I get your sentiment, really. But if pouring resources into the problem doesn't work, what makes you think therapy will? Again, some of these kids no doubt need therapy and promoting fatherhood is not a bad thing to do, but the promotion of values is not in itself a policy fix. Not sure what you mean by 1965? If it's Great Society, this is flawed. The root of the problem is poverty & disadvantage itself. WRT to black poverty, those roots go back to slavery--thus we can also include a history of structural racism & near absolute discrimination that caused a very specific form of entrenched black poverty. This means centuries of constant family disruption, oppression and post emancipation economic dislocation. Think Jim Crow causing the Great Migration to northern cities like Akron and the rise of urban black ghettos. The consequences of this racial history are the foundation of the entrenched problems we still see today. There is a massive literature on this already, but I'd suggest reading the 1965 Moynihan Report (i.e. "The Moynihan Report: The Negro Family, the Case for National Action"), which addresses the historical differences between black and white poverty and family structure, and what caused these differences, which was a product of history prior to 1965. [Edit] Should have also mentioned that the Moynihan Report is not without legit criticisms--a discussion for a different time--but it is a good example in showing how the very problems we're discussing existed long before 1965.
Some folks here just enjoy reopening past wounds that can’t really be corrected. What’s the point unless you really believe you can change these peoples minds? I don’t think anyone is in disagreement with your research. So what can be done other than further divide us by race? Do you honestly think you can win over the minds of people entrenched in poverty? I’m all ears.
Not sure since I haven't lived in other countries but generally I think all people all over the world tend to like being with people of their own race. Just human nature. What's bad is when that human nature becomes the reason to treat someone else like shit. Can't understand that. I do think that the US is probably the most melting pot type of country in the world which presents us with more issues and challenges to think about than others.
If its a melting pot, and there is just one big American culture we are part of, wouldn't that be 'homogenous?'
Sure, I suppose so. All we have to do is get everyone to have similar tastes in music, food, language and what else am I missing? And that's the greatest thing about this country that most people gloss over. If I want, I don't have to go far to experience any of those other culture's food or music. In fact, I'm going to enjoy some authentic cuban food tonight for dinner, because it's close. One thing does bug me though, I hear all the time when a black (or hispanic) actor/actress says "it's important for kids to see people that look like them succeed". How is that not about race?
You make several different points. First, if you meant me in the "some folks here..." I can only say it's not a matter of "enjoyment" but a personal want to understand our history clearly. Just so happens in my career has been one in which I happen to study several controversial issues and comment about these issues a lot in too hot. A good understanding matters for numerous reasons, not least of which is that we can learn from the past and the past is a foundation for many problems we see today. It can't not be. Plus, too many imo see current problems through a very narrow lens as only being the outcome of current forces. This would be a mistake. (case in point is black poverty and associated racism and discrimination) Some here do "disagree"...often quite vehemently, sometimes nuttily I know this will come off as arrogant--don't mean it to be--but they're wrong...often...very often. I can only argue what I view as accurate/factual/true. Same time, words matter and how we express ideas or communicate with one another makes a difference and contributes or not to divisions that already exist. And fwiw, although I know I contribute to further division, that's not my intent. Never has been. Changing minds is obviously a tough nut to crack. But problems of poverty aren't so simply a matter of how people think or how the poor think--indeed how they think is an outcome of being trapped in poverty. But it's also about the structure (and yes, history) of the US that helped create and continues to recreate poverty across generations.
You're right, people obviously hold contradictory views about many things, your posts are a frequent testament to that
Structural and entrenched makes it a massive challenge. Don't blame you for not being able to see how it changes. I'm not necessarily confident about it. Same time things can and do change.
I got into school counseling to help these folks. I went into debt on the degree so you can’t say I don’t have the heart.
Most Americans believe racial and ethnic diversity are "very good" for the country. Of course, that doesn't mean we don't have disagreements about things like affirmative action, for example, and those debates and challenges are real. If someone wants to live in a racially/ethnically monolithic place, America is probably not their cup of tea. Americans See Advantages and Challenges in Country’s Growing Racial and Ethnic Diversity A majority of Americans (57%) say the fact that the U.S. population is made up of people of many different races and ethnicities is a very good thing for the country, and another 20% say this is somewhat good. Small shares say this is somewhat (5%) or very (1%) bad, while 17% say it is neither good nor bad for the country. Similar shares of whites (55%), blacks (59%) and Hispanics (60%) say racial and ethnic diversity is very good for the country.
Sure blame whoever you want. However, you need programs and investment to lift kids out of the cycle of poverty. Blaming someone doesnt help and I am not sure what "holding parents accountable" means? Are you jailing people who's kids are bad students?
First, therapy will work because therapy is on a case by case basis for these teenagers to deal with their own unique trauma and dilemmas. Pouring money into this dilemma is not going to solve the problem going forward either. It is just putting a bandaid on the wound, because we are not addressing the root cause of the issues. We have to reestablish the values there are needed to build strong children. You start the message with the children. I disagree with that poverty and slavery is the issue with these kids being at a disadvantage. There’s other demographics and ethic groups that come to the United States with nothing and succeed because they pull their resources together and have family values and ethics. Before the Great Society black children were born into a single parent household at a 15%. Now, that number is almost 80%. Ask yourself a question what changed?
