Barriers To Black Progress: Structural, Cultural, Or Both?

Manhattan Institute senior fellow Jason Riley joined Brown University’s Glenn Loury to discuss Dr. Loury’s upcoming Manhattan Institute working paper, followed with a panel conversation moderated by Howard Husock.
Despite the tremendous progress made by many African-Americans over the past half-century, the black community continues to experience disproportionate hardship on measures such as poverty, college completion, crime, and out-of-wedlock births. How do we explain today’s disparities in progress for Black America? Are they the products of structural injustices, cultural forces, some synthesis of the two, or other as-yet-unidentified factors?
Panel:
Michael Fortner, Assistant Professor of Political Science, CUNY Graduate Center
Coleman Hughes, Class of 2020, Columbia University
Howard Husock, Vice President for Research & Publications, Manhattan Institute
Ian Rowe, Chief Executive Officer, Public Preparatory Network
Learn more: www.manhattan-institute.org/h...

[@SmartMoneyBro]

One of the most commonsensical conversations on Black improvement that I've ever heard. No emotion and no blaming. It's all about what WE CAN DO for ourselves.

[@slydogdirty1]

If you make someone strongly emotional you shut down their critical thinking. Great for reprogramming.

[@bnjmnwst]

Professor Loury showed a little righteous anger at the end. It was proper, in my estimation.

[@bnjmnwst]

@spot light Thats a mischaracterization. They do not run away from it. They choose to put emphasis on what folks can do for themselves. They're trying to empower people.

[@bnjmnwst]

@spot light They don't. You can keep saying it, but that won't make it true. Zero people are denying that there's racism, but it doesn't matter. No matter what it is that may be an obstacle to you in your life, 85-90% of your outcome is up to you. Another thing to consider is that the vast majority of people talking about outcomes for black people are talking about racism & other outside influences. Why is it a problem that a small group of people is talking about personal responsibility? Both issues must be addressed.

[@TheSuperappelflap]

@@bnjmnwst upward economic mobility in the USA is very low. this isnt true at all. a lot of people who are born poor stay poor. much more than 50 years ago.

[@TheAnniegoo]

Glenn Loury needs a bigger platform. He should not have to apologise for making true statements. He should be applauded and given a bigger platform to speak the truth. We need more Glenn Loury.

[@davidjolley9271]

Agreed.

[@socrjox10]

And I should win the next Powerball! (I agree with you, but we are but individuals in a YUGE morass)

[@russelld2925]

It's tragic that a conversation like this gets less than 10,000 views. If this video showed a racist cop beating up a black suspect it would have 10 million views.

[@jjmcweaver4522]

Hey man, it's out there though. It wasn't before. If we can change 1 mind every couple of days from KZbin alone itd be a huge victory.

[@rickmemmer5625]

@shmbbrkr That's true -- except you left out the part that no community in this country likes conversation that holds them accountable (liberals and conservatives are just two sides of the same counterfeit coin).

[@mkrock9402]

That's the problem...

[@thecrow4840]

​@@jjmcweaver4522 Really?

[@rabidfarmer9765]

@russell d - asking a black man to think for himself is racist. Did you not know? To be a father to his children is also racist...there should also only be strong black women in the homes on govt cheese. Children who have gold in their teeth and could barely speak. And they all want reparations for their conditions.

[@pianostudentsemper]

As a Mexican American who once found himself on the left side of these topics, and through hard work has developed his human capital and is now reaping the rewards of that human capital, I agree with everything said here.

[@ThePersonToBlame]

So.... American? In my Opinion, drop the Mexican American, you are my brother no matter what tone of skin you have or where your ancestors hail from, hell, even yourself. You come here, join us, become a citizen, you are one of us.

[@Caizara29]

@@ThePersonToBlame probably he was born here ,and he is just describing his ethnicity by saying "As a Mexican American ....". In my case I am peruvian ,but I am a naturalized citizen since 7 years ago . Proud to be american since 7 years ago . Every year I feel less Peruvian and more American. I like my roots ,but I love being american . Indeed hard work and freedom take you far .

[@MrsCarter211]

@C o please, tell us why, we are willing to listen to those who disagree 💙

[@OscarGonzalezTheRealOne]

Me too brother!

[@stp479]

Great post! Thanks.

[@ninadaly7639]

Thank you Mr. Loury! America’s voice of reason and sanity!

[@kanyekubrick5391]

I’m black and raised by a single mother and understood from childhood that it’s about taking responsibility

[@allydea]

And what is the point that you would like to make?

[@kanyekubrick5391]

@@allydea don’t worry about it, let intelligent people figure that out

[@allydea]

@@kanyekubrick5391 Haha, what a guy! Didn't your mommy teach you not to be a little prick?

[@kanyekubrick5391]

@@allydea she did, but also said shitheads are an exception

[@allydea]

@@kanyekubrick5391 Nah, you sound like a permanent piece of shit. I doubt you have the ability to shift gears.

[@canuck5896]

Whenver I hear someone accuse a black man of being an "Uncle Tom" I know that the accused is probably a smart and thoughtful person.

[@oat3230]

Thats how i feel when someone is accused of being a "Bootlicker". I know the accused is probably smart because they understand structural power.

[@jayhall4214]

I didn't call him an uncle tom. I said the battle is over and he is like a Japanese hold out in the philippines holding out. Black America has surrendered and is headed towards a reservation. He only has two choices a. Advocate for the people on the reservation or b. Abandon ship and admit that nothing he says applies to black people.

[@agentorangechicago]

I’m getting to that point, too.

[@sailorbychoice1]

It also shows the speaker's ignorance. Uncle Tom was a hero in that story. He stood up for his beliefs even as they beat him to death~ but his character was such he resulted in the freeing of a great many more.

[@DarthBalsamic]

The sad part about the "uncle tom" caricature is that it was actually based on story about an actual black person of faith who was actually a good person. The book is called Uncle Tom's Cabin, and it's a good read. When a person uses it as an epithet it lets you know where they are, and it isn't anywhwere good. I've been called all sorts of things as a black man because I refuse to submit to the monolithism in the black community.

[@Na99973]

Feb 11, 2019 . The irony of how relevant this is today is killing me. Please absorb every second of this.

[@andrecurtis2335]

Glenn emphatically predicted that it was going to get worse... here we are today.

[@4EyedAnimation]

Preaching to the choir

[@berthilleonard]

jul 1st 2020 woopsie

[@TheSuperappelflap]

@@andrecurtis2335 anyone could predict it would get worse, its a result of macro-economic processes that are ongoing for at least 50 years lol

[@egolayer13]

Whoa, I got a little surprise here. I came here for Glenn Loury. I stayed after for Coleman Hughes.

[@adhdlivingyourdreams9515]

I am so proud of his statement about how the schools are very left and they need more ideological diversity in the faculty.

[@TeaParty1776]

> more ideological diversity in the faculty. Counter-revolutionary!

[@dektran4843]

you can subvert leftists very easily since subversion is a two way street

[@TheSuperappelflap]

american schools are not very left by european standards. perhaps only on the issues regarding identity politics and safe spaces but that doesnt have anything to do with "the left" outside of america

[@oliverjamito9902]

My kings and priests, Martin Luther king jr. Martin Luther king jr. Said, he is against white or black supremacy? Don't underestimate the believers in Jesus christ and all who believe in God? They are kings and priests through Jesus christ? Truth and peace reunite for good. In due time

[@oliverjamito9902]

Who came out with abortion and it's purpose? Ought to let you know? There should be more beautiful black brothers and sisters added in the population? Likewise, with other races feel victims. My beloved brothers is not me and you? But principalities who sits in high places.

[@charlesholman8757]

The more I look for answers to questions about the problems to the black community. The more I find the answers that are not being explored, discussed, or even thought about. I have learned that the squeakiest wheel get the most oil. These professors of thought, logic, reason and of course bravery really need to be heard by the next gen. I got tired of hearing that the gov't isn't doing anything about our plight but our plight is not systemic, its not monetary, its not about the boogeymen that are hunting me down every time I walk out the door. I challenge anyone to comment how many times how racism affected you DIRECTLY. Whether it be lost of job, promotion, academically or just in plain out right in your face HATE for you as a black person? But that question is just really food for thought. Cause I really can't expect a HONEST answer from the internet

[@mido8109]

Charles i'm a American of african decent... I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU!!! you are absolutely right! there is so much i can say however to much text. soon im going to start a youtube channel to put another perspective

[@johnmartlew5897]

charles holman .... I would like to try, if I may. Look for my name and read my comment. I don’t know where else to start.

[@deedeeequestrian8482]

One young lady on NPR said she experienced racism "every day" by people asking to touch her hair. creepy and bad manners, yes, but racist? I would love to hear more voices of reason, so good luck guys. I hope to hear your voice, too.

[@HerrNiclas]

@Pasha Pindrik sounds like discrimination to me. It happens to all kind of people. And it is wrong every time it happens.

[@michaels4255]

@@HerrNiclas It may "happen to all kinds of people" but when it happens to whites there is no means of address, whereas if you are accused as a white person, you are likely to be presumed guilty until proven innocent. You have to expect racial discrimination and suspicion and even simple misunderstandings in a multi-racial society. It just goes with the territory; but there should not be two entirely different policies for dealing with it depending on which race you are. Until whites too enjoy equal rights under law, which they and they alone do not have today, the hypocrisy of our policies, both the de jure and the de facto, will continue to fuel white nationalism and similar movements.

[@bespoke4187]

"Soft bigotry of low expectations." So true... I should use that quote for misogyny. "Soft misogyny of low expectations." Absolutely hate when people condescend, pander and underestimate the potential of others.

[@meeknotweak3]

Wow! Glenn just blew me away with his keen insights, sharp intellect and passion. Every word felt like rolling thunder. Enjoyed the panelists, especially the gentleman changing lives with his charter school. Education is the key to reprogramming our youth’s minds by empowering them to believe in themselves. Thank you everyone who was involved in this and sharing this truth 🙏🏽

[@serpentines6356]

I have a huge respect for the wonderful man who runs "Project Hood" in Chicago. He camped out on the rooftop in the winter in Chicago - in freakin' freezing Chicago! to raise money for the community center he is wanting to build. The guy is super impressive. If I was a millionaire I would have wanted to build the thing for him. As is, I can at least donate something now, and then. 😁

[@SmallBobby]

There has to be a fundamental change in culture and family dynamics. Education can only do so much.

[@johnrapp1116]

White middle aged male that lives in a neighborhood that is 50/50 white and black people. Middle class, working people. This conversation is how we live together, instead of apart. I don’t treat my black neighbors as infants or predators and they don’t treat me as evil and oppressive. We live in real life - not the internet and not for Fox or MSNBC toxicity - it’s my neighborhood! We all want to get along, look out for each other. I’d like to see more conversations like this where we just affirm respect for each other.

[@lizgichora6472]

Urgency, Agency, and Honesty. Thank you for your discussions...

[@assumity]

Agreed. Modeling productive behavior for all Americans. It's so easy to feel bad about our society these days; all the incentives are in that direction. Grateful to the brave souls who remind us of our better angels and our responsibility to each other.

[@Raven5563]

How is this Conservative? It sounds like Common Sense to me. (Thank you, Thomas Paine, for the reference.) And, by the way-- We Black Folk have to get our *)&(*&^ together. Where we are is not the future Mary McLeod Bethune and the folks behind Fisk ( my Mom went there) or Morehouse (My Granpa went there) envisioned for us. We were supposed to be AMERICAN.

[@albertogutierrez8653]

Erica (Raven) Branch-Butler Beautiful.

[@sailorbychoice1]

Mary McLeod Bethune couldn't have envisioned all that happened in the 50's, 60's, and 70's. She was dealing with the world as is was. It took a long time from her starting a school that taught high-end house-hold servant work combined with enough "book-learning" to be able to teach themselves anything else they needed to learn to even get an accredited jr college was huge. Bethune-Cookman today does a pretty good job in the 4 year degree area. I'm not sure about graduate and PhD's, it's been ten years since I knew the place. Anyone who thinks there has been no improvement in the Black Community knows nothing about history. There have been growing pains but not all the pains can be accredited to the white community. The fact that we have white or black neighborhoods, and that there is resistance to keep it that way from within the black community could be part of the problem. It seems to me that most of the blacks I know who got out of the _hood_ they grew up in, and didn't move into another just like it, but moved to a better community, those who got a job, got married then raised their families did/do better. I would be very interested in hearing from Black people who have done so, and what their opinions are. But Mary Bethune was an awesome lady who did great work.

[@meganandrickys]

@rxp56 Hard to do when white Americans constantly remind you, youre and other to them. This is some sam harris tier, boring, lazy take on identity politics. Living in some utopia in their brain that black people can somehow pretend theyre not black, dont currently still face bias and racism due to something completely out of their control, and magically the racist people will go hmmm i dont see color anymore cause magic. "Black people stop talking about being black. When white men murder you because of your blackness. When congressman with rebel flags on their desk cant understand when white supremacy and white nationalism became bad words. When the FBI releases a 2006 report warning of neo nazi infiltration into the police force and military. I dont want you to think of the threat to you at all during this. Just cross your legs on the floor, and meditate on how human you are". lol. Like the point goes without saying. As if black people wake up everyday doing some type of religious ritual to remind us of our "tribal" love to our blackness. We wake up, shit shower and go to work like everyone else. Not always thinking of our skin color.

[@meganandrickys]

I say this all the time Erica. Like this is just shit i heard from family members growing up. This isnt some conservative special secret. Hell even in Friday he said "you either working, or you going to school. Come first of the month, the rents due"... You know the rest. This idea that some shit your grandparents told you is now some hidden black conservative secret is so laughable, that it almost feels like comedy. Then they bring on some young brotha, (ive listened to some of his stuff) to go on various podcast mostly to a white audience, dropping some 101 tier observation of black problems in America, while crying that he thinks he cant say certain things around his college peers because they will get mad. Im in the barbershop all the time like most brothas in America, and all i hear is them telling youngins to get their grades up and go to college. How they dont mess with so and so anymore because they being too lazy, and they dont have time for that, etc.. Its not us sitting around talking about white people, racism, and how we just dont wanna work, and would prefer committing crimes and dodging the police. lol These people caricature the conversations of black people in this country, and sound like black people that literally do not hang around other black people anymore. lol. I say this as someone that has listened to every glenn loury podcast and his guest spots on other podcast, and im just getting almost basically nothing out of it. Like if someone is listening to that shit, and is being profoundly educated. They have far more issues with their relation to black people than i could ever imagine.

[@alex-qd6of]

@@meganandrickys is it possible they are where they are, because they don't hang out primarily with black folks?

[@lindagonzalez435]

Wow! I am a teacher, and he hit it on the nail with the students’ behavior. I love my job and my students and I have chosen to work in a low income school because that is where I grew up. I want to encourage and make a difference. But it is very difficult that we have to keep disruptive students in our classrooms. I have been hit, spoken to disrespectfully and I cannot do anything. I have had to protect my other students at times and even have had to evacuate my class while that child destroys my classroom. Those years, I at times have wanted to quit. I agree we are harming the child and the others students as well. I am not sure what is the best way to help those students is. Some come to school with so much anger and I try to encourage , love and pray for them as best I can, but some days are just too much to handle.

[@maggietinsley2516]

While working my teachers license, I had to take a class on class discipline. The professor was black and gave us an article titled Why Young Black Boys are Disproportionally Disciplined in the Classroom. The article went on to say that it’s mainly white teachers who are teaching and they do not understand the culture of blacks and they miss interpret behaviors as being disrespectful or disruptive when in fact it’s just cultural. I felt like what she was asking us to do as teachers was to not hold young black students to the same standards that we would hold our white students to. To me this idea seems destructive because the very group that you want to help to be successful and to know how to be young professionals one day, should not be held to basic standards of behavior.

[@inspiredbeats]

If you don't understand the culture, you are not qualified to teach the kids.

[@XxsonicfanxX60]

@@inspiredbeats You can understand the culture while still holding the child to the same standards as the other children. The methods and approaches may change depending on the child and their culture but at the end of the day the expectations should be the same across the board.

[@inspiredbeats]

@@XxsonicfanxX60 No you cannot. You have it backwards. Teaching is not about holding people to standards. Teaching is about being able to show a person how to reach a certain standard. If you lack the understand of how that person learns or the cultural norms of that person, you are not qualified to teach them. My pets hold me to a certain standard, but they are not qualified to teach. Your children will hold you to a certain standard. Creating or holding someone to a standard and the ability to teach them to meet such a standard are two completely different things.

[@therealthreadkilla]

@@inspiredbeats So then why doesn't that apply to Asian students? AND why do black immigrants do better in America than native blacks? Also, are you implying that a black teacher can't teach a white student?

[@inspiredbeats]

@@therealthreadkilla Its not an honest question. There are billions of Asians in the world, most are illiterate. You are taking the top performers, who happen to study up 4 or 5 hours per day and you are trying to compare them to the general population of African Americans. Nice try. I will say it again. If you do not understand the culture, you are not qualified to teach. Also Asians are far more interested in blending in and will adopt certain cultural norms. African Americans will not do that. Black people will only go to a therapist that is black in most cases. Understanding the culture is very important in the black community and its not up for debate. If you don't understand our culture, leave.

[@imabjorkman6533]

I'm an immigrant, originally from Singapore, an educator in the US for over 20 years now. I'm yet to hear debates like this on equality in education. When will we hear debates on the student's behavior, and not his/her race? This is refreshing!

[@streetwisepioneers4470]

Yet race can not be entirely excluded from the debate, as it plays a key role in identifying the reasons for recalcitrant attitudes directed towards authority figures by disenfranchised youths across all racial divides. The brutal truth is, black youths have witnessed the historic and systemic oppression of their parents and the emasculation of their fathers, and so have the white youths, with the exception that they can always fall back on "at least I am not black." Over time this has led to intergenerational self hate, each successive generation becoming less willing to accept their lot in the scheme of things, emboldened by technological advances promising the right to a share in the spoils of industry. This is especially true in the west, as each generation becomes increasingly resistant to social control measures implemented by a superstructure that has grown alongside them. Issues of race were never addressed at the inception of the Marxist model for social change and accountability, yet in their rush to make their point have uncovered latent tendencies of individual and collective hypocrisy and selfishness! ⚖🌍

[@jjgems5909]

This applies to everyone and every community. I’m Hispanic and I see this as a human issue. Such a great discussion. So glad the audience was respectful

[@tomkunich9401]

I would like to underscore the importance of jobs. Under Trump, locally I was seeing a transformation, black families in the grocery stores, Mom teaching her daughter how to shop, what to buy and why, little brother running around with Dad trying to chase him down and the pure look of joy on their faces gave me the greatest hope for the future of our country since Dr. King

[@angel1202003]

omggg lmao

[@robertryan1663]

Just watching this in August 2021. The honesty is absolutely breathtaking. I know firsthand that the professional class puts extensive time and resources in preparing their children for success. It is complete hypocrisy for them to turn around and say for other children these things aren't important. Like most problems this one probably has multiple sources but the things talked about here would be a great start. I've always been a huge fan of public education but between the bloated bureaucracy and the teachers union I don't think it can be fixed. I think what Mr Rowe is doing has to be our future. I wish we could clone him a million times.

[@krijnvisee5561]

Always a pleasure to hear Glenn Loury.

[@carlyork8185]

Krijn Visee Of course it is always a pleasure to hear an African American like Glenn Loury speak because he parrots everything white America has been saying to A people Who never got a real chance A people who gets criticized for not having anything because of structural racism Gets blamed for their wretched condition by those who caused it Did this country not give white people a cushion to make it? Is there no such thing as structural racism? Does it not have a legacy??

[@Madrrrrrrrrrrr]

Carl York you are just an ignorant racist. Judging white people because of their skin colour. Loury is right. It’s statistics. In my country Moroccan people per capita are more in jail then the rest. But it’s not race. It’s because they are much more lower class than whites. When you look at class it’s not only Moroccan’s, it’s also white lower class that’s more in jail. So statistics don’t say Moroccans are generally bad but it’s lower class in general that is more jail. And sure life is tougher for some minorities than for whites. But if you look at how many Moroccan girls get degrees and good jobs they are pulling up the stats since the last 15 years. Loury also doesn’t say there is no racism against minorities. But not as much some ppl try to make off it.

[@ABQSkywatcher]

@@carlyork8185 And there we go. YOU'RE exactly why the black community will be in exactly the same spot 100 years from now.

[@mikey3800]

@@carlyork8185 How do you explain Asians that come to the US and flourish?

[@bettycoleman1744]

I love these guys!!!! So very proud of them.

[@Dash277]

Glenn is the man. I'm glad he touched on relaxing the school's being forced to artificially narrow the disparity in punishment for bad behavior.

[@playnejayne5550]

As if it would help black kids in the long run to get away with worse behavior. As a teacher of 31 years, I wonder about the disparity. For the EXACT same behavior, are black kids (especially boys) more likely to be referred to the principal? It doesn't help to simply classify behavior as "noncompliant" or whatever. There is passive noncompliance and then there is in-your-face noncompliance that disrupts the class. For the second type, there is little else to do but get the kid out of the room by writing out a referral. Is there a racial style to all this?

[@exponent8562]

Thank you for this discussion. I can now count on two hands (instead of just one) the number of people who are, in my opinion, making sense on these issues.

[@lisamontez9401]

Here are two more, John McWhorter and Coleman Hughes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4HMf5yKrMtomK8. Enjoy!

[@lisamontez9401]

OH, sorry, I replied before noticing that Coleman is on the panel.

[@lisamontez9401]

Shelby Steele is another: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o37TgnWNfZKFraM.

[@bengold7942]

I like these guys very much. Just a calm talk by someone who wants to help people.

[@johnmccalister1987]

Shelby is the lowest on my list. It is because of his stance on never doing anything policy wise, not today, but back in the 1960's. That is just insane. He said we should have never done anything. MLK made a great point about the "cruel jester to the bootless man."

[@iheartcurtmil]

I wish this would be more mainstream. We need to have more conversations like this! We only hear the same narrative, a different perspective is so refreshing and welcoming!

[@darinbashaw]

Love these kinds of conversations. Many of the points I try to make, but only get attacked for even considering anything other than the victimization propaganda. Glad to see people with a greater stake in the problems than myself are looking with clear eyes to actual solutions.

[@lperry7289]

I am so proud of these men, and I wish Dr. Walter Williams was also mentioned, I'm from Philadelphia and didn't learn about Philadelphia native Dr. Williams until I was an adult, in addition I know he's not black but Dr. Milton Friedman was a outspoken advocate for charter schools and many issues talked about today.

[@castlewindsor5592]

Why nobody listens to these wise men?

[@jacobjorgenson9285]

That's a very good question ! I'm guessing it's because people fear being torn down which happens so fast today. We have mob rule and that's never a good thing

[@johnlarocca3951]

People dont listen Cos they speak based On facts not lies. This exposes all the Race baiters who Do not want racial /social Harmony.

[@drlove994]

Black man here I listen everyday!

[@JRobbySh]

The roar of the crowd. Recall how it refused to listen to Socrates?

[@slydogdirty1]

Some people want revenge and free stuff and believe in utopia. Hateful Losers. Living with integrity is hard and painful and there is no avoiding suffering in a in perfectly imperfect universe. People are group animals they follow the herd.

[@DisabusingTheLeft]

I LOVE WHAT I AM HEARING FROM IAN ROWE!!!!! I have been saying many of the same things for MANY years and would LOVE for schools like his to be in EVERY major city across America.

[@kc30058]

OMG, a real conversation about our own responsibilities in our own future and how we should take ownership of it because...'grow up, no ones coming to save you!' I truly really needed to hear this.

[@wmdavidhamilton]

The willingness to have a nuanced discussion today is an example of bravery.

[@Lucypetuniaggm]

Thank you all for investing your time in this wonderful event. I agree that less than 10k views on this is heartbreaking!

[@thomasharder9582]

This is a great piece of work Jason. Your interview of Dr. Glenn Loury is just fantastic. I am a retired Midwestern white man, and I appreciate your work so much I can't even express it adequately. I'm not racist, but I do judge all people, including brown, green and purple people, by the content of their character. I graduated high school in 1975, so Dr King's teachings mean a great deal to me. As a result I have a major problem with bad behavior...including crime. The riots taking place in 2020 I take a very dim view of. Trying to tear apart our country during such a time of prosperity is simply wrong. Democrats stoke so much hatred and they use the Black population as a tool, including Black leaders. I'm so disgusted by it that I feel enormous frustration and anger. I feel none of them even care about the problems of the Black Community. Why is education not a huge issue? Why is personal responsibility not an important discussion? Instead it's all about racism. Graduating High School with an 8th grade competency should be the number one discussion. Why do Democrats oppose everything that will help them succeed...WHY? The disparity will disappear when education becomes the number one issue! You two are perfect examples. I study Thomas Sowell, Walter Williams, Larry Elder, Bob Woodson and I'm so disappointed that nobody is listening.

[@williamkeys6782]

Manhattan Inst: Please note that Academic/Economist Walter Williams is a rare gem and is able to articulate the problems and solutions of black people. The trouble is that blacks are not listening to 'Conservative' black men.

[@FlaminioGuerrero]

"Culture, Causation, and Responsibility", What a concept! Thank you for such deep, honest, and productive conversations.

[@tobygoessailing]

All these guys are tremendous. A fantastic discussion & a breath of fresh air. If only this was all over the media, instead of the usual garbage, the world might be in a better place right now. Thank you, gentlemen.

[@gitchygoomy4876]

I only have two words to describe my feelings after watching and listening to this honest discussion of some of the issues facing black americans, refreshing and optimistic. Thank you gentlemen.

[@TheArora3]

This discussion and many more arguments of Dr. Loury have led to a paradigm shift in my views on this matter. Personal responsibility is something we control and exercise and it is exceptionally powerful to be able to use that tool. When we blame the past, genetic makeup, and external circumstances, we give away the most powerful tool in our hands.

[@haydehabdolahian7691]

If we talk any thing close to what mr Loury is saying our dear black friend would call us prejudices 😢I’m so glad some very intelligent educated person is saying this thing 👍

[@stp479]

Your title should read: Barriers To Black Progress: Structural, Cultural, Or largely Media Race-baiting Based?

[@kelvinbrown8754]

As an African American I can say you have one of the best comments on here. The media uses Black misery for ratings. Both the left and right media. This shit has got to stop

[@Mateo-et3wl]

Where do you think the journalists come from? The universities are the root of all this garbage and are totally out of touch with reality

[@kelvinbrown8754]

@@Mateo-et3wl So shut down the universities? I think by the time someone graduates from college they are old enough to decide for themselves whether they like left or right wing ideologies. The attack on the education system on all levels is a right wing talking point. Stop listening to these clowns and use your own judgement

[@Mateo-et3wl]

@@kelvinbrown8754 what a ridiculous leap of logic. Is this your attempt at reasoned discussion? I'm very familiar with academia since i spent 15 years of my life there and believe it or not a lot of what happens there has absolutely nothing to do with education and everything to do with indoctrination. This is so well-documented at this point thay it's laughable, and it's been getting worse for 5 decades. There are plenty of ways to "educate" yourself and the universities are only one (often not the best) option.

[@kelvinbrown8754]

@@Mateo-et3wl And yet you, apparently the chosen one, was able to escape being indoctrinated. I here this lame argument for people on the right from Limbaugh to Sowell moaning and whining about kids getting indoctrinated by all these evil leftists. There is a quote falsely attributed to Winston Churchill but it makes sense, If you’re not a liberal when you’re 25, you have no heart. If you’re not a conservative by the time you’re 35, you have no brain.’ Young people think saving the planet, eradicating homelessness and every other illness that this planet is afflicted with can be solved easily since it is difficult for some of them to understand how complex and systemic some of them are. They all love free college until they start paying taxes. How people stay liberal until they are Bernie Sanders' age is the biggest mystery. I know there are arrogant and charismatic professors that can brainwash the minds of the most gullible but look at your average Trump supporter. Don't blame college!

[@mikelezcurra810]

Why aren't we having discussions like these now??

[@rationalinaction6334]

It doesn't sell to victims

[@theisisreincarnate]

Because oprah, Gayle & don lemon are holding a town hall meeting on race & police brutality 🤦🏾‍♀️ ... because trauma sells . Logic doesn't sell

[@TeaParty1776]

Leftist media depends on Leftist blacks presented as "authentic" blacks and the voice of the black "community." But why Cornell West and Al Sharpton but not Clarence Thomas, Walter Williams ,Marva Collins or Thomas Sowell? Apparently, some blacks more equal than others, thank you George Orwell.

[@rationalinaction6334]

@@TeaParty1776 because the non leftist faction will speak their mind and be truthful which would end the racial divide

[@TeaParty1776]

@@rationalinaction6334 Rightists and Leftists both oppose rational individualism.

[@edaccura]

Black Youth Culture is going to make the biggest change in history for generations to come . MARK MY WORD 👨🏾‍🦲👀👊🏾

[@AlejandroLopez-cs6np]

Professor of Brown University... no wonder it makes sense and aims for prosperity for all... The first 40min honestly almost made me cry. The passion and love was obvious. Very powerful. Jesus, and the panel at the end! WOW!!!! We need more of this! America can be so much stronger with conversations and minds like this helping lead the way!!! Wow! I'm amazed at this video! Work of God. And if you don't believe in God than this is a pure work of good! Proffesor Glenn Loury is a saint and his voice needs to be projected from coast to coast!

[@Cbreezy0704]

Thank you so much for this content. We need more people like you to stand up and tell the truth!!!

[@philibusters]

A great discussion. I have heard Glenn's views before from his show and I think they are deep. That said, the pleasant surprise for me was how much I enjoyed the panel discussion.

[@playnejayne5550]

Do we want truth? Do we want things to get better? I am convinced these guys aim for both.

[@playnejayne5550]

@Andrea Mendenhall Every time there's a new star with a new take on the old race baiting, I wonder why Glenn Loury, Jason Riley, John McWhorter, and Coleman Hughes are not in that position. I've concluded that a lot of people don't want a way ahead. They'd rather be whipped for their supposed racism. Or be in the position of doing the whipping. How dismal.

[@cristinaegas]

Wonderful minds!! Your contribute to the future of Peace and Reason! Thank you!!❤

[@Lynx-Ash-23]

Great discussion. Refreshing to hear real and objective opinion. This is an antidote to the usual MSM discussions. The ideal now would be to have these guys debate with the almost ubiquitous concensus on most media. We could then tear down myth in favour truth..

[@SiboWoW]

"It's going to be worse". Well, Glenn, you were so freaking right.

[@edmey]

Professor Loury has said in a conversation with John McWhorter on bloggingheads that the professors in the Black Studies department at Brown discourage their students from attending his classes. He is also a fellow at the Watson Institute at Brown and, 5having attended several of his lectures, I can confirm that very few Black students were present.

[@SelmanJulian]

It appears to me that this discussion with the themes that it takes on, is an essential part of a mature and honest grappling with issues of race, identity, nationality and diversity. It goes beyond left and right politics, it takes a lot of listening and questioning of the assumptions we may have, and it also requires an open mind in the face of empirical evidence and the complexity of history and societal forces. It is so interesting and so important for us to engage with this.

[@sittingbull1903]

Glenn’s closing point was from down deep in his soul ! Really enjoyed the convo gentleman..Slow clapping effect !

[@gabrielenriquemartinez]

I want to know what kind of crystal ball these folks had back in Feb 2019????? How prescient was this conversation considering today, June 2020!!!

[@jaskbi]

Bravo, Facts are back in the Narrative.

[@christopherpomory5437]

Sorry to say it hasn't lasted.

[@go2therock]

Sharing this on Facebook today. These men are the leaders we need.

[@AN-jw2oe]

Me too, sharing as much as I can!

[@jesusmysavior2424]

It made me cry in the last part when Glenn summarized the true issues, I cry; how far this country went away from the cord values; how bad it caused the damage!!! Keep up the good work; even though it head against the mainstream. I pray

[@junecahill5715]

I weep with you....and also pray for our beautiful country. If we were as horrible as the MSM says, why would hundreds of thousands want to come here LEGALLY & ILLEGALLY to improve their lives. That's just 'common sense' thinking. As my dad (born in 1914, lived through the depression, WWII, etc) said, 'the problem with common sense is that's it's not very 'common'

[@Black_unity597]

You people say went away from its core values??? Are you crazy or something it’s core values was racism it didn’t go away from anything it seems to be moving in the direction but just as racist as ever!

[@Samsung-io5nd]

@@Black_unity597 You don't listen very well!

[@pdumpsterful]

@@Black_unity597 there were some that were racist and others that were not. Just like today, there are people who support abortion and others opposed

[@jamiirali1]

Concerning equal punishment concerning minorities in a school setting I'm wondering who does the stats ...I'm a minority...I worked for 4 minority school districts in long island New York... currently I'm employed by 2 of them...the board is minority the mayor is a minority and the staff is majority minority...and I can tell you first hand from a birds eye view that minority kids in the districts I have worked for seldom get suspended because the school does not receive funding if a bad seed kids behind is not in the desk..so it seems school funding for bad kids is more important than a premium learning environment for the kids who come to learn.. I have seen plenty of times also where these same kids do absolutely nothing in school but take up space and at the tail end of the school year the parents of these deviants come running up to the school accusing teachers of intentionally failing their kids and demanding some type of make up tests and work to squeeze their kids by even though these kids and their parents were no shows during parent teacher conferences...they pressure the principal and because some school districts want to cast an image of a model school district the superintendent will squeek the kid by...then the kid who is pushed through the school system expects society to be as yielding but soon gets a brutal dose of reality..most of the school discipline I have witnessed is administered when that child becomes a nuisance to administrators but as long as they torment the teachers and other staff it's never a problem and that's when the excuses come in..." Oh they come from a hard life to which I reply " so did that kid from Sierra Leone who saw his relatives killed in the blood diamond war...his life was 2 times worse than any inner city minority but he managed to get a straight "A" average.. or that Indian kid whose first language is not English but managed to learn it and achieve an "A"and "B" average...no excuses needed for them because they lack the anti intellectualism "you talk and act white" affliction many of our kids have ..and of course common sense dictates that multiple offenses in a school or public setting will reward the offender a stiffer sentence and I've seen it in my 20 plus years working as a school guard...they start this destructive attitudes and behavior against staff and security in school and when they apply this mindset towards law enforcement it goes downhill for them and then there is an uproar...people who accuse the school system of not educating our kids need to answer the question of why black or minority kids from other countries don't seem to have a problem with learning the school curriculum...as told to me by a mother from South India they realize the key to escape poverty is education which is what my father who grew up dirt poor in Savannah told me as a kid...and he also relayed to me that if he himself who grew up in the tail end of the great depression,Jim Crow and blatant racism could manage to navigate around obstacles while rising through the ranks to become a gunnery Sargeant in the Marines then there is no excuses for you in this day and time no to achieve something...but again...he and many in his generation did not have the anti intellectualism virus because education was his key out of poverty.

[@MH3GL]

Thanks for sharing. Nice to see this perspective. The truth is often hard to hear.... And that's how you usually know it's the truth.

[@avillianchillinskrillian]

Nazi

[@naffdogga]

It has never been more clear that these sorts of discussions, driven by intellectually honest people like Dr. Loury and Mr Riley are the only way we can expect to find sustainable solutions to any of our current challenges. The lack of tolerance in civil discourse is reprehensible, how can we expect to truly change anything meaningful in a society where we don't allow challenges to the orthodoxy? Should we have squashed honest discussion about gay rights 50 years ago? Absolutely not, and this was a clear questioning of the orthodoxy. A society without tolerant discussion is a society in desperate need of change.

[@KSRobinette]

Thank you for one of the most fact based, rational and sensitive discussions of this issue that I have ever heard. It is so wonderful to hear the thoughts and insights of people who actually want to make things better rather than to signal false virtue and make political division.

[@vacuousvoid]

How does this not have more views?

[@charlesholman8757]

Cause this doesn't support the narrative right now. (2020)

[@jacobjorgenson9285]

Because it's a very complicated for many people to process. Look up John McWhorter

[@timothybierwirth7509]

I wish we could clone the likes of Glenn Loury, John Mcwhorter and Coleman Hughes! Marvelous minds all!

[@Neworldisordered]

...and Thomas Sowell

[@WISHBONEL7]

@spot light {{{{ PROVE IT }}}}

[@WISHBONEL7]

spot light - I YEARN TO HEAR THE TRUTH ABOUT YOUR CLAIM ON THIS 8TH. DAY OF MAY 2019 A.D. {{{{ PLEASE CONCLUSIVELY PROVE IT , AND SHOW ME YOUR SOURCES ???? }}}}.

[@WISHBONEL7]

@spot light - This current social and political climate supports what you are claiming , yet its accusations lack conclusive consistent evidence . If you can find some consistent patterns , you would probably get the support from your local representatives and corporations , and I would assist to help abolish the wickedness .

[@WISHBONEL7]

@spot light - {{{ I HAVE CHALLENGED YOU }}}} STATE YOUR CASE AND SHOW THE CONSISTANT FACTS !!!, AND "" DON'T RUN LIKE A punk coward "".

[@aaronfrank9649]

Glen and the panel are the best. They are true leaders. We need more true leaders.

[@richardword4455]

This was a fascinating discussion that was long overdue. I hope it is widely shared and watched. I will have to find Professor Loury’s referenced essay. He was simply outstanding. We need more of his anger in this regard.

[@hejla4524]

1:41:09 Glenn's powerful closing statement.

[@nancy6487]

Takes an honest courageous & well informed individual to speak this!!

[@MaulScarreign]

Perfect. I'm so happy I found this.

[@deathbysloth]

Every time I hear Glenn speak extemporaneously it's hard not to marvel at the level of his rhetorical skill & massive lexicon

[@JAZJ]

This is an outstanding discussion. If only, more Americans could have such an informative, thought-provoking, respectful, very civil, and intellectual discourse about our society's issues.

[@thetoddperspective]

I find it quite intriguing that so many of the greatest minds our nation has produced come from the field of economics. Walter Williams, Milton Friedman, and Thomas Sowell for example. Do great minds gravitate to the study of economics, or does studying economics instill one with superior logic?

[@syrellgrier4571]

I read about this in the book Range by David Epstein. He referenced a study that essentially tested critical thinking in college students and while none of the majors did particularly well, econ majors were the best because of the nature of the major. However, I do not doubt that those men were all incredibly bright beforehand but it's definitely possible that the study of economics helped them ascend to a higher level.

[@wowomah6194]

I think it's because it's the social science with arguably the most science but also still heavily embedded in the innovation and contemplation of ideas, specifically as they regard human societies, ethics, human decision making, etc. So, in other words, it tends to analyze social issues far more scientifically than do sociology, anthropology, etc. Thus, if you really want to understand the true stats of a society, ask an economist and he or she can tell you a variety of influences. If you ask a sociologist...well they'll just tell you it's racism, sexism, etc and ignore 20 of the other influences. Economics in this way has a natural shield against such ideological stranglehold as it's simply more rigorous of a social science. (Economics Bachelor of Science here :) haha)

[@syrellgrier4571]

@@wowomah6194 interesting analysis from someone who was on the front lines! I can't wait to study economics in college.

[@ottam]

@@wowomah6194 I have a much regretted degree in sociology. You're right.

[@wowomah6194]

@@ottam Yeah I have a few friends who studied Sociology. The thing about Sociology too is that it's not that there are not valid points and observations, it's just that it doesn't often go broad enough or in depth enough for some reason.

[@Andy-br1hq]

An added gem, Chloe Valdary was the first to ask a question.

[@StrategicWealthLLC]

Andy - Impressive young woman.

[@odnilniloc]

An incredible young woman.

[@julianfischer2341]

Glenn Loury has been killing it for years.

[@Shadowjedi007]

Very enjoyable to watch and learn from this talk. My best part was from approx 44 mins to 48 mins into the talk, and Professor Loury's speech at the end just WOW talk about prophetic.

[@lamazejohnson4909]

I had never heard of the other Michael Brown. Great story!

[@WISHBONEL7]

There is also a BIBLE Teacher / debater / Theologian with the same name .

[@MrSpiritchild]

I'm a white male and have a measured IQ of 142. I flip burgers for a living. You see, I was raised by a single mother, so it seems to me that the devastating effect of being fatherless is about equally distributed, by ratio, to both blacks and whites within our nation. It further occurs to me that the really real answer to our issue is to fix our families, teaching our young men and women, both black and white, that the path to success comes from the discipline created in us by having a healthy family, where both the mother and father instill in us the ability to accept responsibility and accountability, rather then the never ending expansion of government programs that ultimately place a cap on our economic growth. I'm also, though weak, a person of faith. I see that we are delivered certain laws that we are to obey or ultimately become cursed. Many people believe God curses us for our disobedience, but the reality is we are more cursed by our disobedience then we are by God. Example, let's say I refuse to get a job, and as such, I end up on the street. God did not say, for your disobedience go live on the street, but rather, my lack of an income from my disobedience makes it impossible for me to pay rent, and thus, become cursed by homelessness. Again this is a thing that comes from the strength provided us through a healthy family, the way in which God desires to see us live. Not arbitrary in nature like that of the government, but out of enough love that even those families that aren't believers become blessed by the unintended obedience of fathers and mothers that responsibly raise their children, in effect, creating a system of cause and effect that healthy families are ultimately capable of making the most of.

[@mosesfamilychronicals8275]

You are right, I’m black I grew up without mother and father I feel your pain trying to figure out on how to be man , but growing I’ve had host of mentors on the way , now I’m a father of 5 and a husband. And there’s nothing wrong with flipping burgers I used to flip taco’s before I started working for Sysco just stay the course and I promise you it will get better. Remember put GOD first!!!!

[@MrSpiritchild]

@@mosesfamilychronicals8275 What a kind and uplifting thing to say, thank you.

[@annsheridan12]

White single parent households 32%, black single parent households 75%

[@annsheridan12]

Black married couples poverty rate7% , white poverty rate 10%

[@lowtech41]

There's no graft to be made from that...

[@gerardgreeley6032]

love to hear different views on the subject...wish they were more mainstream media as far as seeing them more often..need this conversation they bring up more widespread..thanks to both of them..

[@jimr5855]

Love all these gentlemen, long time fan of Jason Riley, and Glenn Loury at 1:42:23 is amazing and beyond prescient.

[@aaronfrank9649]

Talks like this give me hope that our country can heal.

[@garynumen13]

Wow, this was absolutely fantastic! Gives me hope.

[@nestcanz]

Mr. Loury said some very precise points, great guest! Love from Europe

[@MountainKoi91]

My upmost respect, gentlemen! Thank you for expanding my education and provoking more thought.

[@howardking3046]

I love these men-the solutions they seek will be found-eventually. We must have some patience.

[@bonez3452]

Glenn lowery is the man

[@AlanNewland]

The most interesting and thought-provoking two hours I have spent in months. Ian Rowe is the kind of Principal / Head Teacher that every school should have. Make sure you listen to Glenn Loury's last sentence. Excellent.

[@jasonsutton4404]

Such a moving conversation. I love a nuance and well-thought discussion on complex topics.

[@bhbluebird]

recognizing complexity and nuance. great discussion

[@BuceGar]

Glenn Loury is one of my favorite people.

[@nalyak424]

Just so actual and moving discussion these days! Thank you Professor Loury!

[@beatrizfernandes1506]

I've only recently found out about Glen Loury and his ideas. Irregardless of the content of what he says (which I appreciate a lot and agree with), I enjoy just listening to him talk. He's beautifully articulate

[@armstrong2052]

I love this dialogue

[@Bigfishfun333]

The Black community would do well to focus on reducing the number of future black single-parent households.

[@fwcolb]

My ancestors arrived in Toronto from Quebec in covered wagons around 1825 or so. They were Catholic, French-speaking, and mixed Mohawk-Algonquin-European, moving into an Anglo-Saxon Protestant community. They passed as poor whites, though many were darker than whites, including my mother. In 1958, 133 years later, I was the first to get a university degree at the age of 28. We never had much in those days 80+ years ago because we never asked for or expected much. And in material things I have not gained much during almost 90 years. Never wanted much more than to see the world and the vast variety of people and places and cultures. Time. It took time to overcome the weight of centuries. We did not have a Martin Luther King to inspire us. Today it still takes time, but less time and struggle and fewer generations to join the cultural melting pot. The problem I saw as I was growing up is that people get discouraged and stop trying. I gave up more than once. Our problem was cultural. You have to be brave enough to leave the comfort of your peer group and your family. And you may have to pack a bag and spend time far from home where the opportunities are better for a person willing to exchange the culture of his neighbourhood for a place in the national culture. I have lived and worked in North, Central and South America, in North, West and East Africa, and many countries in Asia. Most people in these nations see America as the land of opportunity for people of all races and social classes. Most people in these nations adopt customs they see as part of American culture. But many Americans fall to see and understand what their nation has achieved. They suffer from myopia, nearsightedness. They are as fish in a tank, because they do not know and cannot understand what goes on outside the tank. And have no baseline to compare their own culture to what exists elsewhere. Often more horrific than most Americans can imagine. Not even being the same race can help you. Not if you belong to the wrong tribe, caste, social class, religion, or your ancestors belonged to the wrong trade, such as a leather-worker or garbage collector or undertaker. Or if 500 years ago, your ancestors came from a neighbouring country. Many Americans yearn for Utopia, a land that has never existed and never will exist And in doing so they fail to support and improve civil society in the land that has nourished them. They fail to appreciate that however frugal America has been to them, people in other nations envy them. I remember listening to WGR, the Buffalo N.Y. radio station across the lake and further west, to the exploits of Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy. The thought never entered my mind that Jack might be red, white, yellow or Black. He was me and I was him. I am not an American, but a part of me still is that boy, still holding to the idea that America is great and has been great, at least most of the time, since Lincoln. I would have given my life for America as I would have done for my own country. And still would. Sorry there might be not much life left to give.

[@TheFilthLA]

Genuinely riveting

[@sararomero7090]

Justice Clarence Thomas came from deep in the Jim Crow south---growing up, he wasn't even allowed at the local library. He would walk, barefoot, about 10 miles to the only library that allowed blacks to enter and study all day. He studied his way through law school and all the way up to the Supreme Court. Dr. Carol Swain was born in a one-room, dirt-floor cabin and was a teen mom, high school dropout. She is now a renowned author and Ivy League graduate. I could go on and on. Attitude and hard work have everything to do with success or failure. It's easier to blame some big, faceless "oppressor" out in the ether, like "racism", rather than look in the mirror and say, "What can I do to make better choices? How can I improve my circumstances?"

[@cordwainerbird5550]

You might mean well, but you perhaps unwittingly make a mockery of many Black Americans who duly applied hard work, earnest study and genuine merit yet were denied there fairly earned rewards due to race and color! White racism abuses are still very much a part of the picture. Don't be so easily fooled by a few visible display tokens!

[@chipdillard9738]

I’ve been saying these things since the death of George Floyd. The lack of fathers or other positive male role models in poor communities (of any color) is very detrimental to the development and success of the children. Statistics show this. And yet, no politicians or social activists will champion the reversal of this trend. Glenn and these other panelists are to be commended for their efforts.

[@frederickgriffith7004]

Why is it most of the healthiest (mentally and physically) Black people I know are single with no children?I notice they tend to live longer and have a better quality of life. They also have a higher net worth. What does that tell you?Sometimes the truth is painful. I would tell young Black people. Of course go to school and get that education. Earn that money. But getting married and having children should never be a priority unless you are extremely wealthy first. Pure and simple. There is no margin of error for us.

[@lenjodyolson2378]

This is a great video. Thank you. I will forward this on.

[@kham6006]

I love Glenn ,, I always feel smarter listening to this man , we are lucky to hear him speak , and not have to pay 60,000 a year

[@matthewheadland7307]

Why doesn’t this have a million views?

[@seansheridan4354]

I had a guy once, what one might call a white liberal, tell this story about the soil in his yard being mostly clay in some areas and so he had to give it extra fertilizer and compost and work and such. And he talked about how that didn't mean he was taking away from the other grass and soil in his yard. And it was pretty obvious about halfway through that the dirt in his story was black people. The first thing that struck me about his story was how the way he explained it, the dirt had no free will. It couldn't take care of itself. It needed him to "save it." How dehumanizing and arrogant that analogy was. I think that goes to the theme of personal agency in this video.

[@YogGroove]

Love the development narrative! @16:20

[@retrojazzdanceandmore]

Fantastic, thank you!