Why are white people, on average, more economically successful than blacks?

Question

Is there an evil white conspiracy? Racism and classism? I met an old friend who believes so, what do you think?

To the people who think the premise of this question is wrong. I thought this was common knowledge but I guess not. Here is a nonbiased site that clearly shows what I'm talking about:

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0104552.html

As of 2001 white households on average earned $44,517 whild black households earned $29,470. The fact that whites on average earn more is a FACT. But why is definately up for debate.

Answer 1

1) it depends on the black person. Most of us are not taught to save our money. We are taught to keep up with Jones and spend. That's why you see a lot of black in tricked up cars and live in the projects.
2) chances-a lot of can't get the same chances as our white counterparts. I have a college degree and can't get an interview with companies and it's other blacks getting in the way. Not whites. They don't want competition in thier workplace and hire anybody but the black college graduate. Or someone to encourage the GEDs to go to college either. You won't believe how many college grads were working for my school district making 17,000 because they can't get into their field or even an interview.
3) unstable homes-you can't have wealth if most of money goes to keep jr out of jail because of crime or truancy. Or the parents are too busy abusing welfare by making babies
4) blacks view sports as the only way to get money. You athletes babyed through school and not getting an education. SO whne they fail no one is there ot help them.

Answer 2

While I was touring a plantation in the south, something hit me: The white woman that owned the plantation was the daughter of the ancestors that owned the land and the slaves that toiled the land for free. That plantation is still in the family. This woman owns acres and acres of land because it was passed on to her through inheritance. When she dies, her son will own the land, and on it will continue.

Do you know what happened to the blacks that toiled the land? The ones that died there were buried in unmarked graves in an over grown field on the land. None of their relatives come to visit because of several reasons (blacks slaves were usually torn from their families). The ones that were freed left with nothing; they did not receive anything for all the generations of labor.

Do you know what else happened when they were freed? They were still discriminated against. They could not go to school with whites or do anything else with whites. Even new immigrants to America had more opportunities than blacks had. Thanks to Jim Crow laws, blacks continued to be the most hated race in America. Here is a site with some of the disturbing Jim Crow laws: http://www.nps.gov/malu/documents/jim_crow_laws.htm

So as you can see, only a few short decades ago, blacks weren’t allowed to participate in society. Now, blacks are coming up slowly as more opportunities exist. There are still many very poor and depraved ones though; but there are also many poor and depraved white people also.

Answer 3

One word: inheritance.

Whites have had unearned wealth handed down from generation to generation, and the laws of the land tend to help the wealthy stay that way. African-Americans, on the other hand, largely came here with nothing & were allowed to own nothing. It's not easy, nor a fast process, for those without land, possessions or an equitable system of justice or commerce to catch up to the population that never endured slavery in this land. Reaching a level of economic equity between the races may never come, but if it does, it will take many more decades to accomplish. It may also require attempts to break the vicious circle of poverty through programs like Affirmative Action.

Just MHO.

Answer 4

Evil conspiracy? No. Legacy of oppression, bigotry, and bias? Yes. Racism and classism certainly play a role as whites don't want to give up their privilege and allow blacks to have the same opportunities. Take a look at the educational system which is segregating itself again. The schools with minority students are given less resources then schools that are predom. white. And education is a basis for income potential.

Answer 5

I am in the heart of the South - Louisiana - and I know of no evil white conspiracy today. At least noone has ever tried to get me in on it. Perhaps they know better.

Anyway, the centuries of slavery and Jim Crow oppression are not going to be overcome in a mere 40 years since black people have been allowed to vote. So be patient people - it will come. I would say that the reason that the average black person in my area doesn't get ahead financially is because of our disgraceful educational system. Also, wages are pitifully low for unskilled laborers of any color. They are merely subsistence wages. I can't even imagine trying to live on minimum wage or anything even close to it. You darn sure couldn't save anything.

Answer 6

Duh! Of course whites on the average earn more. But i dont think its a big evil conspiracy. I think its more like birds of a feather.... Whites have come a long way when it comes to racism, and I tip my hat to them. Blacks havent changed much. Blacks still blame the "evil whiteman" for all their troubles. That kind of thinking will do little to raise a person up, however, and many black remain stuck in a rutt because of it.

Racism still exists, and its a worldwide thing. Blacks are discriminated much more in asian countries than in the west. Blacks in latin america are treated like pure crap. Blacks in Darfur are being ethnically cleansed by Arab muslims. So there is still a global problem, and i suppose there will always be.

I look other races like the Chinese. People used to mock chinese , with the eye thing, and the teeth thing. Called them Chinks. Now they are well respected...but still despised. Go figure.

Answer 7

Very simple answer, White people are the majority. The system was designed by Whites while Blacks were slaves. When slavery ended, Whites were so far ahead and Blacks did not even know how to read.

Answer 8

Well well well....

Forget being more economically successful than blacks, how about more economically successful than every other race in the world, on average.

Yeah that sound just about right.

And I believe you really do know the answer to this.

When Whites came to America, they slaughtered the Indians, Raped and Killed the blacks and a whole list of other accomplishments that get glorified by the red white and blue.

Answer 9

i definitely believe it is because of their average living situations. most white american families have resources, knowledge and experience (examples) to help their children succeed. a good majority of black families are reared by single mother's and there is only so much mom to go around. instead of being able to stay home and help her kid with homework she's heading off to a second job. also-take a look at the school's that are attended by so many african americans-they are considerably less successful with less resources due to the fact that it is located in a community with resources and ability to contribute (less tax dollars). it is a viscious circle but thankfully some people (black or white or whatever) do make it out ok. my fiance was in and out of foster care and went to one of the worst high schools in the state but he's going to college, finally has a good job, and is going to make a better life for our future children (please note that he is one of a handful of members in his family to do this). but i still see how hard it is for him because of his disadvantaged background, he lacks good study skills and does not understand basic things that successful people do (like insurance, credit, stuff like that) that would really give him the upper hand. i don't think there's a white conspiracy, they are still the majority so you are obviously going to see more successful people but there are also a lot of "white trash" system suckers. i truly believe environment plays a huge role in how economically successful a person will be.

Answer 10

This is a bad question and don't think there is much validity with the question. There are numerous blacks advancing in society and giving back to their communities. They are in colleges & universities. They have become doctors, lawyers, politicians, and entrepenuers. There are many poor whites out their who are also taking advantage of the welfare system. In the end it comes down to self respect, pride and the desire to be something better.