Jason Riley On “False Black Power?”

Recorded on February 21, 2019.
What is “false black power?” According to Jason Riley, author of False Black Power?, it is political clout, whereas true black power is human capital and culture. Riley and Peter Robinson dive into the arguments in Riley’s new book, the history of African Americans in the United States, and welfare inequality in black communities.
Riley discusses the Moynihan report of 1965, which documented the rise of black families headed by single women in inner cities and how this report was something black sociologists had already been writing about for several years. He argues that there was clearly a breakdown of the nuclear family and that this is a result of the “Great Society” welfare programs of the 1960s rather than the legacy of slavery or Jim Crow laws.
In the 1960s, Riley posits that the black activist community’s shift towards political engagement was misguided. He argues that the idea of black political clout leading to black economic advancement was misplaced. Other impoverished communities (i.e. Irish, Jewish, and Italian immigrant communities) at various times in American history focused on economic advancement first before trying to achieve political clout, and they were successful. Instead, the black community focused first on electing black politicians, which ended up doing very little for the economic advancement of the community as politicians typically put their own interests first, above their communities’. Riley points out that the economic data shows that black communities became more impoverished under black leadership.
Riley proposes a solution of advocating for more school-choice vouchers, which allow black parents to take better control of their children’s futures and place them in the best schools for them. He also argues for reducing social safety nets, making them a more temporary form of welfare rather than the multigenerational welfare system currently in place.
Other resources
www.amazon.com/Please-Stop-He... Please Stop Helping Us, by Jason Riley
www.hoover.org/research/discr... - Discrimination and Disparities, with Thomas Sowell
californiaglobe.com/fr/stanfo... Stanford Hoover Institution economist targets socialism, fears ‘we may not make it’
• Sowell: Politicians us... - Sowell: Politicians using race as their ticket to whatever racket they're running
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[@tonylong6655]

Read his book "Please Stop Helping Us". I have waited for over 30 years for the emergence of conservative Black political thought. Thank God I got to see it and Mr. Riley is at the forefront. Bravo!

[@Dani92670]

I grew up in a small middle/upper middle class suburban community (less than 300 in my graduating class in the late 80s) with an average sized black population. All of my black classmates had both parents at home, some mothers worked and some did not, and fathers were a mixture of blue & white collar. None of the students dropped out of HS and there were no pregnancies. I never knew racism until I got away from this area. We all felt the same and white & black children got along and were friends. We enjoyed and shared aspects of our different cultures. My black friends and I spent time in each others homes for dinner, sleepovers, and this was commonplace. I am grateful I got to have this experience growing up. It is a real testament to the strength of the family unit for ALL children.

[@peady64]

All this time I was a conservative and didn't even know it.

[@cowtowntx.6740]

Be encouraged... I'm re-learning as a Black Conservative...

[@secretaryofstate1]

In today's America a man like this is shunned and persecuted by his own community

[@serpentines6356]

@spot light Should he be totally shunned? Many black people have sold their own selves out by not wanting to sound 'too educated' because that is being 'too white'. The rap crap focusing on materialism, gang mentality, drugs, cussing, and demeaning women. That doesn't exactly help to elevate people.

[@jaypensa7647]

@spot light how old are you? Holy Hell! Sell out, how deep did you reach into your creative conciousness to pull that antique insult out? Let me explain who the real sell out's. Beyonce sings "Soldier" tells every little 12 yr old black boy that he has no chance unless he's a street thug. Very few see the dangers in the power of what we speak into out own communities. I will give you some homework since you are on youtube..(Mutha aint mine by UGK), (Pocket full of stones by UGK) these songs are pages out of the KKK handbook and we bumped this shit! 90% of the hiphop community should stand trial for War crimes. At the tip top Dr Dre and Jay Z became billionaires and an entire generation of my peers went to the morgue and to jail cells. You need to redefine sell out sir. Look at the race your trying to win and get that Model T ford off the track, this man is Formula 1.

[@saltburner2]

Thomas Sowell has an heir!

[@G_FactorX]

I applaud the difficult work that Jason Riley is doing. He has the courage to speak the truth.

[@bailey9208]

I am a white 45 year old man living in MS. I have conversations daily with my black co workers about todays issues and none of them have any idea that all my arguing points are from black older men who I heard tell it through books or podcasts. This man along with Larry Elder and Thomas Sowel are he men I look up to the most PERIOD in this country

[@killuminati5767]

I've just been red pilled.

[@johnmahoney6663]

I love Jason Riley. Black conservatives will save America.

[@cynthiagelmirez3738]

Finally getting more of an understanding of what has happened to the black culture from a well informed - well spoken, intelligent black man’s perspective. I am very grateful and thankful by his honorable attitude and down to earth - no nonsense straight from the heart communication. I have never heard of this gentleman before - but something tells me he is someone I will definitely keep in mind as our society transforms itself.

[@alexlongman5053]

Peter Robinson is an outstanding broadcaster. More power to him.

[@artoffugue333]

I love it when the Truth is exposed.

[@yowie12]

Can’t believe I’ve never heard of Jason Riley before. More people need to familiarize themselves with his works. Brilliant.

[@AlanMorrisSF]

History matters. Denying / revising history to fit a narrative is destructive. Thank you , Jason Riley, for helping educate me and others.

[@SoulfulVeg]

Interesting points raises. I don't agree 100% with the gentleman, but I do agree thay economic and social improvement should be our #1 goal. And we have to stop giving votes to anyone who stops by a Black church and makes a speech. I'm registered as no party affiliation, and every election, each candidate has to earn my vote.

[@zr1rob]

Truth knows no color

[@dulcetsimone1482]

I am so so hopeful. Because of the internet, more and more people are being reached by the truth. Because of Audible, I can go in my phone and instantly find a John Riley book. People are being inspired every day to use their own voices to make more and more content on this topic, and speak up on social media. Yes, there are still obstacles, but it's night and day compared to the authors who paved the way. It's possible, that in 1 or 2 generations, this will be common knowledge. We have to infiltrate the public school system, entertainment, and the media. The left still has a hold, but we are coming.

[@acarouselofantics]

I appreciate Jason Riley and this interview!

[@fiatgirl]

I love you, Mr. Riley! I have spent half my life reading about slavery, books written by slaves and grew up in a town that was part of the Underground Railroad. I am as white as you can be, have experienced discrimination, but have (mostly) let it roll off my back and went on to be pretty successful. I wish people in the black community would look to you and other successful and intelligent people like Thomas Sowell and others, including heroic figures back in time, for inspiration. Bless you!

[@cheryllwuelfing8320]

Mr. Riley is amazing!! I enjoy listening to him.

[@onedrop7967]

This is a wonderful interview. Not an attack. Not a defense of ideas. Just ideas laid out for review. Then discussed. To watch this it must be done with an open mind. Thank You for bringing this to KZbin.

[@rantan1618]

I absolutely thought electing Obama might take a big chunk out of racism. whew that was a bad idea

[@Betweentheraindrops8]

I agree with Riley here- I think millenials are too wrapped up in their social justice nonsense. I say this as a millennial. The generation after us on the other hand, I think there is a chance.

[@AtonementApparel]

Thank you Hoover for bringing these Intelligent Black Americans to our awareness. In such times as we are currently living this is much needed.

[@WRATHUSA]

Objective intelligence is a turn on! Kudos to Mr. Riley!

[@TK-qm8rb]

Thomas Sowell, Shelby Steele, Walter Williams and Jason Riley books should be required reading in schools. Thanks Jason!

[@bathysphere1070]

Larry Elder also.

[@UNDFTDGordon]

Yes! I read his book and it was eye opening. I'm glad to see you interviewing him. Tom Sowell has been a great influence on him and it's great to see him on Uncommon Knowledge.

[@Cary94]

I criticize Trump for being unpresidential (and I understand that’s part of his appeal). I think he can be a clown who can say or do things that embarrass his base. But he is no racist. He’s blunt, and obnoxious, but I think he really cares for minorities. And I agreed with every word Jason Riley said. The solution for minorities is to bind their economic interests and build enterprise and accumulate capital rather than accumulate useless Al Sharptons and Jessie Jacksons.

[@jeffturner3]

EXCELLENT VIDEO. Thank you Mr. Riley for your great and important comments about the Black community and race. The Black community is and always been so important to America. Many of your points were new to me. I have seen and heard you before and knew you are very smart, thank you for having the courage to speak the truth.

[@jpbdexv]

This video gave me some insights that are most revealing of our today's situation. Amazing guy! I must read this book.

[@MrAitraining]

Jason Riley is great. Always enjoy him on Fox when he's on the panel of a talk show there.

[@tomservo75]

Totally agree! He was also outstanding as Cockroach on "The Cosby Show." :D

[@Kunfucious577]

Sad part is that blacks look at him and think he's a sell out. Not cool enough. So unfortunate.

[@andreathetexan8272]

@@Kunfucious577 Blacks look at him and ask why he hates himself. He is intelligent and articulate. He benefitted from Affirmative Action and didn't look back to help his community. That is what other groups do. Right? Well, we will see.

[@terryadams7470]

I have read Thomas Sowell or even Steele but why have I never heard of Jason Riley? I am so disappointed in myself.

[@siddhartha_1]

This makes so much sense. A breath of fresh sanity!

[@justynmacfarland9322]

What an intelligent and notable speaker!

[@loralee369]

Tremendous respect for you, Mr. Riley, sir! So refreshing to hear an intelligent voice representing facts, data, empirical evidence, logic, reasoning and pure common sense! I look forward to reading your books. We need more leaders like you setting good examples in our communities. I thoroughly enjoyed this discussion and consider you to be a courageous and brilliant speaker in our modern day world. Thank you!

[@rlperez4]

My advice to any minority group making it in America, stay away from politics and open a business instead. Move your parents in the home to help raise the kids, and live with your kids at old age. Bridging the generations is worth millions. It’s about building a solid foundation. Riley is spot on, the industrial movement north killed the foundations of strong black families. The support network crumbled, and shift to workers instead business owners reversed the momentum. Forget reparations, demand small business and entrepreneurial investment. That’s the game changer

[@Octaviamorris77]

Black America listen to this man if you truly want freedom.

[@megscruff]

Thank you sir, most refreshing ....honesty and clarity.......and I believe your analysis applies not only to American Blacks but wherever an over indulgent State offers unearned care and assistance to impoverished groups. However good the intention it inevitably becomes generational and the problem changes and worsens.

[@WS-ij4ey]

Intellectual honesty and honest discourse. The big question is how and by whom? It would seem there are very few politians who are brave enough to try.

[@mshefliniskl]

I always talk to people who get stressed out by the news that they should stop watching bc mainstream news does nothing to keep people informed, but instead sell viewership through distorted and dramatised narratives. I have learned more facts and truth from Peter Robinson's interviews than I have in a lifetime of news. This is one of the few channels that helps me understand issues as well as books (and introduces me to excellent books!). Thank you Hoover Institution. The only suggestion I have would be for Peter to interrupt his guests less, although he doesn't do that much. I'd love to buy some of those coffee mugs for gifts.

[@elan1071]

To Mr Riley, yes!! Thank you so much for saying what needs to be said. Please continue to do so. We need more honest, courageous thinkers like you who are committed to sharing the Truth!

[@AlbertoNambuckoUsi]

I'm a brazilian conservative. Similar process happens here. Great Interview.

[@robertsands8137]

What a valuable and clear discussion!

[@mboiko]

Great interview...a lot of little known truth here, that maybe one day...will become widely known.

[@cloudstepper11]

He is EXACTLY RIGHT about reparations. People that never owned slaves paying reparations to people that were never slaves.

[@heatherscribner2993]

Thank you Mr. Riley. You're a rockstar

[@acajudi100]

My parents would have killed me, had I been sexually active or pregnant. I knew better, and I thank them so much.

[@pderitis]

Another excellent video with an intelligent and compelling guest.

[@DrBeeSpeaks]

We are missing so much material. Thank you for sharing this masterpiece!

[@craigwatkins7011]

I bought his book while watching this, excellent interview. Thank you

[@iceblue1457]

Watching this show today felt like heaven's light just shown on America. Thank you Mr. Jason Riley and Hoover Institution.

[@kvl0134]

Jason Riley is on point.

[@brucegrit8928]

I love what he's saying,never believed in politics or politicians anyway.

[@seasant6]

Thank you, Jason Riley, for your incredible history lesson. Your book should be in classrooms!

[@arlobandersnatch6244]

What a great young thinker.

[@lancelot1953]

Outstanding presentation - thank you to Mr. Robinson and the Hoover Institution for sharing this excellent presentation of Mr Jason Riley's book. I would really appreciate an update of Mr. Jason's opinion and recommendations considering the current socio-political situation facing American at this time (June 2020). Thank you, Ciao, L

[@PresterMike]

Excellent discussion

[@r.pinheiro549]

Mikado The Great lol hello Miguel! How is the Big NPC treating you today? #orangemanbad #ifoundyou

[@PresterMike]

Lilly Rose Pinheiro heyyyy!!! Haha what’s up hun

[@laurentmc82]

Thank you Mr. Riley for your enlightened exposé. It gives me heart that True Black Power is within reach. Freedom always wins. “It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” (Invictus, William Ernest Henley)

[@katana1960]

Great show, but I always wonder how this show is televised at Stanford, they must do it on Sunday when no one is there.

[@melvinbutters2865]

Excellent discussion, Jason Riley definitely follows in the tradition of other great intellectuals and he should work in the trump white house or be his next VP candidate as his clarity on knowledge being the human capital necessary to uplift society is the answer for people of all races and cultures.

[@Bamcis100]

Thank God Mr. Riley is getting this truth out there. I don't think he's waging a quixotic battle ... there are plenty of blacks who really DID see the light because of Obama's uselessness to the black community. Many ARE picking up Riley's books, Sowell's, Steele's, Williams', Richburg (Out of America), Jason Hill's, etc and listening to the podcasts of true heroes like Robert Woodson, etc. Please keep pushing, Jason Riley !!!

[@jonathansebo5800]

No matter who you are, it's a beautiful thing to mock at your own strength, exhibit your own follies, and rejoice in your growth... With each new day.

[@4edward61]

I guess for all the reality and facts, you'll be labeled as an Uncle Tom or a sell out. Sorry, but you're correct in your statements and discussions. Thank you for pointing out truths of the situations we falsely hear so much about today.

[@QuicKnDead911]

I've been saying this for a long time that Black American culture post emancipation during the reconstruction era and even through the Jim Crow era thrived even so far as developing its own education system that was on par with any other system its own economic system and its supporting structures throughout America, it own entertainment, religious systems etc and was on a trajectory to at the very least equal that of White America becoming another America inside America like that of the Native American's this is when we started seeing the push for Civil Rights developed by traditionally oppressive white politicans J.William Fulbright, Al Gore Sr, Robert Bird (see Southern Manifesto). The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is Slavery rebranded not to empower Black Amerca but rather place chains of bondage around their minds.

[@hankchinaski_]

Started a bit slow, but some surprising insights. Great interview! Actually picked up a few very useful ideas from this. Especially the idea about the black community not leveraging their political clout by playing _both_ political parties. Very very true!!! Thanks again guys!!!!

[@fxbat02]

Totally fabulous 🙂 More people NEED to hear ( read) this.

[@pureokie]

Just ordered both of Mr. Riley's books. I love listening to intelligent people. I agree you are the new generation of critical thinkers.

[@cruisingaltitudewaitress3396]

What a brilliant mind. I've never heard him talk more than a clip before. He's right up there with my favorite Thomas Sowell. Huge.."the role of antisocial behavior and inequality". Bingo!

[@jerryscantlin6989]

Sound, rational experience mixed with an excellent study of history and his ability to think freely apart from the political narrative make this a most excellent piece.

[@Jasonhb07]

"when their [politicians] interests part ways with the interests of the people they represent, they are going to choose their interests." Why don't people understand this? Don't trust a politician to improve your livelihood. Folks need to understand that hard work and dedication is how individual success is achieved. Focus on ourselves and the larger group benefits by default.

[@kstats8243]

So happy to have clicked on this.

[@tuck-brainwks-eutent-hidva1098]

Love his voice on this topic -- and other topics! Thomas Sowell among the best of the other voices, as well. ("A Conflict of Visions" is a great read, for my money....) Re: Mr. Riley's book title -- I will never forget the premise of an excellent speaker I heard at my University (Valparaiso, in Indiana) at one of the very first MLK Day official holiday observances (back in the early '90s) -- though sad I can't remember his name! He asserted that "Race relations in America will not change until the question changes from 'How can I help you?' to 'What do you think?'" Both glad that Mr. Riley is still pushing the conversation in this direction (w/ "Please Stop Helping") and sad that we still hear this -- as if for the first time, in some quarters -- 25+ years later.... Keep telling us what YOU think, Mr. Riley!

[@DanJoy07]

This man cares! He has sought the Truth to a problem, (many problems) and his thumb is on target!

[@pillznarRy]

Jason Riley?? I thumbed this up 10 seconds in!!

[@beaunossaman4722]

Just your daily reminder that socialism always leads to death and starvation.

[@TS-jm7jm]

@@torinmccabe in summary it is when its written into law or official policy that things go wrong.

[@Oneironaut9]

And that there are two genders.

[@serpentines6356]

@@torinmccabe As people have noted. There have been many communes created in the U.S. over the years. No one is stopping someone from creating their own little socialist bliss.

[@krisrodrigues1]

Love this show. You always have such brilliant guests.

[@heatherrobertswgu]

Amazing.... I've learned a lot

[@deborahkate1849]

Wonderful man... wonderful mind...

[@DK-wp2rk]

So many great interviews on Hoover, with folks i would never otherwise hear.

[@avutube573]

Thank you Mr. Riley, smart and eloquent with vast knowledge of his subject. Mr. Robinson, please stop trying to interrupt Mr. Riley.

[@rw9692]

Excellent interview. 2 brilliant men! Thanks!

[@psam421]

Watch the fallen state!!! Best show on you tube! Go JLP

[@MrAitraining]

It's amazin! Oh the wall goin up

[@judithsmith8014]

Yes - Jesse Lee Peterson's show, The Fallen State is very entertaining - he is a genuine man. I like to listen to intellectuals but the people who actually get out among the people and help are very important. Jesse does it all and deals with bizarre ideas with good humour. It's not always what people SAY, it's their ACTIONS that count. Always look at Politician's voting record as against what they are promising to do. Regards.

[@playnejayne5550]

Others who really care about improving things and aren't simply riding a wave to power and celebrity: John McWhorter, Glenn Loury, and Coleman Hughes.

[@robertgabuna355]

It is enriching. Thank you for uploading.

[@miljandjuric7663]

I have to say Jason Riley is a great intelectual! Much respect to him!

[@PattiS3]

Excellent discussion. Thank you!

[@JustTayo]

This is really Insightful!!

[@osinowopaul9419]

I love this guy. Cant wait to read his books and talks.

[@AMonikaD]

EXCELLENT discussion! Much needed.

[@martalefave1610]

Absolutely brilliant and educational.

[@grwescott]

Excellent research and analysis.

[@michealbrown7792]

Thanks Jason

[@learningtofish7036]

wow. i have been wonderfuly schooled here by Jason Riley. thanks.

[@kylehankins5988]

The point he made refering to the 1960s was not were the republican part was at the time but were the conservative movement was at the time.

[@jerrybruckhart9134]

I would disagree with the theory that this was well intended, they knew EXACTLY what they were doing and EXACTLY what the results would be.

[@timffoster]

Excellent interview. Excellent interviewee.

[@typower9]

Excellent interview

[@debraanderson9658]

Learn a lot Jason Riley, totally agree 😎😎😎🇺🇸

[@magicskyfairy69]

Jason Riley is a bright mind with a powerful message. Doesn't align with left wing politics though, so he won't be celebrated by anyone, just a few patriots and libertarians i suppose.