Conspiracy Theory in Black Community
If the 1980s were the “me” decade, then, from what I have been reading, the 1990s are shaping up to be the “what, me?” decade. I’m getting so frustrated because it seems that few people want to realize their responsibilities, either to themselves or society.
Now, as indicated in Column One, several leaders of the black community attribute all of the disenfranchised blacks’ problems of drugs, crime, gang violence, murder, AIDS, poverty, homelessness and poor education to a conspiracy among the “white population, government, the press and the Jews.”
This kind of knee-jerk babble, because of the polarization it causes between whites and blacks, is not only irresponsible, provocative and downright dangerous, it also masks the real problem.
The question is not what rights and privileges are blacks owed by society. The real question is what rights and privileges do blacks owe themselves--a good job and a loving, stable home for their family and children. The government can’t provide that for people. People have to want it and work for it themselves.
The only reform that matters must come from within the black community and from within people’s hearts and minds.
DAVE BUTLER
Santa Clarita
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