https://www.nytimes.com/podcasts/the-daily
Episode - Friday, March 23, 2018
Design:
Study by Harvard and Stanford groups following 30,000 children across the country over 30 years comparing economic outcomes for African Americans and Caucasians.
Main point:
99% of black boys will fall into a lower economic class over time even if they start in the exact same position as white boys (2 parent families, same middle or upper class neighborhood, and same schools).
The only difference between these boys is the color of their skin. America is not the land of opportunity unless you are a white male. We are awash in individual and institutional racism that is making it almost impossible for African American boys to succeed.
What can you do? Be aware of your own and others actions and then care enough to change them.
1.) Look African American boys in the eyes and acknowledge their existence when crossing paths.
2.) Don't hold your breath and clutch your purse when you are in an elevator with an African American boy.
3.) Don't lock your car doors when an African American boy walks by.
4.) Don't assume the worst of African American boys simply because they are not white.
5.) Do you smile at white men or women when you walk by them on the street or in the hallway at work? Do you do the same if it is a African American man or boy?
We can be so much better than what we are today.
