Cornel West - Idealisms
African American History
1) Cornel West talks about the difference between “liberal structuralists” and “conservative behavorists”. According to West, how does each group describe what blocks Blacks from success?
According to West, both groups have a clear understanding that the plight of African Americans is somewhat dire and can be vastly improved. “Liberal Structuralists” believe that structural barriers impede black progression and mobility. Examples of ideas from this standpoint are - inadequate health care, poor education systems in the black community, unequal employment opportunities, job and residential discrimination, etc. Basically Blacks who consider themselves liberal structualists place blame on “Uncle Sam”/the government for all of their socioeconomic issues. They promote affirmative action programs, welfare reform, politicians who favor their idealisms etc., since cutbacks to the poor/minorities is usually very high. Most believe they are entitled to reparations from Slavery /Jim Crow – “40 acres and a mule”. In most instances, “Structural Liberalists” view themselves as “the victim”. Structuralists believe without government assistance and programs set in place, the Black community won’t be able to progress.
“Conservative Behaviorists” on the other hand feel that personal responsibility and self-help are essential in order to attain upward mobility. They believe in obtaining a classical education via an individual’s own means, black business expansion, and most importantly, modification in behavior, values, attitude and culture. Behaviorists believe to act more refined, and embrace the “Protestant religious ethic” is the start to positive change within black communities. Behaviorists feel this inward change is most important, and the character of African Americans must be altered in order for change to occur.
2) Look up the term “Nihilism”. Why does West consider nihilism the “most basic issue now facing Black America?”
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1) Cornel West talks about the difference between “liberal structuralists” and “conservative behavorists”. According to West, how does each group describe what blocks Blacks from success?
According to West, both groups have a clear understanding that the plight of African Americans is somewhat dire and can be vastly improved. “Liberal Structuralists” believe that structural barriers impede black progression and mobility. Examples of ideas from this standpoint are - inadequate health care, poor education systems in the black community, unequal employment opportunities, job and residential discrimination, etc. Basically Blacks who consider themselves liberal structualists place blame on “Uncle Sam”/the government for all of their socioeconomic issues. They promote affirmative action programs, welfare reform, politicians who favor their idealisms etc., since cutbacks to the poor/minorities is usually very high. Most believe they are entitled to reparations from Slavery /Jim Crow – “40 acres and a mule”. In most instances, “Structural Liberalists” view themselves as “the victim”. Structuralists believe without government assistance and programs set in place, the Black community won’t be able to progress.
“Conservative Behaviorists” on the other hand feel that personal responsibility and self-help are essential in order to attain upward mobility. They believe in obtaining a classical education via an individual’s own means, black business expansion, and most importantly, modification in behavior, values, attitude and culture. Behaviorists believe to act more refined, and embrace the “Protestant religious ethic” is the start to positive change within black communities. Behaviorists feel this inward change is most important, and the character of African Americans must be altered in order for change to occur.
2) Look up the term “Nihilism”. Why does West consider nihilism the “most basic issue now facing Black America?”
In