This piece pulls me in both ways, as an African second gen in the US. While I agree, at the surface level, with the point you’re working towards, I see similar talking points employed by people who do not think race impacts the American experience in any meaningful way (I’m new to your work but assume that’s not the point).
My concern for this is likely the same as yours — how do we make sure we’re solving the right problems? I’ve seen significant research showing that race impacts health, career, financial, etc outcomes even after controlling for socioeconomic status.
Is the argument here that this is false? How can we be sure, so that we know we’re solving the right problems?
I am totally with you here. When it comes to progressing and thriving as a peoples, we truly are our own worst enemies. We have so much else of more importance and consequence that we need to dedicate our attention and human resources to.
I recently penned a piece talking about this exact same topic:
I want us to bring light to the fact that we're fighting a war of narratives right now. Once we're able to articulate a fresh, comprehensive and cohesive vision for black people the world over, things will turn around. What's the story? What's the path forward?
This piece pulls me in both ways, as an African second gen in the US. While I agree, at the surface level, with the point you’re working towards, I see similar talking points employed by people who do not think race impacts the American experience in any meaningful way (I’m new to your work but assume that’s not the point).
My concern for this is likely the same as yours — how do we make sure we’re solving the right problems? I’ve seen significant research showing that race impacts health, career, financial, etc outcomes even after controlling for socioeconomic status.
Is the argument here that this is false? How can we be sure, so that we know we’re solving the right problems?
I am totally with you here. When it comes to progressing and thriving as a peoples, we truly are our own worst enemies. We have so much else of more importance and consequence that we need to dedicate our attention and human resources to.
I recently penned a piece talking about this exact same topic:
Part IV: The African revolution will not be streamed: https://open.substack.com/pub/usafss/p/the-black-mans-burden-the-diasporas-f6b?r=70qq6&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I want us to bring light to the fact that we're fighting a war of narratives right now. Once we're able to articulate a fresh, comprehensive and cohesive vision for black people the world over, things will turn around. What's the story? What's the path forward?
You are a truly a beacon of hope in this sometimes despairing world!