Down and Out: Single fact explains why black Americans have a hard time climbing the economic ladder

Slate ^ | April 3, 2014 | Jamelle Bouie

[2ndDivisionVet]

“We didn’t run from where we grew up. We aren’t afraid to be associated with the people who came up with us.”

That’s Richard Sherman of the Seattle Seahawks writing in defense of his friend, DeSean Jackson, who was cut from the Philadelphia Eagles amid reports of gang ties. Sherman isn’t trying to litigate the allegations or exonerate Jackson—he doesn’t know the details. But he doesn’t think it’s wrong for Jackson to associate with the men from his childhood.

And why would it be? Yes, some of them have criminal records—and for some, that includes gang activity—but leaving home is hard, and the social distance of wealth makes it even harder. As Sherman writes, “In desperate times for people who come from desperate communities, your friends become your family. I wouldn’t expect DeSean to ‘distance himself’ from anybody, as so many people suggest pro athletes ought to do despite having no understanding of what that means.”

I don’t know if Sherman sees it or not—my hunch is that he does—but in a few sentences, he’s put his finger on the pulse of something overlooked in our discussions of poverty and economic mobility as they relate to black Americans: neighborhood. Sherman’s experience of being pulled back to a poor neighborhood, even as he accumulates wealth, is common among blacks.

The difference for ordinary black Americans, as opposed to NFL stars, is that this has been a powerful driver of downward mobility. Just a quick comparison of black and white neighborhoods is enough to illustrate the particular challenges that face black families as they reach for middle class, or try to keep their position....

[Steely Tom]

Very few Black families visible in interstate rest stops, at least in the northeast. A few truckers, older guys.

I’ve always wondered why.

[KarlInOhio]

I had heard that one of the complaints was that whenever black families got some money, they moved out of the 'hood and thus never served as good role models for the families still there. Apparently, this study says the problem is that they don't move out fast enough to separate themselves and their children from bad influences still there.

[Chode]

if they move to a better neighborhood they are just another person with nobody to impress since everybody in the neighborhood is of the relatively same economic situation(little fish in a big pond) where if they stay in/near the hood they can flash their wealth to their old friends(big fish in a little pond)

gotta flash da cash so to speak...

[kaehurowing]

Ghetto mindset?

[Jonty30]

That’s why it’s important to choose your friends wisely. They are more likely to influence you than you are to influence them.

[who_would_fardels_bear]

Seventeen Washingtons AND a def tarantula shadow puppet.

Now THAT is as gangsta as it gets!

[Chode]

yup. he bad...

[TigersEye]

IOWs the only thing holding them back are their own choices.

[Kickass Conservative]

I have always been amazed how the Vietnamese came here with nothing back in the 70’s and have become a driving Economic force, at least here in Orange County, CA.

They stuck together as Families, with everyone doing whatever was necessary to improve their lives. They overcame the Language Barrier and they made sure their Children worked hard and got a College Education.

In one Generation they overcame so much, yet we have an entire segment of the Population that has gone the opposite direction the more the Government has tried to “help” them.
The price of Liberal White Guilt knows no bounds.

Failure upon failure, yet we end with an Obama, amazing.

[Michael.SF.]

Single fact explains why black Americans have a hard time climbing the economic ladder

[RginTN]

the black family used to be like that til they embraced liberlism in the 60s and self destructed.

[crazyhorse691]

That has been my experience with the refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. I worried most about the Hmong, but, they have seemed to somehow become overachievers also. Those hillbillies have done a far better job of acclimatizing to a new culture than certain other demographics have done. Ahem.

[dr_lew]

OK, I give up. Sounds like, “[ something ] a bunch of bull.”

[Michael.SF.]

He says:"Ah, that's a bunch-a-bull"

[gitmo]

IOWs the only thing holding them back are their own choices.

The article keeps saying they are "stuck" in violent, crime ridden neighborhoods. You said it better.

[RegulatorCountry]

An unwillingness to save money seems to be an issue among my acquaintances. The value of a decent savings account or even an emergency fund is difficult to get across. Most will be in a world of hurt in the event of job loss, carrying substantial debt that eats up the majority of their income and then some. That means crashing back down into poverty for many, when the unexpected happens.

[PGR88]

I have always been amazed how the Vietnamese came here with nothing back in the 70’s and have become a driving Economic force, at least here in Orange County, CA.

I knew a guy in college who came USA in 1976 as a "boat person," at the age of 10 - not knowing any english. 12 years later, he was valedictorian of our graduating class, on his way to Johns Hopkins Medical School.

[irishjuggler]

True, true. You know, I’ve never seen a black-run nail salon or doughnut shop. Oh, I’m sure they exist. Somewhere. But I haven’t seen one. Ever. My point, of course, is that Vietnamese are willing to work hard in low-margin, small businesses.

[TigersEye]

The article gave a lot of rationales for staying put but they all come down to excuses. Their choices may indeed be difficult but they are still choices.