Racial Disparity from the Cradle to the Grave

This blog reviews an article posted on June 29, 2020, on the US Government Accountability Office, titled “Racial Disparities in Education and the Role of Government,” and the visit to a federal prison by the first sitting president of the United States of America. It is a revealing realization of the despondency facing our community. Looking at all aspects of the spectrum from the point of intersectionality, we can see how the measures of discipline some poor neighborhoods received along with their environment fuel the flames of their understanding of self and the system.

On December 12, 2016m, in the second term of his presidency, former President Barack Obama was the first president to visit a federal prison (watch the visit here). He met with some prisoners to discuss the reasons that got them to this point. What he found out was that it was a series of disparities that existed within the black community, the educational system, and the legal system. To understand the grim reality is to look at the conviction rate and the sentencing practices that are not the same for blacks as for other races (watch the trailer of "Raised in the System" on HBO Vice here)

The article provides an eye opener that has been a practice in the public schools as far back as pre-kindergarten. It shows how black children, especially black boys, are subject to punishment, such as isolation and suspension for simple infractions, compared to other children the same age. The article does not refer to specific public schools or systems but rather looks at a crossection of public schools nationwide. For example, white little children might be scolded and given a minimum time-out from a perspective of encouragement and rewards. While in the black communities, children would also get some form of punishment at home, including derogatory names. Names with which they came to believe and identify. Some never received any praise or recognition even when they did something good.

For example; white little children might be scolded and given a minimum of time-out from a perspective of encouragement and rewards. While in the black communities, children would also get some form of punishment at home which would include derogatory names. Names that they came to believe and identify with. Some never received any form of praise or recognition even when they did something good.

The downside of this system is that boys grow up as men feeling that they would be blamed whether they committed the crime or not. It is the only life they know. Even if they turn their lives around, some have become rehabilitated and educated but still face discrimination due to their criminal record. Achieving success in society is met with a lot of despondency.

It is a well-known fact that there is a disparity between the education, medical care, transportation, and food offered in low-income communities compared to those offered in affluent communities. The real hardship was exposed when high school graduates failed to achieve the same success in colleges, even those who graduated at the top of their class. As they persist in fulfilling their dream to attend college, they find themselves unprepared for the level of work required to succeed, then frustration occurs.

Looking from a strategic perspective, we would find that although segregation ended legally, there were other strategies put into place to circumvent any efforts attempted, which supports the same results intended under the disguise of racial disparity. All aspects of our society have been compromised even in the medical treatments received. This is the system we live in. It is known that banks and insurance companies start their assessment based on education, zip codes, race, and ethnicity as one’s inefficiency while charging them a higher interest rate or premium. Disparity should be considered a birthmark since it can greet you in the cradle and follow you to the grave. Society is based on stereotypes as instituted by the community we live in. Personally, I saw life from different perspectives. As a nanny who worked in affluent communities, there was really little to no punishment for the children when they misbehaved. They were allowed to disrespect adults who were caring for them. I felt that the parents felt that if the nannies could do better that they would not be there. So they, too, took advantage of the abuse in the sense of proper wages and correct compensation for hours or details of the assignment.

As a parent who has raised all my children in this society, it has been a struggle. I have had many challenges with school and community authorities about the level and quality of education that was being offered. This raises my concerns about “No Child Left Behind.” Becoming an English Tutor in Essex County, the fears I held for children, I saw in the magnitude of students who are struggling to get out basic skills in the hope of starting college. Most students in the community college test are so low that they are forced to take basic education classes. This might persist for more than two years which consumes their eligible financial aid before they are able to take college courses. At this point, many become frustrated and stop trying. The lack of a proper educational foundation can also be seen in the percentage of low-income workers, which is another contributor to the crime rate. Although there is a push to raise the minimum wage, this is only a temporary fix for immediate gratification. The cycle would repeat itself when the next generation becomes adults unless the standard of education is not enhanced to a national level. All schools in all areas need to meet a national standard. Bring back trades like Home Economics, Woodworking, and skills that would make them more employable.