Let's put all of the possible reasons together that people mentioned in no particular order:
1. Immigrants taking jobs away from Blacks, not only do Blacks have to play catch up with Whites, they now have others joining in on the race.
The will to work would overshadow this problem.[/B]
2. Indirect discrimination still going on (i.e racial profiling, laws: One study showed White people commit more crimes than Blacks, however, Blacks get arrested and sentenced more; schools in urban communities are funded less)
This is a game of numbers. Considering blacks make up an extreme minority in this nation, it is only natural that the amount of whites committing crimes would be higher. The percentages are based on population, a higher percentage of blacks are arrested in accordance with the black population. It would be equivalent if I said that a higher number of Germans (IN Germany) commit crimes than non-Germans.
3. The impact of slavery: free labor=possibly why America is so rich today, Blacks are now trying to play catch up not only in the work force, in education but in their families as well; Blacks have to be taught to Love who they are, that Black no matter how dark, is pretty and smart, especially when all you see or hear on TV, in school and in the Magazines are the exact opposite.
I don't believe in "catch-up" My family were sharecroppers and lived a very very poor life. My white ancestors and even as immediate as my Great Grandmother and Grandmother were all as equally as poor as blacks would have been.
4. Education: Blacks were denied an education however, some were still able to receive a good and fair education. Today anyone can go to school (if you can afford it or qualify for loans, which are a problem as well). A lot of great grandparents, grandparents, and parents in the Black community compared to the White community were not privy to a good education; therefore, the generation today is not focused on education as much however, on working.
I do agree with your conclusion about how blacks view education vs. their view of working....however, IMO, any black child born today has the same opportunities as any white child as far as public education and college is cocerned. Sure, demographics plays a part. But all are entitled to public education and all have the opportunities to attend college and get federal aid.
5. Entertainment: The music and movies are selling Blacks a false lifestyle, an easy way to get Rich: be a rap star, play Ball..etc.
EXACTLY: %100 correct. THis also plays an intricate part in the "lifestyle" that many young blacks choose to live. They music/movie industry has every young black child convinced they will be the next Kanye West, Lebrone James, etc....
6. It's not what you know, it's who you know: Lack of togetherness/Morals/religion: Back then, there was a sense of community. Everyone helped each other and encouraged each other to break barriers; however, today the individual is deemed the most important.
I have to think about this one a little more...
7. Drugs: Funny how the govt can't figure out where drugs are being imported from?
TRUE...but I don't think it's a govt. conspiracy.
After writing this, I realized there is NO ONE ANSWER or ONE PERSON OR GROUP to Blame. So much has happened in America and so much is changing (i.e. a Black man has a chance of being President). In addition, its really based on the individual and his/her values.
Furthermore, opportunities and resources are there and racial issues are not that prevalent today; however, we can not expect 40yrs of gradual progress to change a lifetime of abuse.