THE NEW BLACK STANDARD

While conversing with a close friend of mine, we recalled a conversation that was had, or almost had for that matter, at a cookout that one of our friends hosted, in regards to the joys of attaining luxury trinkets,a luxury lifestyle and all things encompassing. A remark was made by a brother at the table, to the tune of us and those sharing the same sentiments as us, as having the proverbial "slave mentality". I sort of chuckled at the statement because I have come across those sharing that same thought process before; you know, the guy who asks, "are you voting for Obama just because he's black", or "most millionaires don't even drive luxury cars yo", or even better, "yo son, that's a slave mentality". These statements mirror the societal stagnation of those blacks who in 2008, still adhere to a set of rules dictated by a white standard of living.

During the civil rights struggle, blacks were diligent in establishing legislation that afforded us all equal opportunity.Black leadership worked tirelessly for the opportunity to sit at the lunch counters, to vote,to keep our seats on the buses, and to earn a decent living with equal opportunity. But some 40 years after the civil rights struggle reached its peak in history, there are many blacks who still fail to recognize the progression of the new black America.The civil rights struggle remains as prevalent as ever, but the position of blacks on America's chess board has drastically improved.

In 2005, over 18% of all blacks 25 and older had at least a bachelor's degree. In 2006, 1.3million blacks had advanced degrees (masters, doctoral). That is almost double the number that did 10 years prior. And there are currently over 2.3 million blacks enrolled in college total. That's over a million more people pursuing higher education than in 1990.
Right now, black home ownership is at around 46%. And black businesses generate nearly $90 billion in revenue yearly.

The numbers represent a trend in black progression. Perhaps the most resounding attribute to this trend is the historic run of presidential hopeful, Barack Obama. The fact is, in contrast to the civil rights era, we are not fighting to sit at the lunch counter; we own the luncheon. We are not fighting to keep our seats on the bus; we travel how we so see fit. Equal opportunity for blacks is almost a myth. But we have positioned ourselves through entrepreneurial endeavors and education to create our own opportunities. We no longer struggle for the right to vote. In fact,we are within arm's reach of becoming the host race for the president of the United States.

Blacks who subscribe to the "slave mentality" theory resemble those blacks who subscribed to the theory of Willie Lynch. They are lost and out of touch with the realities of black America. Our standard has long been created for us by us. If I wanna drive a Mercedes, or wear a Gucci bag, or buy a boat, I do not discredit my plight by doing so. If Blacks position themselves to enjoy life's spoils and they work hard to attain them through substantive values, it displays a pseudo consciousness to question their motive and dismiss those motives as slave like. We set our own standards. Lets separate ourselves and our reality from archaic mentalities.

ECONOMIC CRISIS

To call the current status of America's economy a crisis, would be an understatement to say the least. With the unemployment rate at 6.1% amidst 84,000 jobs lost in august, more than 304,000 foreclosure filings in august alone, a $10 trillion national debt, a slumping currency, and stock market woes in the wake of several bank, housing, and insurance giants on the brink of failure, consumer confidence is as low as it's been in recent memory. The economic infrastructure in this country has crumbled before our very eyes and the the question that we all have found ourselves asking is... Where do we start to fix this gaping hole the United States has dug itself into?

I think the economic "recovery mission" starts with creating a more favorable job market. The United States has fallen victim to a global economy and free trade, outsourcing, and cheap labor. Many jobs are lost as a result of a "competitive global market", but none are created. Mortgages are being foreclosed on, not because people have surpassed their means, but because without a job, they have no means. Consumer spending is low, and consumer confidence is lower. The poor, lackluster job market has also opened the door for predatory lending practices. Home buyers are lured into shady deals and once they get into a financial bind, they are being left out to dry by their banks; the same banks and financial institutions that are on the brink of failure! These problems have plagued the poor and middle class and are compounded by a weak dollar, inflation and an increased cost of living.
Yesterday, John McCain and Barack Obama gave a brief synopsis of their economic plans. They both addressed the reparation of the housing market as their chief focal point. But the trickle down effect begins with enacting legislation to prevent the further loss of jobs due to outsourcing, and cheap labor, etc. This crisis put our country at a financial sting that we have not felt since the great depression.

STYLE AND SUBSTANCE

Welcome to the Sartorials Corner. This is a weekly blog dedicated to the ideals of the culturally, politically, and stylishly clued in. Every week I will post a blog(or two) that encompasses my thoughts on those three areas. I hope that the viewing public will feel free to post comments(good or bad) to the blog for the purpose of establishing consistantly entertaining, informative , and useful dialogue.