The rich and poor in Liberia are the same race. The rich and poor in the USA have a strong racial component, and its politically correct to act racist as long as you don't speak racist. So saying the (insert color) man cannot participate in our white man's economy isn't going to fly, but applying that same attitude toward poor people who just coincidentally happen to be people of color is perfectly OK.
Its the same deal with disinterest in the prison industrial complex. 1/4 of all black men in or have been in prison, well... lots of people not seeing a problem with that. If the demographics inside and outside prison were (at least racially) identical, lots of people would have a problem with "the system" as it is. But as long as its a Black problem... no problemo (if you're not Black, anyway)
AFAIK the black homeless population is barely larger than the white homeless population. Black people are disproportionately represented, but I don't think that homelessness is widely considered a "black problem." The homeless people that one is likely to meet are not significantly more likely to be black than white.
It's always a shock to me to see how many visibly homeless black people there are in SF, when I visit. The homeless I see in my daily life in Toronto are almost all white-ish or First Nations.
So, while I'm not arguing about the absolute number, it's the proportion that affects my perceptions. Frankly, it's demoralizing.
That might actually be caused among other things by a higher representation of African-Americans in the US military. Turns out, being a US soldier can have all sorts of health consequences...
I'd bet there is a stronger correlation between homelessness and incarceration rates. Incarceration in this country is very racially biased and it can be very difficult for ex-cons to find decent jobs that keep them off the streets. A lot of them end up with the choice to either be homeless or reoffend.
I doubt it. I'd say having cities and large neighbourhoods that are effectively no-go zones for well-adjusted families has more to do with it. These are literal and figurative breeding grounds for anti-social behaviour.
That is very true, yes. And if you think the middle class like the lower class, talk to someone of the opposite political persuasion for awhile. The opposite party view will clear the mind of preconceptions and rationalizations which prevent seeing the same attitude in members of your own party.
(edited to add, and needless to say the example of middle vs lower doesn't mean any of the other classes like any other class very much)
What kind of culture are you talking about? The culture of being friends and neighbors with the police officers and politicians who can shield you and your children from the consequences of their actions?
Sure among other things. The race card is often played erroneously in argument when economic status, language, dialect or social connection are more correct.
There are different ethnicities within Africa and Liberia is hardly devoid of ethnic differences that correspond to economic prosperity, like everywhere else.
Its the same deal with disinterest in the prison industrial complex. 1/4 of all black men in or have been in prison, well... lots of people not seeing a problem with that. If the demographics inside and outside prison were (at least racially) identical, lots of people would have a problem with "the system" as it is. But as long as its a Black problem... no problemo (if you're not Black, anyway)