenties of life doesn't mean that middleclass folks aren't aware of their precarious position. |
Tonya
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Tonya
Post Number: 5693
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 06, 2007 - 03:05 pm: |
|
Cynnique, is that supposed to say "worse" or "worst"? I did the same thing too.
|
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 8751
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 06, 2007 - 03:09 pm: |
|
Well, Tonya, I'll leave it to the imagination of the reader, because the carping chrishayden would certainly have been able to cite a case scenario "worst" than they one that he did. |
Tonya
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Tonya
Post Number: 5697
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: 
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 06, 2007 - 04:32 pm: |
|
That was deep, Chris, and soooo true! Bravo!!
I fucked up and gave the wrong person stars tho. Damn that you can't take them suckers back. LOL! |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 8756
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 06, 2007 - 05:16 pm: |
|
How valid can the kudos of a person who f**ks be? snicker. |
Chrishayden
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 4608
Registered: 03-2004
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 11:20 am: |
|
If what you 2 believe is true, then it's you critics of the middleclass who are stupid since you expect the middle class to do nothing more than what they are doing; enjoying what little piece of the pie they have been able to acquire through the fruits of their labor.
(You can never stay on point. It is those cheap FW Woolworth glasses you get out the dime store. Do yourself and favor and get a prescription.
I will spell it out for you again. I will not begrudge them their right to enjoyment. Life is short. You gotta get all the gusto you can.
It is their presuming they can tell the lower class anything when--if they have been sucessfully middle class for any time--they have no idea of what is going on in poor areas these days.
"Dey is po' cuz dey ain't woikin' hard lah'k me" the fat sacks of shit say as they slap their bellies. Then they next day the man comes in and terminates them and they are poor.
Our middle class is not like a white middle class--they are mostly salaried workers and one paycheck away from disaster--
They sit up and act like they own thriving businesses and are independently wealthy and have been for several generations--
Our middle class is like those black wall street janitors who used to wear Brooks Brothers suits and carry their overalls in their attache cases
They are sick, deluded and their only outlet is to attack those beneath them--and black ones, at that.
You never hear these people lecturing the white underclass. This is America. Don't you have some advice for them?
Haw! |
Chrishayden
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 4609
Registered: 03-2004
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 11:24 am: |
|
You and yours are a fucking JOKE Cynique! These kids don't listen to you tellling them to pull up their pants and turn their caps around because YOU AIN'T GOT A JOB FOR THEM.
You ain't going to hire them. The rap ain't even, "Pull up your pants and turn your cap around and go down there to Scullin Steel on 14th Street and they'll hire you."
It ain't nothing. These kids know, like we didn't that Money Talks and Bullshit Walks and they say, like we would have if we hadn't been such little automatons, "If you ain't got no money for me get the f**k up out of my face!"
Respect?
What have you done to deserve their respect?
Do you give them respect? |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 8767
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 12:54 pm: |
|
It takes you 2 long-ass posts to try and exonerate yourself from your stupidity. And you still failed. Talk about somebody not being on point; nothing you said was relevant to my exposing you for the brain dead fool that you are. You go all off on tangents talking about something I have never said and you have to try and label me as a "type" because then you can can recite the patented rheotric that keeps you from dealing with reality. You're not even a joke because you're not funny. You're pitiful. |
Ntfs_encryption
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Ntfs_encryption
Post Number: 2237
Registered: 10-2005
Rating:
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 05:46 pm: |
|
”If what you 2 believe is true, then it's you critics of the middleclass who are stupid since you expect the middle class to do nothing more than what they are doing; enjoying what little piece of the pie they have been able to acquire through the fruits of their labor.”
This is so true. But unfortunately, a depressing number of Negroes suffer from a very virulent form of the entitlement and victimization virus. They somehow have convinced themselves, that all the misfortunes and lack of material acquisitions in their lives, is the direct work of someone other than themselves –either it be the white man or their favorite whipping post, the black middle class. Everything and everyone owes them something.
The idea that they have free will and the freedom to do what they want, does not exist. Instead, the tired coon culture excuse making and finger pointing is preferable. A good friend of mine and I were talking last night about the public high school we went to and how it has greatly changed (for the worse!). We discussed how the black kids we went to school with were just as poor as we were and had nothing more than ambition and goals. Some went to MIT, Princeton, Annapolis, Ohio State, Oberlin, West Point while others went to work for GM, became teachers or policemen or sought other forms of employment. But all are now married with families, own homes, have careers, never been arrested or imprisoned, no crack heads, did not end up with four out of wed lock children by their 22and birthday and all are doing very well for themselves. We all came from poor and working class backgrounds. And most of all, none believed that anyone ever owed them anything. Just the complete opposite of contemporary Negrodom.
Whiny self doubting paranoid Negroes are always carping and belly aching as to why someone else, be it other black people who made better choices than they did or the evil white man, owes them something. I guess it much easier for Negroes to demonize and call other people acerbic names for their own personal failures and poor decision making. It’s depressing…
|
|
Email This Page