"What is Economic Enslavement and does it really exist?" You decide!
For those new to the blog, please read my other posts by searching under 'buy black'. Thanks for all your support.
This is an ongoing series I'm developing to begin dialogue and education around a topic that is rarely discussed except to encourage consumers to support black products and business.
Today we will discuss economic enslavement and the goals and aspirations of 'Buy Black'.
First I should state that I support Black owned businesses and that one of my mentors is a Black nationalist with an incense manufacturing company over 20 years old. So, I feel strongly that we must support our businesses.
What is the goal of 'Buy Black'?
The truth of the matter is that this concept has been more assumed than ever explained or clarified to Black people. I find this odd since it has been the MAJOR economic concept promoted to solve our economic deficiencies.
The assumption of 'Buy Black' is that it is a strategy that if employed properly will allow us to achieve financial independence (FI). FI would allow our institutions to have the capitol to finance business development that would create jobs and build communities to meet our needs.
What is Economic Enslavement?
My definition is that when you work freely (not slave labor) and earn money that you have the ability to make that money work for you (your community) by having it to multiply. The amount of time your dollar turnovers (stays within your community) creates this multiplier effect. In essence, your dollar becomes worth more because it is being shared amongst several businesses within your community before it is spent outside your community.
So, all of the following help create a condition of economic enslavement.
1. When you don't understand the importance of spending your dollars with your own race
2. When you do understand the importance of how you spend dollars but there are very few products or services readily available without you going consistently out of your way.
3. When you do support your businesses but it still has very little impact on the multiplier effect.
Enclave
During the period of the late 1800's and prior to civil rights, we had a natural enclave effect as a result of segregation and Jim Crow in the south. Businesses formed because they had a 'captive audience'. In this scenario, 'buy black' was simply understood because there was nobody else to buy from.
To understand the limitations of just 'buying black' ask yourself these basic questions.
1. How many jobs were created by the enclave?
2. How many black owned products were produced or manufactured or available for purchase?
3. Was there a multiplier effect on our dollars?
McDonald's
McDonald's is the most successful fast food franchise and there are countless in our community and everywhere else for that matter. Some of these are black owned and operated.
Here are the questions for consideration.
1. If you have a black owned franchise in your community and every time you eat out you spend your dollars at this McDonald's what impact will that have?
2. Is it worthwhile for you to drive past 3 McDonald's to locate the black owned and operated McDonald's to support it?
In terms of 'buy black' the answer is a resounding yes in both scenarios!
In terms of solving economic enslavement the answer is a resounding NO in both scenarios.
The reason is simple and begins to expose the direction we must begin to focus on to begin to seek financial independence as a community.
Supporting a Mc Donald’s franchise makes 3 people rich!
1. The McDonalds Corporation- Global Community
2. McDonald's suppliers (food products, equipment, supplies, etc.) - Global economy
3. The owner of the McDonald's who hopefully will give back to the community.
Now, I ask where are the jobs created outside of that McDonald's? Where is the multiplier effect because the money leaves the community immediately? Where is the capitol created to build more businesses?
McDonalds and the Enclave
My point here is that the McDonald's simply had a black face on it. While significant and an achievement for that individual, it doesn't do much to address our economic enslavement. Therefore, putting more businesses with black face inside of an enclave still doesn't create the multiplier effect. It essentially creates an upper class of blacks and their families!!
Having succesful business leaders does have a positive impact on the black community by creating role models, money for worthwhile programs, etc., but it will not end our economic enslavement.
Rich Mind
For those new to the blog, please read my other posts by searching under 'buy black'. All comments welcome and appreciated. Let's learn and grow together.
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I so agree I wish Brotha. Madison can read this post. We have been in a pro-longed conversation about buying black and capitalism and i think we has completely missed my major point. What do you think about the idea of brainstorming on a new method of Black capital Bro. Richmind?
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I have read the explanation of Black Economic Enslavement, and also the explanation of turnover and the multiplier effect. I have studied economics and I know a little something about this subject. Let me address each of them separately. Then I will address your discuss of the "Buy Black Strategy."
Economic Enslavement
I agree that many of our people are trapped in an economic cycle that deprives them of options that will improve their condition. Their enslavement is a function of limited income, limited options in their local communities that actually benefit them, and a lack of understanding of economic principles. The last is a throw-away, because most people don't understand economic principles (and therefore are victims of economic enslavement). They are manipulated by those who control the economic systems (Federal Reserve Bank, Department of Treasury, and fiscal policies of political leaders). All of the systems mentioned are influenced primarily by greedy capitalists. In this system, some are worse off than others. Africans in America are languishing at the bottom of the economic ladder.
Turnover
You have used this term incorrectly. I believe you are referring to the economic principle of "currency recirculation." This principle measures what you are calling turnover. The theory is that recirculating currency within a community increases economic vitality. It is unrelated to the "multiplier effect." There are two important factors required to measure this vitality. The first is that the currency must be earned within the community, and the second is that it must be spent within the community. The only way Black communities can achieve increased vitality is for these conditions to exist.
If Black community members are leaving the community for employment, and also have to leave their communities for goods and services, vitality cannot occur. Your McDonald's example reflects how outsiders benefit more than the community where the store is located.
The Multiplier Effect
This is a macroeconomic theory, and really doesn't apply to your analysis. This theory relates to the effect of external investment which creates an internal effect that is greater than the investment. First, it is difficult to apply macroeconomic theory to the broader Black community, because the Black community isn't an economic system. Secondly, this theory refers to investments like infratructure investments -- building roads, power plants, and sewage systems that create the means for a community to build factories that produce goods that return more value to the community than the original investment. The outcome is the "multiplier."
A Buy Black Strategy has no relevance to the multiplier effect.
Buy Black Strategy
You have described this in the following way:
I don't know whose a*sumption this is. But it won't work to achive economic independence within a larger economic system. Your blog title is: 'Buy Black' won't solve economic enslavement. I don't think that the two have anything to do with each other. Economic enslavement is the result of macroeconomic decisions over which most people have no control. They just live within a system and try to make the best of their situation. So, a "buy Black" strategy or tactic won't resolve their dilemma.
However, within a realtively homogeneous Black community, a "Buy Black" movement can improve the development of Black businesses. If these Black business owners reinvest their profits in the community, there will be a positive impact on some aspects of community development. In order for a multiplier effect to take place, there needs to be some form of "stimulus program" that invests enough capital that provides "leverage" (borrowed money) to stimulate growth of businesses, jobs, schools, hospitals, etc. This is community development.
You mentioned that one of your mentors is a Black nationalist. In the interest of full disclosure, I am not, and never have been a Black nationalist. I don't agree with most of the tenets of Black Nationalism as it applise to Africans in America. I do subscribe to African nationalism for African nations. I also do my best to collaborate with African business colleagues to help with their business goals. To the extent that those collaborations support African nationalism, I am fully committe to their success.
I look forward to our continued dialog.
Votes: +1
Economic Enslavement
I agree that many of our people are trapped in an economic cycle that deprives them of options that will improve their condition. Their enslavement is a function of limited income, limited options in their local communities that actually benefit them, and a lack of understanding of economic principles. The last is a throw-away, because most people don't understand economic principles (and therefore are victims of economic enslavement). They are manipulated by those who control the economic systems (Federal Reserve Bank, Department of Treasury, and fiscal policies of political leaders). All of the systems mentioned are influenced primarily by greedy capitalists. In this system, some are worse off than others. Africans in America are languishing at the bottom of the economic ladder.
Turnover
You have used this term incorrectly. I believe you are referring to the economic principle of "currency recirculation." This principle measures what you are calling turnover. The theory is that recirculating currency within a community increases economic vitality. It is unrelated to the "multiplier effect." There are two important factors required to measure this vitality. The first is that the currency must be earned within the community, and the second is that it must be spent within the community. The only way Black communities can achieve increased vitality is for these conditions to exist.
If Black community members are leaving the community for employment, and also have to leave their communities for goods and services, vitality cannot occur. Your McDonald's example reflects how outsiders benefit more than the community where the store is located.
The Multiplier Effect
This is a macroeconomic theory, and really doesn't apply to your analysis. This theory relates to the effect of external investment which creates an internal effect that is greater than the investment. First, it is difficult to apply macroeconomic theory to the broader Black community, because the Black community isn't an economic system. Secondly, this theory refers to investments like infratructure investments -- building roads, power plants, and sewage systems that create the means for a community to build factories that produce goods that return more value to the community than the original investment. The outcome is the "multiplier."
A Buy Black Strategy has no relevance to the multiplier effect.
Buy Black Strategy
You have described this in the following way:
The a*sumption of 'Buy Black' is that it is a strategy that if employed properly will allow us to achieve financial independence (FI). FI would allow our institutions to have the capital to finance business development that would create jobs and build communities to meet our needs.
I don't know whose a*sumption this is. But it won't work to achive economic independence within a larger economic system. Your blog title is: 'Buy Black' won't solve economic enslavement. I don't think that the two have anything to do with each other. Economic enslavement is the result of macroeconomic decisions over which most people have no control. They just live within a system and try to make the best of their situation. So, a "buy Black" strategy or tactic won't resolve their dilemma.
However, within a realtively homogeneous Black community, a "Buy Black" movement can improve the development of Black businesses. If these Black business owners reinvest their profits in the community, there will be a positive impact on some aspects of community development. In order for a multiplier effect to take place, there needs to be some form of "stimulus program" that invests enough capital that provides "leverage" (borrowed money) to stimulate growth of businesses, jobs, schools, hospitals, etc. This is community development.
You mentioned that one of your mentors is a Black nationalist. In the interest of full disclosure, I am not, and never have been a Black nationalist. I don't agree with most of the tenets of Black Nationalism as it applise to Africans in America. I do subscribe to African nationalism for African nations. I also do my best to collaborate with African business colleagues to help with their business goals. To the extent that those collaborations support African nationalism, I am fully committe to their success.
I look forward to our continued dialog.
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Bro. Madison,
Can you give some examples of how Buying Black will a*sist the Black Community in attaining economic independence. By economic independence I mean enhancing the ability to stabilize our economics even in times of recessions and depressions? We need solutions? Also I have more solutions to share that are a lot more accessible here and not that I will be willing to share. If interested please let me know!
Votes: +0
Can you give some examples of how Buying Black will a*sist the Black Community in attaining economic independence. By economic independence I mean enhancing the ability to stabilize our economics even in times of recessions and depressions? We need solutions? Also I have more solutions to share that are a lot more accessible here and not that I will be willing to share. If interested please let me know!
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You ask a very good question:
A "Buy Black" strategy won't protect the Black community from recession and depression. These events occur at the macro level. You should notice that the whole world is in a recession. Everywhere except perhaps the oil rich nations of the Middle East and China. The Middle East has a strangle hold on the world due to oil reserves (and there is no current alternative). China is an isolated homogeneous nation of 3 billion people who are the world's low cost producer. Everyone else is dependent to some degree on these two economic phenomena.
Africans in America are scattered all over this country. So the definition of Black community is fragile. Black urban communities are poor, under-educated, under-skilled, and don't own any a*sets to bargain with. Upwardly mobile Blacks are scattered to the wind and have no glue to hold them together in a way that can be defined as a community. So, they blend in with the communities where they live. Therefore, what do we mean when we say "a*sist the Black community in attaining economic independence?"
The reality is that most Blacks still have an affinity toward each other, and we want to celebrate Black success. The hope is that successful Black businesses represent economic strength in the Black community. That is only partially true.
If a Black business is located in a white community and employs mostly whites, the Black owner becomes wealthy, but the Black community doesn't benefit. Only to the extent that Black businesses are located in a homogeneous Black community and employ Black people in that community who spend their money with other Black-owned businesses will there be some manner of Black economic development.
It is not possible to become independent of the macroeconomic environment in which the community exists. There is no self-sufficient independent community on the planet. Even China depends on imported oil, minerals, and technology that they don't produce themselves. The USA imports many of the goods that we consume and must depend on imports to sustain our lifestyle.
My point is that we can achieve Black economic development within our system, but not Black independence. Here is how.
In many cities, we are witnessing gentrification that is characterized by a return of whites to certain urban communities. They bring skills, high income earned outside the community, but invest in community improvements that raise the standard of living. Housing values go up; small businesses thrive; the community becomes a good place to raise a family.
If this activity were led by successful Blacks who own and operate Black businesses, then the newly developed community would not be "white gentrification" but Black community development. "Buy Black" tactics could fuel this type of re-investment in declining Black communities. This is an unproven theory, since it would require forward thinking and a concerted effort within the community, and re-investment of Blacks who are now outside the urban community. They would have to bring their wealth and income gained outside the community back in the way of investment in homes, businesses, and infrastructure (in collaboration with city government).
"Buy Black" is only one step in that process. It remains to be seen if it can really work. As Cornell West is fond of saying, "You got to love the people to help the people." Any "buy Black" activity that we engage in today starts with loving one another -- the natural desire to see kinderd folk succeed. It will take a lot of effort to convert this into an economic strategy.
Votes: +0
Can you give some examples of how Buying Black will a*sist the Black Community in attaining economic independence. By economic independence I mean enhancing the ability to stabilize our economics even in times of recessions and depressions
A "Buy Black" strategy won't protect the Black community from recession and depression. These events occur at the macro level. You should notice that the whole world is in a recession. Everywhere except perhaps the oil rich nations of the Middle East and China. The Middle East has a strangle hold on the world due to oil reserves (and there is no current alternative). China is an isolated homogeneous nation of 3 billion people who are the world's low cost producer. Everyone else is dependent to some degree on these two economic phenomena.
Africans in America are scattered all over this country. So the definition of Black community is fragile. Black urban communities are poor, under-educated, under-skilled, and don't own any a*sets to bargain with. Upwardly mobile Blacks are scattered to the wind and have no glue to hold them together in a way that can be defined as a community. So, they blend in with the communities where they live. Therefore, what do we mean when we say "a*sist the Black community in attaining economic independence?"
The reality is that most Blacks still have an affinity toward each other, and we want to celebrate Black success. The hope is that successful Black businesses represent economic strength in the Black community. That is only partially true.
If a Black business is located in a white community and employs mostly whites, the Black owner becomes wealthy, but the Black community doesn't benefit. Only to the extent that Black businesses are located in a homogeneous Black community and employ Black people in that community who spend their money with other Black-owned businesses will there be some manner of Black economic development.
It is not possible to become independent of the macroeconomic environment in which the community exists. There is no self-sufficient independent community on the planet. Even China depends on imported oil, minerals, and technology that they don't produce themselves. The USA imports many of the goods that we consume and must depend on imports to sustain our lifestyle.
My point is that we can achieve Black economic development within our system, but not Black independence. Here is how.
In many cities, we are witnessing gentrification that is characterized by a return of whites to certain urban communities. They bring skills, high income earned outside the community, but invest in community improvements that raise the standard of living. Housing values go up; small businesses thrive; the community becomes a good place to raise a family.
If this activity were led by successful Blacks who own and operate Black businesses, then the newly developed community would not be "white gentrification" but Black community development. "Buy Black" tactics could fuel this type of re-investment in declining Black communities. This is an unproven theory, since it would require forward thinking and a concerted effort within the community, and re-investment of Blacks who are now outside the urban community. They would have to bring their wealth and income gained outside the community back in the way of investment in homes, businesses, and infrastructure (in collaboration with city government).
"Buy Black" is only one step in that process. It remains to be seen if it can really work. As Cornell West is fond of saying, "You got to love the people to help the people." Any "buy Black" activity that we engage in today starts with loving one another -- the natural desire to see kinderd folk succeed. It will take a lot of effort to convert this into an economic strategy.
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I have been listening intently to your ongoing dialogues and it has been extremely helpful. I am glad to see that you are being more friendly now, its just an exchange of ideas right?
First, Roger, you have elevated the dialogue with your vast knowledge of economics both in U.S. and abroad. While my sister, has continued to challenge the status quo with quality fervent arguments.
First, let me say that my blog is intended to awaken our minds from the deep sleep of a marketing initiative 'buy black' that has been confused with an economic or business development strategy.
Think about it? Buy Black is an advertisement that admonishes consumers, specifically African Americans to patronize black owned businesses. Beyond that, what does it do? It doesn't direct black business on what to do with the support that they receive. It has no ability to measure its own success. How much did business grow as a result of 'buy black' in 2004 versus 2008? How much more did consumers spend with black owned business in 2009 as a result of them buying black? Maggie Anderson and the Empowerment Experiment can measure it for herself and they are seeking to conduct some research now but outside of that 'buy black' is extremely vague in being able to measure in any way.
My major point in the last blog was that even a McDonalds that is black owned will see the vast amount of money it makes being spent in the form of expenses for goods,services and products leave the community because there are very few black owned businesses that are in the McDonalds supply chain. So we spend our money there to buy black and end up essentially buying global in the process. The money is gone from the community as soon as it arrives.
Now the employees have money and the owner has money. That is all that is left. Now its up to the them to spend what they gained with black business in order for those dollars to remain in the community.
We can take a regular black owned restaurant who is free to purchase their supplies and goods from any vendor. The point I was making is that even with the freedom they will still find very few black owned vendors to support them. Essentially creating the McDonald's effect all over and once again, even though we are supporting this restaurant that is black owned, it doesn't do enough to address the real is issue of having our dollars circulate in the community.
Now, on to Economics. When I discuss 'mulitiplier effect' I am referring to the local economy (community). It is referred to as the Local Multiplier Effect(LME) and here is a link to explain it (http://www.geo.coop/archives/L...ct1104.htm ).
We introduced this concept because a marketing strategy, buy black, doesn't allow us to discuss how to build a local economy. My whole position is that we must begin planning and thinking about our community like a local economy and not a group of disconnected businesses trying to make money if we are going to get to the next level. Having ten black businesses that are unlinked is a huge error due to lack of understanding of how to build local economies.
A quick example is having 10 black owned cleaners in the Philadelphia area that are supported by a supply company that delivers cleaning agents, hangers, and other supply resources that those cleaners need to operate. Now, when we support those black owned cleaners we are also support the supply distributor as well. Wow, our dollars just got recirculated! As a consumer, you didn't support one business, but because of the link, you supported two with the same dollars!
This is a clue about the direction that I am supposing. Yes, we will operate in this capitalism. This point I agree with Roger on. However, my solution involves both capitalism and socialism from the aspect that we introduce a non-profit component into our system that is designed specifically to create revenue streams that reinvest the bulk of the money generated from businesses back into the community for more business development.
Economic Terms
I agree that I may be using the terms incorrectly but what is not incorrect is that we must develop solutions that cause our dollars to circulate longer and create LME's in our community. And this will require more discussion than simply telling people to buy black.
In closing ask yourselves this question? Of the black businesses in our community that have been successful over the last 20 years, was the reason for their success a buy black strategy? Or was the reason more likely to have been a great product or service?
Once again, I appreciate all comments and the dialogue. Please keep it coming. See you at the next blog!
Votes: +0
First, Roger, you have elevated the dialogue with your vast knowledge of economics both in U.S. and abroad. While my sister, has continued to challenge the status quo with quality fervent arguments.
First, let me say that my blog is intended to awaken our minds from the deep sleep of a marketing initiative 'buy black' that has been confused with an economic or business development strategy.
Think about it? Buy Black is an advertisement that admonishes consumers, specifically African Americans to patronize black owned businesses. Beyond that, what does it do? It doesn't direct black business on what to do with the support that they receive. It has no ability to measure its own success. How much did business grow as a result of 'buy black' in 2004 versus 2008? How much more did consumers spend with black owned business in 2009 as a result of them buying black? Maggie Anderson and the Empowerment Experiment can measure it for herself and they are seeking to conduct some research now but outside of that 'buy black' is extremely vague in being able to measure in any way.
My major point in the last blog was that even a McDonalds that is black owned will see the vast amount of money it makes being spent in the form of expenses for goods,services and products leave the community because there are very few black owned businesses that are in the McDonalds supply chain. So we spend our money there to buy black and end up essentially buying global in the process. The money is gone from the community as soon as it arrives.
Now the employees have money and the owner has money. That is all that is left. Now its up to the them to spend what they gained with black business in order for those dollars to remain in the community.
We can take a regular black owned restaurant who is free to purchase their supplies and goods from any vendor. The point I was making is that even with the freedom they will still find very few black owned vendors to support them. Essentially creating the McDonald's effect all over and once again, even though we are supporting this restaurant that is black owned, it doesn't do enough to address the real is issue of having our dollars circulate in the community.
Now, on to Economics. When I discuss 'mulitiplier effect' I am referring to the local economy (community). It is referred to as the Local Multiplier Effect(LME) and here is a link to explain it (http://www.geo.coop/archives/L...ct1104.htm ).
We introduced this concept because a marketing strategy, buy black, doesn't allow us to discuss how to build a local economy. My whole position is that we must begin planning and thinking about our community like a local economy and not a group of disconnected businesses trying to make money if we are going to get to the next level. Having ten black businesses that are unlinked is a huge error due to lack of understanding of how to build local economies.
A quick example is having 10 black owned cleaners in the Philadelphia area that are supported by a supply company that delivers cleaning agents, hangers, and other supply resources that those cleaners need to operate. Now, when we support those black owned cleaners we are also support the supply distributor as well. Wow, our dollars just got recirculated! As a consumer, you didn't support one business, but because of the link, you supported two with the same dollars!
This is a clue about the direction that I am supposing. Yes, we will operate in this capitalism. This point I agree with Roger on. However, my solution involves both capitalism and socialism from the aspect that we introduce a non-profit component into our system that is designed specifically to create revenue streams that reinvest the bulk of the money generated from businesses back into the community for more business development.
Economic Terms
I agree that I may be using the terms incorrectly but what is not incorrect is that we must develop solutions that cause our dollars to circulate longer and create LME's in our community. And this will require more discussion than simply telling people to buy black.
In closing ask yourselves this question? Of the black businesses in our community that have been successful over the last 20 years, was the reason for their success a buy black strategy? Or was the reason more likely to have been a great product or service?
Once again, I appreciate all comments and the dialogue. Please keep it coming. See you at the next blog!
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You asked me:"what do we mean when we say "a*sist the Black community in attaining economic independence?""
By economic independence I mean enhancing the ability to stabilize our economics (economy) even in times of (national)recessions and depressions.
But after I specified in my earlier post you then stated that: "It is not possible to become independent of the macroeconomic environment in which the community exists."
With this statement you are again showing that you are dependent on the system, which proves that (like this blog says in its title) Buying Black will not save us from economic enslavement. This is the entire point of this blog and you have failed to prove how the "Buying Black" tactic will save us from economic enslavement.
We all agree that "Buying Black" is a economic development initiative that we all support.In fact this is why I joined this network.
In my very first comment in part 1 of this blog, I gave a brief example of how we are promoting economic freedom tactics in my local area. The African Market Place where we have vendors come together every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month and sale their products while supporting, and promoting the facilitators establishment "The Lion's Den Cultural Center" I had also explained that we trade amongst vendors at the market, where we provide other vendors with the supplies they need to make their products in exchange for food and soap acting as their distributors!
I want to also address this statement you made in your most recent post; "Any "buy Black" activity that we engage in today starts with loving one another -- the natural desire to see kindred folk succeed."
This statement is proven incorrect by the fact the most Black folk in impoverished community's due to the convenience of Korean, Chinese, Arab, African and small white owned business spend their money with them even when they are mistreated and over-charged. So it has nothing at all to do with rather we love one another (although we should strive to for moralistic purposes). It has everything to do with convenience, and product demand.
You have consistently rejected the idea of winging ourselves from this current capitalist system. Which makes me question your reasoning since you stated; "Buy Black" tactics could fuel this type of re-investment in declining Black communities. This is an unproven theory"
The underlined statement implies that my idea is just as tangible to the Black Ma*ses as your idea. Since "you say" neither can be proved to work. Bro. Richmind gives very detailed examples of why "Buying Black" will not solve or most complex condition of economic enslavement. You contributed to why "Buying Black" as a tactic will not solve our collective and global condition of economic enslavement:
1."It is not possible to become independent of the macroeconomic environment in which the community exists."
2.(It)"won't protect the Black community from recession and depression."
3."the Black owner becomes wealthy, but the Black community doesn't benefit."
4."we can achieve Black economic development within our system, but not Black independence."
So you prove that working within this current capitalistic system will not save us from economic enslavement, but will instead for ever keep us dependent on it!
Now that we are all clear on what DOESN'T work, we can begin a discussion on what tactics we can use toward "economic independence"!
There is one idea I came across about 5years ago, from an investment club called, NaMuSA (National Mutual Support a*sociation). Although this a*sociation uses "Free Enterprise" and this "Capitalistic Society" as its model, it proves that once the members participate in this process they can then generate an independent economic structure. For example a video arcade exchanges US capital for tokens in order for you to operate the games. Win you win you receive tickets which allow you to exchange them for prizes. This is a miro-multiplier tactic that can work in smaller communities. Yes it may be hard to swallow but if it can work in an arcade then may can't it work in a small community?
What are your thoughts?
Votes: +0
By economic independence I mean enhancing the ability to stabilize our economics (economy) even in times of (national)recessions and depressions.
But after I specified in my earlier post you then stated that: "It is not possible to become independent of the macroeconomic environment in which the community exists."
With this statement you are again showing that you are dependent on the system, which proves that (like this blog says in its title) Buying Black will not save us from economic enslavement. This is the entire point of this blog and you have failed to prove how the "Buying Black" tactic will save us from economic enslavement.
We all agree that "Buying Black" is a economic development initiative that we all support.In fact this is why I joined this network.
In my very first comment in part 1 of this blog, I gave a brief example of how we are promoting economic freedom tactics in my local area. The African Market Place where we have vendors come together every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month and sale their products while supporting, and promoting the facilitators establishment "The Lion's Den Cultural Center" I had also explained that we trade amongst vendors at the market, where we provide other vendors with the supplies they need to make their products in exchange for food and soap acting as their distributors!
I want to also address this statement you made in your most recent post; "Any "buy Black" activity that we engage in today starts with loving one another -- the natural desire to see kindred folk succeed."
This statement is proven incorrect by the fact the most Black folk in impoverished community's due to the convenience of Korean, Chinese, Arab, African and small white owned business spend their money with them even when they are mistreated and over-charged. So it has nothing at all to do with rather we love one another (although we should strive to for moralistic purposes). It has everything to do with convenience, and product demand.
You have consistently rejected the idea of winging ourselves from this current capitalist system. Which makes me question your reasoning since you stated; "Buy Black" tactics could fuel this type of re-investment in declining Black communities. This is an unproven theory"
The underlined statement implies that my idea is just as tangible to the Black Ma*ses as your idea. Since "you say" neither can be proved to work. Bro. Richmind gives very detailed examples of why "Buying Black" will not solve or most complex condition of economic enslavement. You contributed to why "Buying Black" as a tactic will not solve our collective and global condition of economic enslavement:
1."It is not possible to become independent of the macroeconomic environment in which the community exists."
2.(It)"won't protect the Black community from recession and depression."
3."the Black owner becomes wealthy, but the Black community doesn't benefit."
4."we can achieve Black economic development within our system, but not Black independence."
So you prove that working within this current capitalistic system will not save us from economic enslavement, but will instead for ever keep us dependent on it!
Now that we are all clear on what DOESN'T work, we can begin a discussion on what tactics we can use toward "economic independence"!
There is one idea I came across about 5years ago, from an investment club called, NaMuSA (National Mutual Support a*sociation). Although this a*sociation uses "Free Enterprise" and this "Capitalistic Society" as its model, it proves that once the members participate in this process they can then generate an independent economic structure. For example a video arcade exchanges US capital for tokens in order for you to operate the games. Win you win you receive tickets which allow you to exchange them for prizes. This is a miro-multiplier tactic that can work in smaller communities. Yes it may be hard to swallow but if it can work in an arcade then may can't it work in a small community?
What are your thoughts?
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I will try to clarify with answers to your questions.
"... you stated that: "It is not possible to become independent of the macroeconomic environment in which the community exists."
With this statement you are again showing that you are dependent on the system, which proves that (like this blog says in its title) Buying Black will not save us from economic enslavement
Living in an economic system does not equate to "economic enslavement." It is not possible to live in the USA and not exist "within this system." The definition offered for economic enslavement was...
"So, all of the following help create a condition of economic enslavement.
1. When you don't understand the importance of spending your dollars with your own race
2. When you do understand the importance of how you spend dollars but there are very few products or services readily available without you going consistently out of your way.
3. When you do support your businesses but it still has very little impact on the multiplier effect."
This suggests to me a state of ignorance, having nothing to do with buying Black, since you suggest that all activity results in economic enslavement. Therefore, EVERYONE IN THE SYSTEM IS THE SUBJECT OF ECONOMIC ENSLAVEMENT -- according to your definition.
You describe economic independence as:
By economic independence I mean enhancing the ability to stabilize our economics (economy) even in times of (national)recessions and depressions.
Everybody in the world is affected by the global recession or depression. Everyone in Japan, England, Germany, France, Greece, Africa, North and South America, and even China (their economic growth was slowed by the global recession). How is it that you believe that Blacks can devise an independent economic environment that escapes this global impact? If you are looking for ideas about how to devise such a system, I am at a loss to help. Besides, which Black people are you speaking about? And where would they exist to be insulated from the macroeconomic system? You are correct to observe that BUYING BLACK WILL NOT SAVE US FROM ECONOMIC ENSLAVEMENT (as described above).
You stated that We all agree that "Buying Black" is a economic development initiative that we all support.
I responded that in a "homogeneous Black community" it is possible to achieve "Black economic development" if Black business owners and Black consumers acted collectively. This is not the same thing as economic independence. This can all be accomplished within the current system. What you describe within your own community is an example of this to some degree.
You said: I want to also address this statement you made in your most recent post; "Any "buy Black" activity that we engage in today starts with loving one another -- the natural desire to see kindred folk succeed."
This statement is proven incorrect by the fact the most Black folk in impoverished community's due to the convenience of Korean, Chinese, Arab, African and small white owned business spend their money with them even when they are mistreated and over-charged. So it has nothing at all to do with rather we love one another (although we should strive to for moralistic purposes). It has everything to do with convenience, and product demand.
It is true that outsiders have come into Black communities and exploited a vacuum. The failure of Blacks to act in our self-interests (love one another) is a function of historical oppression and the after effects that left us vulnerable to further exploitation. My point about loving one another has to do with the natural affinity we should have for one another. This is a possible starting point. Perhaps we are already beyond the point of no return. Maybe that is why we are having these long discussions about the merits of "buying Black." Sadly, it doesn't come natural to our people. So, we make the excuse of "convenience and product demand" while our personal and collective economic condition continues to decline.
You seem to equate "economic enslavement" and "economic independence" as two polar opposites. I don't agree that one is the opposite of the other.
Well-to-do middle cla*s white folks live comfortably and accumulate wealth that they pa*s along to their children and grandchildren -- all in a state of "economic enslavement." When there is an economic recession or depression, they lose their homes and jobs too.
More later...
Votes: +0
"... you stated that: "It is not possible to become independent of the macroeconomic environment in which the community exists."
With this statement you are again showing that you are dependent on the system, which proves that (like this blog says in its title) Buying Black will not save us from economic enslavement
Living in an economic system does not equate to "economic enslavement." It is not possible to live in the USA and not exist "within this system." The definition offered for economic enslavement was...
"So, all of the following help create a condition of economic enslavement.
1. When you don't understand the importance of spending your dollars with your own race
2. When you do understand the importance of how you spend dollars but there are very few products or services readily available without you going consistently out of your way.
3. When you do support your businesses but it still has very little impact on the multiplier effect."
This suggests to me a state of ignorance, having nothing to do with buying Black, since you suggest that all activity results in economic enslavement. Therefore, EVERYONE IN THE SYSTEM IS THE SUBJECT OF ECONOMIC ENSLAVEMENT -- according to your definition.
You describe economic independence as:
By economic independence I mean enhancing the ability to stabilize our economics (economy) even in times of (national)recessions and depressions.
Everybody in the world is affected by the global recession or depression. Everyone in Japan, England, Germany, France, Greece, Africa, North and South America, and even China (their economic growth was slowed by the global recession). How is it that you believe that Blacks can devise an independent economic environment that escapes this global impact? If you are looking for ideas about how to devise such a system, I am at a loss to help. Besides, which Black people are you speaking about? And where would they exist to be insulated from the macroeconomic system? You are correct to observe that BUYING BLACK WILL NOT SAVE US FROM ECONOMIC ENSLAVEMENT (as described above).
You stated that We all agree that "Buying Black" is a economic development initiative that we all support.
I responded that in a "homogeneous Black community" it is possible to achieve "Black economic development" if Black business owners and Black consumers acted collectively. This is not the same thing as economic independence. This can all be accomplished within the current system. What you describe within your own community is an example of this to some degree.
You said: I want to also address this statement you made in your most recent post; "Any "buy Black" activity that we engage in today starts with loving one another -- the natural desire to see kindred folk succeed."
This statement is proven incorrect by the fact the most Black folk in impoverished community's due to the convenience of Korean, Chinese, Arab, African and small white owned business spend their money with them even when they are mistreated and over-charged. So it has nothing at all to do with rather we love one another (although we should strive to for moralistic purposes). It has everything to do with convenience, and product demand.
It is true that outsiders have come into Black communities and exploited a vacuum. The failure of Blacks to act in our self-interests (love one another) is a function of historical oppression and the after effects that left us vulnerable to further exploitation. My point about loving one another has to do with the natural affinity we should have for one another. This is a possible starting point. Perhaps we are already beyond the point of no return. Maybe that is why we are having these long discussions about the merits of "buying Black." Sadly, it doesn't come natural to our people. So, we make the excuse of "convenience and product demand" while our personal and collective economic condition continues to decline.
You seem to equate "economic enslavement" and "economic independence" as two polar opposites. I don't agree that one is the opposite of the other.
Well-to-do middle cla*s white folks live comfortably and accumulate wealth that they pa*s along to their children and grandchildren -- all in a state of "economic enslavement." When there is an economic recession or depression, they lose their homes and jobs too.
More later...
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We Black folks live in the same system -- with structural barriers that inhibit our access to all the benefits. The problem is not the system but those who sustain the barriers. Some of us Black folks have managed to navigate our way around the barriers. Some barriers have been removed over the years. Richmind's example of the Black owner of a McDonalds is an example. It is possible to remove some barriers and help more among the ma*ses of our people. If we have an "us against them" mentality, we get trapped into begrudging all those who navigate the barriers and declare them to be one of the enemy. This is a lose-lose outcome for Black folks. When that happens, those of us who escape, simply hide in the suburbs in comfort -- out of sight, out of mind.
What I have been trying to do -- unsuccessfully -- is to clarify the difference between "economic development" and "economic independence." Economic development is leveraging resources -- capital, people, goods and services -- to improve the economic condition of a community. Economic independence is moving from one economic system to create another economic system -- i.e., changing from capitalism to socialism or communism. There would need to be a separate system of fiscal and monetary policies,and a functional financial infrastructure to support the independent economic system. In short, we would have to secede from the USA. Since the condition of Black people does not occur in a homogeneous commmunity within our system, it is not possible (in my opinion) for all people with black skin to function in a system that is different than the rest of the people in the system in the USA.
It is possible for select groups of Black people within the system to collaborate for specific economic development initiatives that help others. A "buy Black" tactic (or strategy) can provide a means for enabling certain Black enterprises to become an economic foundation for such an initiative -- providing Black alternatives where none exist today. Other conditions must exist for the initiative to succeed. There will be a need for additional outside investment, and collaboration with the local government authorities to direct public resources (the taxes WE pay) to also help with the community development initiative.
This isn't an all or nothing proposition. Some will advance faster than others. Some will become wealthy, and others won't. There will always be the poor among us. I don't think in terms of the ma*ses. I am enabled and economically independent on a personal level. So, I can help other individuals. I can't help the ma*ses. I am not trying to change the system. I am trying to do the very best I can with the situation I am faced with.
I hope this helps a little.
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Bro. Madison,
I agree that everyone within this capitalist system is a slave to it. At this point I am only concerned with the Black Collective's Economic Freedom/Independence. To be dependent on anything that is not a necessity, to the point where survival is not possible without it makes you a slave to it. I think this makes perfect since, all I am asking is that we talk about alternatives. What is the harm in that. I really don't understand how this will harm anyone.
Also I think this conversation proves that we care enough about our situation to continue discussing it. I have no hate in my heart or dislike toward you Brotha. Those that I dislike get no conversation from me at all because I consider it wasted energy.
I also agree with your global recession statement. This is why it is important for us to keep the Black African Collective tight. We will need our Brotha's and Sistah's throughout the diaspora for survival. The Motherland is most valuable since the world relies on her natural resources to maintain the global economy. We all know specifically that when the value in gold declines the our economy suffers, because our currency is weighed mostly on gold.
I will say yet again that the USA's economy will surely fail and soon we will be forced under a new economic system anyway. Why can't we be proactive about this and create our own economic system. This is a long-term plan, something we have never historically done, which has been the reason behind our demise. We never collectively plan ahead, we only react and adapt. Can we at least in this forum disconnect ourselves from that destructive habit?
Votes: +0
I agree that everyone within this capitalist system is a slave to it. At this point I am only concerned with the Black Collective's Economic Freedom/Independence. To be dependent on anything that is not a necessity, to the point where survival is not possible without it makes you a slave to it. I think this makes perfect since, all I am asking is that we talk about alternatives. What is the harm in that. I really don't understand how this will harm anyone.
Also I think this conversation proves that we care enough about our situation to continue discussing it. I have no hate in my heart or dislike toward you Brotha. Those that I dislike get no conversation from me at all because I consider it wasted energy.
I also agree with your global recession statement. This is why it is important for us to keep the Black African Collective tight. We will need our Brotha's and Sistah's throughout the diaspora for survival. The Motherland is most valuable since the world relies on her natural resources to maintain the global economy. We all know specifically that when the value in gold declines the our economy suffers, because our currency is weighed mostly on gold.
I will say yet again that the USA's economy will surely fail and soon we will be forced under a new economic system anyway. Why can't we be proactive about this and create our own economic system. This is a long-term plan, something we have never historically done, which has been the reason behind our demise. We never collectively plan ahead, we only react and adapt. Can we at least in this forum disconnect ourselves from that destructive habit?
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I am enjoying this discussion. I think we are more in agreement than not. The outcomes that we seek include helping other Black people to enjoy a greater measure of success in business and in our local communities. There are many ways to achieve these outcomes. It is not important that one of us wins a debate about the best way. If we learn from one another and develop a stronger bond of unity, then we are progressing toward positive collaborative outcomes. That is good, and others will also benefit.
I think we have made our points, and I look forward to the next volume in this series from Richmind. Let's keep sharing and supporting one another.
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I think we have made our points, and I look forward to the next volume in this series from Richmind. Let's keep sharing and supporting one another.
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