Why is it so hard for young African-Americans males to get a job or keep one?

Question

I'm 20yo and going to school, and have exspenses now...I want to be independant, but that's hard to do because I have applied to over twenty places in the last month and never am I seriously considered. I'm not complaining but I wanna know why its so hard to get a job. It seems you try to do the right thing and you always get screwed. Even the jobs I used to have ended on wierd circumstances not of my own fault. I'm not unrully or anything...but I get the feeling that young African-American males aren't allowed to make the same mistakes as our other counterparts...is there any solution?

Answer 1

Sadly it's true that prejudice exists. I think people are afraid of black people...which is sad...but there are a lot of black people involved in bad things...so sometimes you can't blame people for being that way.

However, I will say this. As a white girl (Italian background) I found when I wanted to be taken seriously for a job I had to play the part.

I had to dress professional, look professional and put on a "front" in order to fit in. I worked in a law office and later in government, and I know that part of the reason I got taken seriously was because I made the EFFORT to be taken seriously, do you know what I mean?

So as a black fella, dress more conservatively...everyone wears these droopy black pants with their underwear showing and bandanas and piercings and tattoos...I mean come on...if I was a business owner looking to hire someone (ok well I would not be as prejudice) but it's costing me money to do so and I would want to hire someone who a) is reliable, b) is willing to look professional (whether it's wearing casual workwear or a uniform, depending where you are working) and c) is pleasant and social with people.

Most importantly you would have to do the job you are hired for, and if you showed me you did that and more, I would probably pay your more and give you more responsibilities.

If you are willing to go that extra mile and do these things, you will find that people may start seeing YOU and not just a stereotype of a "black" man.

I know it's different strokes for different folks and there are all kinds of places you can work where you don't have to rise to this, but if you want to be taken seriously and make more money, you have to be responsible.

I work from home and started at $15 an hour and now make $30 because I give 150 percent to what I do and the clients compete for me...that makes me feel good and appreciated.

Answer 2

Stop crying about african-americans this and that, they have the same oppurtunities as anyone esle, this is 2006 not 1906! ALL races have discrimination from time to time but as long as your headed in the right direction(which you seem to be) something will come along eventually, just keep trying

Answer 3

It's not a fair world out there, got to rise above all the prejudice and discrimination, your work ethic and performance above reproach, and fight your way to the top, every way you can ... you may be right, some of us may not be allowed to make the same mistakes ... but that's another black man talking

Answer 4

honestly im not sure one statistics or anything, but if it makes you feel better im 23 white girl , with great refrences and job history and i applied to over 35 jobs and was turned down just alot of time there is someone who they think have more expierence or they think could do that job better , jobs specially right now are in demand

Answer 5

I guess you're right, but you'll succeed because you're well-intentioned anyway!! Good Luck!