The success of any ruling class depends on the methods they use to keep people in their place. When you constantly hear you're not worthy over and over again, it may cause some to live up to those expectations. Does this sound familiar, it should. It's been the source of a campaign of whites for decades.

From suggesting blacks were born with inferior genes - that is a deficiency for most things they tried to do - to their inability to run their own businesses. After trying to prove them wrong, but failing, some blacks were even convinced, and some black politicians and educators picked up the baton to carry it further.

When the so-called social experts added their theory keying in on poverty as another reason for other deficiencies, soon after, books were being published that also claimed most were un-teachable and unemployable. How could this have been exposed to show it was nothing more than psychological propaganda?

Simple, those who left the neighborhoods could have returned from time to time to show it couldn't have any truth to it, because their presence would prove it did not have any affect on their lives.

Unfortunately, what kept some blacks from going back was how they believed they had nothing in common; observing the demeanor of the community had changed. Even if there was some difference over a period of time, what in their character showed they were satisfied with their circumstances or had no ambitions? Probably nothing.

This shows how some people spend more time trying to teach their pets, although it was Gods choice to give the pets instinctive traits. Often those who need or expect some input from others can't get it because they're assumed to be unreachable. But say someone was willing to try. In defense of those who wanted to help, it could be difficult to get them to focus if the insecurities of older blacks create questions about their abilities.

Sometimes hearing the wrong thing from those whose struggling can lead them to doubt if it's worth trying. On the other side of the coin, many fell to the way side because they chose to follow their peers. Since they were usually lacking also, what was seen as progress, had no long term potential to obtain more to better their lives.

Nevertheless, concerned blacks have tried for years to find the right ingredients to help solve the problems of other blacks. Yet, the simplest solution has been overlooked. Mind to mind, and then hand-to-hand interaction. It's teaching them what we've learned, and then keeping an eye on what they are doing to see if it's making a difference in their lives. Then as they move through the system, applying those things we should protect them from anything that would taint what we've done.

Observing whites dealing with their own people, they often use the same methods, from support groups to extensive social service programs for family and children. In addition, if they need money to keep them from shutting down, they know where and who to go to, to get it.

So when we hear blacks complain and criticize other blacks, we shouldn't get angry, we should demand they give more than they're criticism. Aside from what others say about us, the most serious aspect that keeps us from going forward is our constant involvement in situations, while our house is still falling apart. We've become the savior for problems and needs of other people, although our conditions are worse.

When we concentrated on us, we saw considerable changes. The energy of the Civil Rights movement that brought forth other entitlements came after our concerted efforts.

Although there are politics to manage what goes on in this country, there is also politics for blacks. Our affairs should be just as important, because we are the only group whose still dealing with many issues connected to slavery.

Secondly, we are the only group who are often ridiculed publicly and at the center of many socio-economic commentaries. Regardless if other groups are felt to be minorities, none have to deal with any of the same issues.

Besides other's feeling we're the only people who's always complaining about something being wrong, how can they allow us to give practical solutions to run this country when our lives is out of order: When they see us getting overwhelmed about nothing, especially about issues that have no bearing on us.

When we put ourselves in the middle of it, and sometimes show them we're willing to physically go at each other about it, they shake their heads because it's almost expected. Funny thing is, none of it rarely includes us anyway. So the only thing we get from it is another lesson to show how stupid we are, and be distracted from our own problems.

However, our Achilles' -heel is shown in how we, more than other groups, have to be included in everything. Of course, whites in power detest this, but they bend a little, knowing it should keep the majority quiet and less demanding for a while, but soon after we complain and campaign to get blacks in different areas of this society.

We expect them to immediately send each one of us a thank you letter. Then the anger can get worse if their attitude shows some flexibility along with their politics. We suddenly turn on them with a vengeance, which often causes them to lose interest in our needs.

Few understand the reason it's important to have blacks functioning throughout the system, it is so they can forward information to us. Although most blacks should be more understanding, they usually miss seeing what's coming from their blind side, because they're often worried about matters that mean nothing to them or other blacks.

© 2005 By Thomas Duffy
Afromerica staff writer

Brother Thomas Duffy will be keeping the Black community updated on the most current Black expereinces effecting our lives. Visit regularly for new information that could help you overcome and make the best of your everyday experiences.

To subscribe to Duffy's column join the Afromerica email list to receive new information as it is updated. Or E-mail T Duffy at: tduffy870@msn.com or tomas@afromerica.com

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