Anyone with sense knows that problems like this need to be approached by both a "bottom-up" and "top-down" manner. ABM's favorite name-check on this issue, Martin Luther King Jr., was a strong proponent of both approaches. He worked with communities but also worked tirelessly to get the Civil Rights Act passed. Yes, there are things that community leaders can do in the here and now within their communities, but there are many things they can't do to fight systemic racism that permeates every level of American society, which is where government comes in. Arguing that only a "bottom-up" approach is needed is usually the white-privilege way of saying that society as a whole no longer needs to fight racism, black people (and other minorities) need to figure it out for themselves.
I just don't see where anyone is arguing that it's "only" a bottom up issue...of course it's not...I've had more than my fair share of disagreements with ABM but I don't think he's implying what you may be reading into this thread...that's just me
Great. So, again, my approach is from the bottom-up. It's a great start, and something I'm capable of doing. That said, enough bottom-uppers can then help facilitae change from the top-down. MLK had to start somewhere. IIRC, that was in church. OTOH, let's simply go ahead and initiate/mandate stuff from the top-down. That's for certain to change hearts and eradicate systemic racism. Not. Look, I'm coming from one approach that I happen to believe in. Never did I once say it's the only one. So quit implying that's what I'm advocating.
Bingo. or arguing that it's the "best" method, and then challenging someone to come up with something better, junior, is code.
In all fairness Obama has said the same thing...grass roots outreach for young people is where change starts and has the most direct impact....he started in South Side Chicago just like Fred Hampton did..we've all been aware and commenting on the govt's need for major change in multiple threads where I think ABM has been wrong ...I think this thread has it's own merit
I like to actually see black leaders, celebrities, athletes, etc., take stock and make a concerted effort in trying to help improve things in the inner city. ...do I think they will?....nope.
So, why does what I'm saying in this thread seemingly not have merit with you? Someone can't provide additional texture to the equation?
OK, lemme rephrase. When I say bottom-up. I'm not talking about Black people somehow coming to their own conclusions, then finding their own solutions. What I'm saying is, to successfully effect true change, the activation needs to emanate from withing the ranks: Volunteering; community programs and initiatives; local focus groups, etc. In other words, grass roots. This is exactly what Woodson is maintaining here. THEN, with more and more momentum and steam, government representatives and others begin to get involved...taking the pleas and cases to Washington, etc. Model communities begin to form, more momentum and supplemental assistance, and so one. I'm really trying to understand what the model looks like from a top-down approach from the get-go.
It IS a change of heart. Without it, the problems will continue. Changes of heart begins with knowledge and understanding of perspectives. That's a bottom-up approach.
At various points, ABM has suggested that government action, when it comes to racism and systematic racism, is ineffective and unnecessary and that real change only happens from people working to improve their own communities. So I don't think I incorrectly interpreted what he was saying in this thread.
I've also clarified my points profusely. Including in this thread. And I've always felt/maintained that anything top-down is (should be) effected from the bottom-up. It's a basic principle of our Constitution.
Once you are labeled, your labeled. Yur not allowed to change, grow, evolve or anything. You are forever condemned for being who you once were. Not who you are now.
When we talk about refunding the underprivileged neighborhoods and addressing crime in the communities, these are the grass roots organizations that register people to vote, provide legal advice to, recommend for scholarship programs, etc....people were confused about what to do with the billion dollar police fund in New York City if the police aren't able to protect citizens properly....giving funding to these organizations is in essence addressing it from the top down and bottom up simultaneously in my view...it's a solid platform that predates the work of Dr King...community outreach is something we need to get back to. Situation, Problem, Process, Solution.....we haven't stopped arguing about step two , the Problem..in my lifetime as of yet....it's time for the 3rd step....Process ...it's past due time to celebrate the beauty of diversity and empower the pride of that diversity
Can we not turn this into just one more thread bitching about each other? And yes, I am bitching about some of you. #Guilty
