In a nation where equality is touted, image is everything. So much of what we believe to be true is the façade we present. We skew the numbers, present the "facts"; we forget that "facts" are the fiction we tell ourselves so that we may secure an altruistic sense of self. We have never been a
colorblind society though we tell ourselves we are. America has never been a
"melting pot" of races and ethnicities. However, we claim this righteous position. The United States slams other nations for
ethnic cleansing; yet subtlety, we do the same.
Erik Eckholm of the New York Times reports the "Plight Deepens for Black Men, Studies Warn". In this article the journalist points to studies that look beyond the glowing employment rates the administration offers as proof of how life is good and improving for all, even Black men.
Numerous studies, undertaken at various Universities,
Columbia, Princeton, and
Harvard demonstrate that in our nation's urban hubs, finishing high school is a rare occurrence. Finding work in a legal or professional trade is the exception and not the rule. Staying out of prison is nearly unthinkable. Though crime rates are falling, the jails are filled with young Black men.
Though this data is not necessarily novel, and is merely information that has long been ignored in practice, the recent findings give reason for pause, or at least, I hope it does. Experts see the situation as far more startling than imagined. Ronald B. Mincy, professor of social work at Columbia University and editor of "Black Males Left Behind" (Urban Institute Press, 2006) stated, "There's something very different happening with young black men, and it's something we can no longer ignore. The professor continues, "Over the last two decades, the economy did great and low-skilled women, helped by public policy, latched onto it. But young black men were falling farther back."
As reported in the New York Times, and other publications, the three studies reveal . . .
- The number of young black men without jobs climbs steadily. During the economic boom of the late 1990s, the figures seemed to plateau; however, that pause was temporary.
- In 2000, 65 percent of black males high school dropouts in their 20s, were without jobs. Some of these were not able to find work, others were not seeking employment; many were in prison.
- Only four years later, this group grew to 72 percent. This contrasts greatly with those of other races and ethnicities. Among Whites, 34 percent of those that did not complete secondary school, and 19 percent of Hispanic who had left school before receiving a diploma, were jobless.
- When high school graduates were included in the statistics, still, half of the Black men in their 20's were unemployed in 2004. This is an increase of 4 percent in four short years. In 2000, the percentage of jobless Black men was 46 percent.
- Imprisonment of Black men rose in the 1990's. In 2006, the numbers are reached historically high. In 1995, 16 percent of Black men in their twenties, if not attending college were in jail or prison; by 2004, 21 percent were incarcerated. By the time Black men reach their mid-30's, 6 in 10 who had dropped out of school had spent time in prison.
- In the urban regions, more than half of all black men do not finish high school.
You may wish to read . . .
Evidence shows that, contrary to the beliefs of noted
Negro Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, Black men are not free to move forward. Society does not treat these persons as equals; much needs to be done to address their sober plight. However, will any action be taken?
There are those such as Judge Thomas that do not believe programs such as Affirmative Action have been helpful, though historically, at least for this Justice, it has been. Nevertheless. Society is following Thomas's lead as it moves away from assistance for Black men and instead promotes a belief that all is well. The spoken rhetoric is America is an egalitarian society.
Are we? In this treatise, I might continue on, writing of the specifics of the studies; however, as I reflect upon this state of affairs I am reminded of personal stories. I am choosing to reveal these to you dear reader, and ask you to assess for yourselves.
In recent months, I have written little. I moved across the country and purchased a home. I renovated. Much needed to be done and I wanted to do it before time passed me by. I was ensconced in my home with contractors, one right after another. I learned much from these many men and I wish to tell you some of their tales.
Tony, a tall and muscular Black man, is a wonder, with many wonderful anecdotes. Some of these provide insight into the life of a Black man. Tony holds down more than one job and has for years. He is well read and informed. He worked on installing my floors for weeks, daily. He was here six days a week from early morning until just after dusk. Yes, he was in my house, used my bathroom, laughed with me, talked with me, taught me, and we mutually enjoyed. Apparently, our interaction was not the "norm." His exchanges with white people are often tenuous, only because he is a man of color. In other words, before experiencing this interesting man as a person, many decided to shun him because of the color of his skin.
On many occasions, Tony drove up to a home, in a truck marked with the local appliance store logo on the front, sides and back of the van. He was scheduled to deliver and install a house full of domestic machinery. Arrangements had been made well in advance at the time of sale. The homeowners purchased their wares and wanted them put in. However, when they saw Tony step from the truck, drapes were drawn. Doorbells were not answered and telephone calls were made. "Please reschedule my delivery, but bring no Black men."
At times, Tony was allowed to deliver the merchandise; however, he was forbidden from placing them in the house. One man asked that the goods be left in the driveway. Tony did so. Following business policy, Tony requested a signature from the homeowner, verifying that he took possession of the appliances. Tony handed the man the clipboard with the paperwork attached. He offered the resident his pen. The man froze. He looked at the pen Tony extended and refused it. The customer then went in the house, retrieved his own and then signed. When passing the board back to Tony, he hesitated. It seemed he did not want even the slightest physical contact; dare the white skin touch that of the Black.
Tony was trained to transport and fit the fixtures; however, his knowledge was refused, ignored, unwanted. Why, merely because he is Black. Tony has been on many a job where he is "allowed" to work; yet he knows, he dare not speak. I could wonder if Tony is only one man, I know he is not. I have heard stories from many a Black man, too many to share here. In quiet moments they all express fears of "Driving while Black," looking at a white woman, being fired for the most minor "infraction", or even looking as though they are one of "US", a United States citizen, comfortable in his skin, and proclaiming his rights.
Betsy L. Angert Be-Think