Inequality
The myth of a "classless" American society coupled with social stratification impedes race relations in the U.S. far more than any racial differences. The never ending struggle of the "have-nots" to become one of the "haves" produces a frustration and feeling of oppression that acts as a catalyst for spawning racial tensions. Minorities see the majority of wealth in the hands of the white population and feel that the wealth is unevenly distributed. Whites hear of government programs for minorities and feel as if they are lazy or just looking for a handout. This occurs and stereotypes are formed. Combine all of this with the United States system of "dual welfare"and the perfect environment for racial strife is created. In our "classless"society of false hope the working class and poor are continually seeking opportunities to excel that just aren't there. They have been led to believe that intelligence and ambition are key contributors to one's success. This belief lays blame on the unsuccessful themselves, even if they do possess ambition and intelligence. These people are in a never ending cycle of struggle, followed by minimal rewards, which eventually produces a frustration that sometimes leads to desperate measure
Before you come to any premature conclusions consider the following. So theoretically, if you were to take a husband and wife that each make $30,000 a year, the combined amount that they pay in is equal to the amount that Bill Gates pays in. If it does there is a reason for that. Here Langston compares the welfare of the poor (food stamps, w. When this occurs whatever groups are not receiving compensation see the other as lazy or as taking a handout. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company 1998. Consider the millions and millions of dollars that are spent each year on the United States Coast Guard (which is under the D. In this 10% the number of minorities is minute. Our government tries to compensate for this through special programs for minorities. homicidal assaults by young black men on one another are only the most obvious signs of this empty quest for pleasure, property, and power" (Race and Racism p. Almost everyone was working class or poor besides them. Once a person reaches the income level of $60,000 or more they top out, that's as high as one can go.
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