#72 The Influence of Churches, Schools and Drug Dealers. (Rebranding Part #3)

30 Wednesday Jul 2014

Posted by Jordan Abel in Causes of the Revolution, Innovative Thinking: Ideas and Products, Rebranding Black Community, Societal Issues

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(Readers: Please note the blog is constructed as a story. While not all chapters are linked, after reading a few recent entries, you might want to start at the beginning. More about the blog and about the author. )

Rock Man: “You know I am a big believer in neighborhood schools. Kids should walk or ride a bike to school. Why are we bussing all these kids?”
Jordan: “Create equality, at least the perception of equality.”
Rock Man: “But it’s not working. This might sound like heresy but as blacks we need to focus on getting a quality education in our neighborhoods. Drop the busing and take the money and spend on getting more and better teachers.”
Jordan: “I agree with you. But getting widespread support for such an idea is going to take a lot of talking and convincing, just to consider the idea of neighborhood schools and less busing.”
Rock Man: “I think you might be surprised at how quickly people accept the idea, if we present it properly. And I’ll tell who can help.”
Jordan: “Who’s that?”
Jordan: “A key group we have left out of this conversation so far? Black churches. Actually all churches, or religious institutions, but really black-dominated churches.”
Jordan: “You’re right. What role do you think churches should play.”
Rock Man: “Churches have been part of the black community for a long, long time. I think blacks need to rebuild the influence of the churches.”
Jordan: “We’ve been talking about product – the product being the black community. So churches need to be a major part of the community?”
Rock Man: “Definitely. Not only as a moral compass but as a foundation for a broader education.”
Jordan: “I’m the one who always resists solutions before understanding the issues. But what about schools supported by black churches?”
Rock Man: “Why not? Catholics and Baptists have supported their own schools for years. And now with public money.”
Jordan: “Not sure of the mechanics to start a school but many states support charter schools. There must be a template the black churches can follow.”
Rock Man: “We don’t want to make religion a key part of the positioning statement but is there any better place than a church to introduce and teach core values?”
Jordan: “I agree. Please excuse me for this sidebar comment. People get all hung up on the differences between religions. How many people have you heard claim ‘I don’t trust that religion because…’ Yet, if you list the core values of most…not all…but most major religions, there’s about 90% commonality.”
Rock Man: “Never thought about it that way.”
Jordan: “And with that bit of information my follow-up question to you is, ‘If you agreed with your spouse 90% of the time, what would your relationship be like?”
Rock Man: “Fantastic. I see your point. Let’s make black churches part of the solution. And not worry whether the denomination is Baptist, Presbyterian or something else.”
Jordan: “We are going to exclude one religion from this effort. And you know which one.”
Rock Man: “I know. We have got to walk away…no run…from that group.”
Jordan: “Good. Now let’s segue to the ‘people’ section of the analysis. Rock Man, who or what type of people do you think has the most influence with the black community.”
Rock Man: “You mean, who has the most influence now or should have the most influence?”
Jordan: “Both.”
Rock Man: “Most influence now with young people – and it bothers me to say this – athletes and, yuck, drug dealers.”
Jordan: “Who should have the most influence?”
Rock Man: “Family, churches and educators.”
Jordan: “What we need to do is make sure our plan allows families, churches and educators to have more influence.”
Rock Man: “We talked about how to reduce the influence of athletes. Now, how do we get rid of drug dealers? Dealers and gangs are a major influence on younger blacks.”
Jordan: “Let’s start with why are dealers so influential?”
Rock Man: “Jordan, you are naïve. Easy, money. Kids see how much money they can make pushing drugs.”
Jordan: “What about the risk?”
Rock Man: (Laughing) “As a kid you don’t think much about the added risk. Your whole life is filled with risk. Besides what’s the alternative for making money?”
Jordan: “A job.”
Rock Man: “Where? If you’re lucky…and I mean real lucky…you get a job at some fast-food joint. And the pay?”
Jordan: “Minimum wage probably.”
Rock Man: “You got it. Let’s say the kid makes $10/hr. For 40 hours work, he makes $400 gross, maybe $325-$350 net.”
Jordan: “And what does he make selling drugs?”
Rock Man: “Probably the same amount in one night. In a year, a kid pushing drugs might make $50 grand or more. And he’s making more than anyone else in the household.”
Jordan: “And the kid working 10x longer hours at Mickey D’s is making maybe 20 grand.”
Rock Man: “Now, my friend, you understand the problem.“
To be continued.

#71 Rebranding the Black Community (Part #2)

26 Saturday Jul 2014

Posted by Jordan Abel in Causes of the Revolution, Innovative Thinking: Ideas and Products, Rebranding Black Community, Societal Issues

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Rock Man: “OK, let me grab the napkin write down we talked about. What were the key words? Black community is ‘vibrant,’ ‘educated,’ fun loving,’ ‘respectful and respected,’ ‘independent thinking’ and ‘supportive.’”
Jordan: “What do you think about dropping ‘fun loving’? Fun loving can be part of ‘vibrant.’ I know the words are a bit different but we want to stay away from any words that might have a negative connotation.”
Rock Man: “I’ll buy dropping fun loving. What else?”
Jordan: “’Respectful’ is good. ‘Respected’ is what one earns.”
Rock Man: “I thought being respected is what this whole effort was about – gaining respect.”
Jordan: “Just think what you said. Respect is earned by actions. One cannot declare ‘you must respect me.’ Respect is earned…and earned over time.”
Rock Man: “I know we are early in the process but how long do you think this rebranding effort is going to take. I don’t mean the number of our sessions but how long before there is a marked changed in the perception of the black community?”
Jordan: “You mean how many generations is it going to take.”
Rock Man: “Really?”
Jordan: “Really. But what can change quickly is beginning to earn respect for trying. I think you will be surprised how many people and groups, even groups that you might consider anti black, will start supporting a well thought-out program.”
Rock Man: “Think so?”
Jordan: “Positive. But…and this is an important but…progress by the community has to be real and continuous. People understand progress will not be easy or smooth. But the black community needs to make steady progress toward achieving its positioning.”
Rock Man: “Let me just try a more structured positioning statement. ‘The black community is vibrant, educated, supportive, respectful with independent thinking.’”
Jordan: “That’ll work for now. Let’s start to drill down and begin analyzing where the community is now. Rebranding includes a number of variables. The very first step is finding out where we are today.”
Rock Man: “I know where we are. Let’s start working on solutions. Besides you said you said not to drive looking though the rearview mirror.”
Jordan: “I know about the rearview mirror. However, you are about ready to change lanes. Think you should check to see if a semi-truck is barreling down in the left lane?”
Rock Man: “OK but can we make finding out ‘where are we?’ quick? I want to get to solutions.”
Jordan: “Relax. Getting ready to begin rebranding is going to take a while. As I said, at least 4-5 sessions, maybe longer. Worse, at time the questions will seem almost confrontational.”
Rock Man: “Alright. Start firing away.”
Jordan: “What do you think the perception of the black community is today?”
Rock Man: “You talking about perception among whites or among blacks?”
Jordan: “Either one. No, start with whites.”
Rock Man: “You and I might have different views.”
Jordan: “Probably so but that is one reason for these questions. You are on stage, so let’s hear it.”
Rock Man: “Based on my experience…Jordan, this is not a pleasant task.”
Jordan: “…get to the point Rock Man.”
Rock Man: “Many whites view blacks as undereducated, unmotivated with their handout for government assistance. Plus, a high percentage are criminals. That is not a pleasant description.”
Jordan: “I think the perception is fair. Notice I did not say your description was ‘reality,’ but said what the perception was.”
Rock Man: “How do blacks view the black community? Discriminated against, disadvantaged and not respected?”
Jordan: “Alright. Now at least we have two perceptions, neither of which is good. One can argue about the exact words but I think both perceptions are reasonably close.”
Rock Man: “So we…the black community…have dug ourselves into a hole. A very big hole.”
Jordan: “Agreed. Now let’s talk about the product.”
Rock Man: “What do you mean by ‘product’?”
Jordan: “Normally one thinks of a product as some type of hard good – clothing, automobile, electronic equipment. In this case the product is the black community. What does the black community look like?”
Rock Man: “You mean like an area of the city where the food store is black owned and the food geared toward the black community. Is that what you mean?”
Jordan: “Yes. Describe the look and feel of the neighborhood if there is a black neighborhood. There might not be one.”
Rock Man: “Let’s start with businesses because that’s easier. A variety of black-owned businesses serving the community. I mentioned the food store. Also, clothing stores, hair salons, cleaners, restaurants, gas stations, movie theaters. Something like we had growing up only more upscale and modern.”
Jordan: “Good description.”
Rock Man: “Question. Is what I described going backwards for blacks? We don’t want to retreat to life in the 1950’s and early 1960’s, at least what I know about that life.”
Jordan: “And what part of that life was negative…and what was positive?”
Rock Man: “The negative part was being poor with rampant discrimination.”
Jordan: “What was good?”
Rock Man: “Sense of a community – family, church and lots of friends. All poor but lots of friends.”
Jordan: “What I heard you describe for blacks going forward was a community but without the poverty.”
Rock Man: “What about discrimination?”
Jordan: “You know and I know there will be some level of discrimination for decades, even generations. The level of discrimination will decline over time but some discrimination is always going to be there.”
Rock Man: “One think I left out of product – housing. Nice houses, well maintained. Some single family, some multi-family but all look nice and people are proud to be part of the neighborhood.”
Jordan: “What about subsidized housing?”
Rock Man: “We need to get rid of what people call ‘projects.’ I know we need some low-income housing but make it attractive.”
Jordan: “What about schools?”
Rock Man: “This section might take a while. I need to take a quick break.”

To be continued

#70 Beginning to Rebrand the Black Community (Part #1)

24 Thursday Jul 2014

Posted by Jordan Abel in Causes of the Revolution, Economics, Innovative Thinking: Ideas and Products, Rebranding Black Community, Societal Issues

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Scene: Pizza joint with Jordan and Rock Man discussing ideas to help get blacks off the bottom rung of the economic ladder. Initial episode for this section begins #67 “Why Do Blacks Remain at the Bottom of the Economic Ladder?”

Rock Man: “Jordan, you’ve got me thinking. By the way, the pizza was great. Who owns this place anyway?”
Jordan: “Turns out owners are part of the family that started Buddy’s Pizza in Detroit many years ago. A colleague from my Detroit days told me about the place. Great pizza, huh?”
Rock Man: “Maybe the best I’ve ever had.”
Jordan: “Back to the task at hand. I’ve got you thinking about what?”
Rock Man: “Asking me to describe the ideal black community could be the foundation for a marketing campaign.”
Jordan: “Now you are on to something.”
Rock Man: “What we are talking about doing is rebranding the black community.”
Jordan: “This might sound a bit crass but rebranding the black community is like Nike building a brand of shoes around Michael Jordan or…”
Rock Man: “I thought we were shying away from sports figures?”
Jordan: “You’re right. Then building a brand of clothing – Polo, for example. Or soda – Coke. Or Yogurt. Pick a product and there is a certain image that comes to mind when you mention the brand name. And we can use your words to describe the ideal black community. But we need to make the words describe how the brand feels.”
Rock Man: “What do you call that essence statement?”
Jordan: “Positioning statement.”
Rock Man: “That’s it. Positioning statement. But the brand has to have a product.”
Jordan: “It does have a product…the black community.”
Rock Man: “So you’re thinking of rebranding the entire black community?”
Jordan: “Changing the perception of the black community. Obviously not everyone will fit the mold but the goals is to change the overall perception of the community.”
Rock Man: “You think that’s realistic?”
Jordan: “Your question is an excellent checkpoint. And one we will use at the end of this exercise. But let me ask you, when I say…OK, Jewish community, what words or phrases come to mind?”
Rock Man: “More educated, professionals – lots of doctors, lawyers, college professors. Lots of merchants – Saks, Bergdorf-Goodman, Bloomingdales. And financial people – Solomon Brothers.”
Jordan: “Clearly, not every Jew falls in one of those categories. But I think that is a fair description of the perception of the Jewish community in general.”
Rock Man: “So we are trying to build a brand for the black community that fits some type of positioning statement, correct?”
Jordan: “One thing to be clear about – a substantial portion…don’t ask me what the exact number is…but a substantial percentage of blacks will need to fit the mold or the perception will never take hold. Just making a claim that the black community is like ‘X,’ ‘Y’ and ‘Z’ won’t make people change their perception.”
Rock Man: “Let’s go back and try to translate my general description into a positioning statement.”
Jordan: “Alright but just don’t get to anal right now about having a perfect positioning statement. The statements evolve over time.”
Rock Man: “Speaking of time, how long is this rebranding session going to take?”
Jordan: “Session? You mean sessions. Probably 4-5, maybe more before we complete the initial phase.”
Rock Man: “You serious? That long for the initial phase?”
Jordan: “Rock Man, the process of rebranding is like eating an elephant. There’s a lot there and you can only eat one bite at a time.”
Rock Man: “Before we get too far into this, do you think we might be covering old ground? I mean, didn’t Martin Luther King cover this issue 50-60 years ago. What’s going to make a program we come up with different?”
Jordan: “Good question. I’ve thought about the question a lot. My take is this. Dr. King had a vision about equality. And ideally that will be the result of our efforts.”
Rock Man: “So what’s different?”
Jordan: “Scholars might disagree but I think one of the reasons why MLK’s vision did not come true is blacks did not have a positioning statement.”
Rock Man: “Explain more, please.”
Jordan: “Without a positioning statement, blacks did not know what to become. There were no guideposts or guidelines. Blacks were just supposed to be equal but no real map on how to get there.”
Rock Man: “Over the years you’ve talked about how a clear, concise positioning statement helped guide a lot of activities at Buick. If I remember correctly, the positioning statement was ‘Buick is a premium American motorcar that is substantial, distinctive, powerful and mature.’”
Jordan: “Very good. And when Buick followed that positioning decisions were much easier and Buick gained market share.”
Rock Man: “Then what happened? Buick had a really rough period in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. It’s coming back now but it was rocky road for a number of years.”
Jordan: “My view? Most of the problem had nothing to do with the positioning statement. It was all in the execution.”
Rock Man: “Whadda mean?”
Jordan: “Product tastes evolve over time. I had done a lot of research at the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research. The results indicated product design that appeals to one generation will not necessarily appeal to the next generation. Just look at clothing styles for certain age groups. They seem to cycle over time.”
Rock Man: “What else?”
Jordan: “The fundamental positioning of the product can remain the same but how it’s designed needs to change. The research suggested Buick could keep all key attributes but needed to update the design to appeal to a younger generation.”
Rock Man: “So what happened?”
Jordan: “I lost the argument. My boss, who was not that much older, thought younger buyers would ‘adopt’ the same tastes as the previous generation.”
Rock Man: “So Buick makes some design changes but also keeps many of the attributes that appealed to older generations. And their market share becomes smaller and smaller since existing buyers are dying off and not being replaced by younger buyers.”
Jordan: “Exactly. The Buick look today is very similar to what we recommended years ago, although there are many more electronic features available now.”
Rock Man: “So what’s the lesson for the black community?”
Jordan: “Rock Man, that’s the $1,000,000 question. What we do know is a simple, easy to understand and credible positioning statement is a start. And we need to tighten up your words.”
Rock Man: “Let’s get started. Here’s a napkin.”
(To be continued)

#69 Setting the Stage for Getting Started: Describing an Ideal Black Community

19 Saturday Jul 2014

Posted by Jordan Abel in Innovative Thinking: Ideas and Products, Possible Solutions, Societal Issues

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Scene: Jordan and Rock Man at pizza joint continuing conversation about how to get blacks off the bottom rung of the economic ladder. Conversation started “#67 Why Do Blacks Remain at the Bottom Rung of the Economic Ladder?”

Rock Man: “Jordan, I hear what you’re saying about blacks being stuck on the bottom rung. I also hear some of the ideas about focusing on education and not sports. How do we pull this off?”
Jordan: “Rock Man, you and I have both been involved with projects that have been very successful and…”
Rock Man: “…and projects that were duds.”
Jordan: “And what was the difference between those projects…assuming that the project was not so outlandish that it had no chance of success?”
Rock Man: “For me, success projects have three key characteristics. #1 a purpose that is easy to understand; #2 timeline to accomplish; #3 ability to link one’s role to the project purpose.”
Jordan: “I agree. Clarity, timeline and link. But I’ll bet not all the projects you’ve been involved with were easy to accomplish.”
Rock Man: “No. In fact, the one’s I worked hardest on and the ones I remember the most were the most difficult…but we accomplished them.”
Jordan: “An old example but one that I still marvel at how it was accomplished is putting a man on the moon. President Kennedy made the announcement in 1961 and US astronauts landed on the moon in 1969.”
Rock Man: “Today, in that same 8 years, Congress…at least Congress before the revolution…couldn’t agree to support the project, let alone agree on funding.”
Jordan: “Let’s take the Apollo program…the moon shot…and bounce off your reference points. Was the mission clear?”
Rock Man: “Very clear. Put a man on the moon.”
Jordan: “Was the timing clear?”
Rock Man: “Yes. By the end of the decade – 1969.”
Jordan: “Were participants able to link tasks to the assignment.”
Rock Man: “It was probably very easy to decide what to do for almost all tasks. The task either contributed to getting a man on the moon or it didn’t.”
Jordan: “Now let’s use your reference points and the moon shot to guide our mission at hand.”
Rock Man: “Getting blacks off the bottom rung of the economic ladder…and let me add ‘permanently’ off the bottom. We do not need to have someone else start another program 50 years from now.”
Jordan: “Success for the Apollo program was clear. A man on the moon. Throw out some words that describe a black community that has gotten off the bottom rung.”
Rock Man: “You want words, or more description. What do you want?”
Jordan: “Throw out some words. Whatever comes to mind. We can sort ideas out later.”
Rock Man: “Here goes. A black community that is ‘vibrant.” One that is ‘educated.”
Jordan: “Good. Keep going.”
Rock Man: “Never really thought about this before.”
Jordan: “Don’t stop. More words.”
Rock Man: “’Fun loving.’ A black community that is ‘respectful’…and ‘respected’. A community that is ‘supportive of its members and others.’’’
Jordan: “Anything else?”
Rock Man: “Yeah. Community that has ‘independent thinking.’ What I’m trying to say is a community that can make it on its own…you know, that’s independent.”
Jordan: “You thinking of an independent state, or states?”
Rock Man: “No. But a community that has a lot less dependence on assistance from everyone else, including the government.”
Jordan: “Sounds like a great community. So how do we help make it happen?”

Pizza arrives. To be continued.

#68 New Ideas to Start Getting Blacks Off the Bottom Rung

16 Wednesday Jul 2014

Posted by Jordan Abel in Causes of the Revolution, Economics, Innovative Thinking: Ideas and Products, Societal Issues

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(Readers: Please note the blog about the 5th revolution in the US is constructed as a story. While not all chapters are linked, after reading a few recent entries, you might want to start at the beginning. More about the blog and about the author. )

Scene: Jordan and Rock Man continuing conversation about how to begin getting blacks off the bottom rung of the economic ladder. First conversation. More about Rock Man.

Jordan: “OK, Rock Man, let’s get back to the topic at hand. How do we get blacks off the bottom rung of the economic ladder?”
Rock Man: “Jordan, seems like we’ve had a version of this conversation before.”
Jordan: “We had it before your sabbatical. But nothing got resolved. And the need for a plan keeps gnawing at me. It should gnaw at you even more.”
Rock Man: “Maybe I’m too close to it…or maybe used to it.”
Jordan: “We need to change some thinking. It has been 150+ years since the Emancipation Proclamation. It has been 50+ years since the Civil Rights Act. 150 years is 6-7 generations.”
Rock Man: “A very long time in those terms. You have some advice?”
Jordan: “Yes, but like much of this conversation, not politically correct.”
Rock Man: “Let me guess. Blacks need to take the lead and quit following.”
Jordan: “The man did learn something on sabbatical. Seriously, that needs to happen. Blacks need to figure out a plan, spell out the key points and then, if necessary, ask for help.”
Rock Man: “Any ideas where to start? Tell me your idea Contro-man.”
Jordan: “What’s with the Contro-man? What are you talking about?”
Rock Man: “You’re bringing up a very controversial topic – why do blacks remain at the bottom of the economic ladder. You ready for all the heat when this starts to get public attention?”
Jordan: “If you think the conversation so far has been controversial, have another sip of coffee.”
Rock Man: “Keep talking Contro-man.”
Jordan: “I casually mentioned this idea before but we never really put much meat on it. One other rule when we discuss this topic.”
Rock Man: “What’s the rule?”
Jordan: “There’s always a lot of finger-pointing and blaming when this come up. Too much of government something caused something else. A lot of looking in the rearview mirror and trying to figure out who’s to blame.”
Rock Man: “Jordan, if there’s one thing I remember about all our conversations, it’s that you cannot drive very fast looking in the rearview mirror.”
Jordan: “I’m glad you remember that. Now, let’s start looking out the windshield and driving faster.”
Rock Man: “I’m mashing the accelerator.”
Jordan: “You’re southern roots are showing. First question, ‘In what occupations are blacks most successful?’”
Rock Man: “That’s easy, sports. Football, basketball, track and some baseball. But especially professional football and basketball – NFL, NBA.”
Jordan: “Right. In the NFL, what 2 of 3 players are black? NBA must be about 4 of 5 are black. Blacks are very successful in both sports.”
Rock Man: “Entertainment, also. But what’s your point?”
Jordan: “Question #2, ‘Where do you see the least number of blacks?’”
Rock Man: “At a KKK meeting…and that’s not a college fraternity.”
Jordan: “Good one smartass. Really, what professions?”
Rock Man: “Engineering. More like occupations that require lots of math and/or science.”
Jordan: “I agree.”
Rock Man: “Come to think of it, I don’t know of a highly successful software company started by blacks.”
Jordan: “I’m sure there are some but no company comes to mind.”
Rock Man: “When you were at MIT how many blacks were there?”
Jordan: “MIT was a long time ago but black students were few and far between.”
Rock Man: “OK, so Contro-man, what’s the idea?
Jordan: “We both agree that making incremental changes won’t work. Something radical is required.”
Rock Man: “Get to the idea, already.”
Jordan: “The idea is simple. Black refuse to play professional sports. No blacks enter the NFL. No blacks enter the NBA.”
Rock Man: “What about professional curling?”
Jordan: “That’s OK.”
Rock Man: “Seriously, what about college athletics.”
Jordan: “Yes, because those athletes have an opportunity for a college degree at little or no cost. And without the pressure to enter professional sports, more will student athletes will complete the degree. But, I’m talking about real, marketable degrees and not Afro-American studies.”
Rock Man: “You are pushing the envelope. You really want to deny these athletes a chance to make millions of dollars playing professional sports?”
Jordan: “In a word, ‘yes.’ Besides, what do these athletes do for the black community?”
Rock Man: “They hold sports camps and go to schools and talk about their sports.”
Jordan: “My point exactly. The athletes, many of whom…in fact I would venture to say most of whom never graduated college…are promoting the one thing at which only a handful of people excel – professional sports. Where’s the emphasis on education? Where’s the role model?”
Rock Man: “Point well taken.”
Jordan: “Rock Man, you are an excellent role model for black students. I’m always fascinated with your background. How many kids in the family?
Rock Man: “Eight.”
Jordan: “And what did your parents do?”
Rock Man: “You know what they did. Cotton farmers in eastern North Carolina.”
Jordan: “And they were high-end, wealthy cotton farmers?”
Rock Man: (Laughing) “Jordan, you know we were dirt poor. We were so poor that I literally…and I mean literally…did not have a pot to piss in.”
Jordan: “OK, so how did you go from no pot to piss in to all eight kids getting a college education and what, half the kids with a graduate degree? Was your role model some athlete?”
Rock Man: “No. The role model was my parents pushing all the kids hard to get an education. Neither of my parents graduated from high school. In fact, they barely got out of grammar school.”
Jordan: “Rock Man, now I need a break. Let’s go get a pizza.”

(Want a PDF version for Entries #1-10, #11-20, #21-30 formatted as an e-book? Entries #31-60 available when I get some time. Click links for download. America’s 5th Revolution Volume I (Entries 1-10), America’s 5th Revolution Volume II (Entries 11-20), America’s 5th Revolution Volume III (Entries 21-30)

#67 Why Do Blacks Remain at the Bottom of the Economic Ladder?

12 Saturday Jul 2014

Posted by Jordan Abel in Economics, Personal Stories, Possible Solutions, Societal Issues

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Scene: Jordan meeting with Rock Man, who has been on sabbatical.

Jordan: “Rock Man, wonderful to see you. How was the sabbatical?”
Rock Man: “Great learning experience and great fun. This was my Sloan Program.”
Jordan: “Hope so. The Sloan Program was a seminal moment in my life.”
Rock Man: “I know your time is short. What’s on your mind?”
Jordan: “A problem that has been bothering me for a long time. And it only seems to get worse.”
Rock Man: “You with a problem? Losing your touch? What’s the issue and why me?”
Jordan: “One is you are coming off sabbatical so your brain is clear of lots of mundane stuff.”
Rock Man: “You’re assuming I still have a brain.”
Jordan: “You’ve got a brain. Second reason is someone needs to lead this effort to come up with a solution. And your qualifications are perfect.”
Rock Man: “OK, let me have it. What am I in for now?”
Jordan: “The question, really a dilemma, is this. Why do blacks stay at the bottom of the economic rung when every other ethnic group has progressed? I know there is no easy answer but the issue perplexes me and frustrates me.”
Rock Man: “Frustrates me, too. I’ve got two kids that are doing OK but a lot of people I grew up with…and I mean a lot of them…are no better off today than 40-50 years ago.”
Jordan: “While each immigrant group has its own characteristics, all immigrant groups faced some discrimination. Some of the discrimination was severe. Yet all have made significant progress.”
Rock Man: “I hate to say this but many blacks seem to have self-destructive behavior. One behavior that really baffles me is the attraction to Islam. What are these guys thinking?”
Jordan: “I agree. I understand the desire for religion. But if you want to get out of the cellar why choose Islam? One is hard pressed to find an Islamic-dominated country that offers equal rights, has sustained economic growth and a well-educated population.”
Rock Man: “Maybe the converts think Islam is going to get them an education.”
Jordan: “At one time I would have agreed with that. That time, however, was up until the 16th or 17th Century.”
Rock Man: “You that old Jordan?”
Jordan: “Good one, Rock Man. Glad you haven’t lost your touch.”
Rock Man: “I’ve got a good mentor…you.”
Jordan: “Thanks for the compliment. But back to Islam. For centuries, Muslims were very involved in international trade and leaders in some fields of education. Muslims are given credit for advancements in algebra, for example.”
Rock Man: “I did not know that. What about now?”
Jordan: “If you want to hitch your wagon to a religion or group that pushes education, find a Jewish wagon.”
Rock Man: “Good point. Jews were enslaved by the Egyptians. And they’ve suffered some form of discrimination since.”
Jordan: “More important to blacks is many Jews were early supporters of the Civil Rights Movement in the US.”
Rock Man: “I’m too young to remember but I read several Jews were killed in the 1960’s marching with blacks in the South.”
Jordan: “Here’s my take. Every other ethnic group has moved up the economic ladder through education. Not sports. Not entertainment. Education.”
Rock Man: “Maybe blacks need to take a different approach and really emphasize education.”
Jordan: “If you were black…I know you’re already there but you know what I mean. If you were black and wanted an education would you become a Muslim or a Jew?”
Rock Man: “I know where you’re headed but give me some facts.”
Jordan: “OK, here’s something to think about. Jews constitute about 0.2% of the world’s population.”
Rock Man: “Only 2 of every 1,000 people is Jewish?”
Jordan: “What percent of the world’s population is Muslim?”
Rock Man: “I’ll guess 20%. 200 out of every 1,000 people.”
Jordan: “About right. That means there are at least 100 Muslims for every one Jew.”
Rock Man: “So why do Muslims feel so threatened by Jews? Muslims have a 100:1 advantage.”
Jordan: “We’ll talk about why another time but remember the 100:1 ratio.”
Rock Man: “Got it. 100 Muslims, 1 Jew.”
Jordan: “Now when I say awards for science, medicine, economics, etc…you know accomplishments requiring high level of education…what prize comes to mind?
Rock Man: “The Nobel Prize.”
Jordan: “What percentage of Nobel Prizes has been awarded to Jews?”
Rock Man: “I know this is a set up so I’ll exaggerate my answer. 5%. No, make it 10%.”
Jordan: “Nobel prizes awarded to Muslims?”
Rock Man: “Well, if Muslims account for 20 out of 100 people, they should have at least 10% of the prizes.”
Jordan: “Let’s just say your right. Each group has 10%. That ratio would make Jews 100x more likely to be awarded a Nobel Prize than a Muslim.”
Rock Man: “Wow. That’s a big difference.”
Jordan: “Now what if I told you that of all the Nobel Prizes awarded 20+% have gone to Jews and 1% to Muslims.”
Rock Man: “If I do my math correctly, that means Jews are not 100x more likely but 2,500x more likely to be awarded a Nobel Prize based on population.”
Jordan: “Your math is correct.”
Rock Man: “Jews 2,500 times more likely than Muslims. The difference is so large that it’s difficult to comprehend.”
Jordan: “Let’s try this approach. If you were selecting players for a basketball team, would you choose the player who scored 2,500 points or the player scored one point?”
Rock Man: “Duh, let me think about that. The 2,500 point player.”
Jordan: “Let me try one other comparison. If you started to take a walk, after the Muslim took one step, the Jew would be 1.5 miles down the road.”
Rock Man: “I see your point. If you think education is a key to getting off the bottom rung of the ladder, go with people who are proven winners, not losers.”
Jordan: “OK, called me biased because I’m Jewish. I know the comparison re Nobel Prizes is a bit convoluted, but the facts are hard to refute.”
Rock Man: “What’s adding to my frustration is blacks are aligning with a group responsible for 09/11 and bringing down the World Trade Towers.”
Jordan: “Look, aligning with Jews is not the only answer but you get my point about the value of education.”
Rock Man: “Jordan, you’ve thrown a lot out on the table. I need to digest this. May we take a short break?”
Jordan: “Of course. Let’s get a coffee.”

#66 Next Phase

09 Wednesday Jul 2014

Posted by Jordan Abel in Causes of the Revolution, Societal Issues

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I noted in Entry #65 (Independence Day Musings) that nothing of late has changed my belief the US is headed for a 5th revolution, which I labeled the “Revenge Revolution.” The lack of change by people to avoid the revolution should not be a surprise. I believe we all suffer from some degree of procrastination, and some changing only when faced with cataclysmic circumstances. And some never change despite the consequences.

But another phenomenon also exists — blatantly disregarding facts. For a number of years I have been puzzled by seemingly educated people taking positions on certain issues, despite overwhelming empirical data to the contrary.

This past weekend results of a study were published in The New York Times indicating many reasonably educated people simply discard facts to support an ideological position. The study suggests people who ignore facts are not uneducated about the issue but are familiar with the issue and simply ignore the facts.

Another finding of the study is those who discard facts are highly unlikely to change opinions. Not a surprise, but certainly disheartening.

So what do the findings of this study mean for this blog? While I am curious about the cause of the behavior, the focus of this blog is to discuss consequences of this type behavior. Based on the study, it is highly unlikely the hard-core on either side of an issue are unlikely to change…unless, of course they are faced with the motivating cataclysmic event. That event might be the 5th US revolution.

Being naïve and optimistic (but not bored), I’ve decided to continue writing the blog. OK, so no one reads the blog and no one changes his or her mind. But maybe, just maybe some people read the blog, talk to others and we avoid the revolution.

I’m going to spend the next few days sorting out topics for the next phase of blog. Topics are numerous but some attitudes and activities by groups in the US are real head scratchers. These attitudes and activities deserve more discussion.

As a reader, if you think I pick on Republicans more than Democrats, you’re probably correct. All writers look for material and right-wing Republicans make themselves such easy targets.

Some positions are so absurd that I have to laugh. A perfect example is the group that claims, “As a landowner I can do what I want on my land. And no government regulation should get in my way.” Excuse me son, but who or what organization provided you the title to the land? The king? Probably not. Try the dreaded government.

Government laws allow you to think you own the land, government laws allow you to transfer ownership to someone else and government laws protect you from private individuals confiscating your land. But, please keep in mind, without government you would have no ownership. Comprende?

OK, so not everyone is that extreme. But a surprising number of people think similarly. Some other topics being considered for the next phase include:
• When did liberal become a dirty word? This is especially intriguing since the founders of this country were liberals by standards of the day.
• When did conservative begin to mean not conserving?
• If Republicans keep harping on blacks to get an education and make something of themselves, why is Barack Obama not the poster child for Republicans?
• Why do blacks continue at the bottom of the economic ladder when every other ethnic group has made significant progress within a few generations? This might be the most controversial topic. As a country, we…left and right…have to find an answer. The problem is perplexing, especially since it has been 150 years since the Emancipation Proclamation and 50 years since the Civil Rights Act.
• Not to worry I’ll add a couple more issues on the left

If you have a topic of interest, please let me know. Thanks.

(Want a PDF version for Entries #1-10, #11-20, #21-30 formatted as an e-book? Entries #31-40 available soon. Click links for download. America’s 5th Revolution Volume I (Entries 1-10), America’s 5th Revolution Volume II (Entries 11-20), America’s 5th Revolution Volume III (Entries 21-30)

#65 Independence Day Musings

05 Saturday Jul 2014

Posted by Jordan Abel in Background, Causes of the Revolution, Personal Stories, Societal Issues

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July 4, 2014, Independence Day in the US. I thought it might be a good time to pause and reflect on recent events and the possible impact of those events on the future.

The theme of this blog is the anticipated 5th revolution in the United States, which I am labelling the “Revenge Revolution.” The idea of such a revolution occurred to me 5-6 years ago while finishing a long overdue paper for the University of Michigan. The paper included a short reference to a possible revolution.

For some reason the notion of a revolution kept hanging around in my head. Finally in summer 2013, I began expanding the idea, which then lead to the blog, which was published beginning December 2013.

Now almost a year after I started writing, I asked myself does the tagline about a possible 5th revolution make sense? Is the US still headed for a 5th revolution? Or have events this past year made the idea of a revolution less likely?

Unfortunately, the probability of a 5th revolution, the Revenge Revolution, seems higher today than the initial paper to University of Michigan and higher than last year. One could argue the probability seems higher because I spend more time writing blog entries associated with a possible revolution. That’s a fair argument. However, even if writing blog entries has exaggerated my perception of the likelihood, I think events of the past year have increased chances of the Revenge Revolution.

Probably the most disturbing trend, and it seems to be a trend and not just a couple of data points, is the lack of objectivity by the Supreme Court in ruling on cases having impact on the US populous. Given the rulings in these cases, the Court seems to have become a key “talking head” for the ultra-right wing of the Republican Party.

Yes, I know many self-proclaimed conservatives will pronounce I’m just a reactionary liberal. But, before you make such statements, let’s look at outcomes in countries where ultra-conservatives have ended up as the dominant political power. In the last 100 years, we have examples of Germany and Italy between WWI and WWII, as well as several other European countries. Today there are a number of countries in the Middle East dominated by ultra-conservatives. As much as it pains me, even Israel is heavily influenced by ultra-conservatives.

One is hard pressed to find an example…in fact, I do not think there is an example…where a country run by ultra-conservatives has not been subject to major internal turmoil within a reasonable time after the ultra-conservatives were in power. Obviously we are looking at countries with elections and not countries with dictators. The emergence of the ultra-right wing in this country and the unrelenting shift to the right by the Supreme Court do not bode well for future stability in the US.

Why? Because what is emerging in the US is increased “unfairness.” Being fair does not mean everyone having the same things. Being fair means reasonable opportunities.

The trend of decisions by the Supreme Court has been to redefine “fairness.” In Citizens United, the Supreme Court declared corporations to be “people” during the election process. The decision allowed corporations to be “people” but since corporations are legal entities…and therefore not really people… corporations are not subject to any of the liabilities that people face for wrong doing. Not a bad deal. Corporations are “people” for political campaigns but not “people” when it comes to criminal liability. Heads I win. Tails you lose…again.

Corporations have been buying politicians. Go ahead and claim I have no way to prove it and therefore I must be wrong. Well, folks, if you don’t think money buys influence, you are living on a different planet. Money buys access and access buys influence.

Are both sides guilty? Yes, but we are talking degrees of guilt. The argument that one is either pregnant or not does not apply. One side is walking around with a .50 caliber machine gun and the other with a BB gun. That is not fair. Remember I did not claim fair meant equal.

The Supreme Court ruling in the Hobby Lobby case makes corporations even more of a “person.” Corporations do not have to behave in ways that conflict with their religious beliefs. Tell me that again? Corporations have religious beliefs? Yes, of course says the Supreme Court. You don’t seem to understand, you idiot liberal.

The Court is saying, “Let me explain this to you. Corporations are legal entities with many protections for executives working in the corporation. But these corporations have religious beliefs that are protected by the Constitution. In fact, you idiot, we are going to allow these corporations to have more religious freedom than you have. We are going to let corporations now decide if they want to follow portions of a federal law based on the religious beliefs of the corporation.”

Personally, I don’t care if you like the Affordable Care Act or not; it is the law. But you should be incensed at the Court. For those that argue that the Supreme Court ruling was narrow and applies only to a few corporations, you too have been living on another planet. Within two days of the initial ruling the conservative members of the Court expanded the scope. An old saying and one repeated at dinner recently by a long-time friend, the ruling “…is like the camel’s nose under the tent. This is only the beginning.”

I call Citizens United and Hobby Lobby rulings major judicial activism. You don’t think so? Corporations were established by law for a specific purpose. Corporations are not people. Repeat corporations are not people. If you think they are then you must support the following logic.

One can buy and sell stock in many corporations. Therefore, if corporations are people, then people that buy and sell stock in these corporations are like plantation owners who bought and sold slaves. Didn’t the 13th Amendment abolish slavery? Maybe the Supreme Court needs to read the US Constitution.

Oh, yes, if you are an “originalist” of the Constitution, just in case you forgot, amendments are supplements to and not part of original documents. Remember the First Amendment to the Constitution is a supplement and not part of the original document. And the beloved Second Amendment is a supplement and not part of the original Constitution.

From where I sit, Conservative Republicans should be outraged at the activism of the court and these rulings. A very few Justices are redefining the very foundation on which this country was built. Yet most Conservative Republicans are cheering. Why? Because Conservative Republicans have not yet connected the dots.

Allowing a corporation to act like a person without having the liability associated if a person acted the same way, creates an environment for corporations to act more irresponsibly. Think about this Conservative Republicans – who is likely to suffer from actions that ship more jobs overseas, increase water pollution, increase air pollution, renege on benefit programs, etc.? The corporation won’t suffer nor will the executives running the corporations suffer. The executives will gain. The losers will be the ordinary citizen.

Least you think I am promoting socialism, think again. I am talking about fairness. It baffles me why ultra-conservatives never talk about solutions to address the decline in real median income and the increased likelihood of reduced pensions for many employees. Other than a small percentage of the population many people in this country are going backward economically, not forward. Like countries with ultra-conservative political parties, countries with pronounced disparity of wealth do not have sustained economic growth.

Conservatives don’t seem to understand that letting the populous gain enough ground to feed their families and provide decent shelter will quell unrest. People with full bellies are more tolerant of political and corporate shenanigans than people who go to bed hungry.

In 1776, the colonists, all illegal immigrants, declared their independence from Britain. Achieving that independence was a long and difficult struggle with many lives lost on both sides.

The Declaration of Independence states, “…We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…” Many Conservative leaders as well as certain Justices of the Supreme Court, have demonstrated repeatedly that they do not support the very first sentence of the Declaration of Independence.

By today’s standards, Conservatives would view the colonists as rebels…and yikes, liberals! Can you imagine, a country founded by liberals. Said the conservative, “You colonists, listen to me, I’ll tell you what’s good for you.”

How I dare make such an assertion, you say. Well, guess what Conservatives and non-thinkers on the Supreme Court? Those rebels, the nasty lazy liberals of today are going to revolt, just like their brethren revolted in 1776. And when they revolt, you will be out of power and possibly in physical danger. Many of those being suppressed have weapons. And there are far more of them than you.

Now you have my musings from July 4. Not very pretty and not very encouraging. No, I’m not optimistic. I believe the Revenge Revolution is inevitable because all of us are prone not to change behavior until faced with severe negative circumstances. And then some people still refuse to change.

Exactly what year the Revenge Revolution begins is hard to predict. In the past, while my predictions of major change have been generally correct, predicted timing was usually earlier than the actual event. For talking purposes let’s assume the Revenge Revolution begins July 4, 2020. Like I said, I hope I’m wrong. (More background about the Revenge Revolution.)

#64 “Pawsing” to Remember a Friend

01 Tuesday Jul 2014

Posted by Jordan Abel in Personal Stories, Societal Issues

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Ms: “Jordan, what’s wrong?”
Jordan: “Just got a text from my supervisor. A friend of ours has died.”
Maggie: “Not good. Who was it if I might ask?”
Jordan: “It was the Maxster.”
Ms: “Maxster sounds like a dog.”
Jordan: “Technically Maxster was a dog. But we never thought of him that way.”
Ms: “Didn’t know you had a dog.”
Jordan: “Maxster wasn’t ours. He used to stay at the house when the family was out of town.”
Maggie: “How often did the Maxster visit?”
Jordan: “3-4 times a year. Sometimes a few days. Sometimes 9-10 days. Depended on where the family was going for vacation…or some other trip.”
Ms: “You must have liked him a lot.”
Jordan: “The Maxster, really Max, was a great people dog. A Havanese.”
Maggie: “Aren’t they a breed of Bichon?”
Jordan: “Yes and popular in Cuba…as in Havana. But more importantly, Max was a real buddy. We’d go on walks together and we’d talk.”
Ms: “I assume you did most of the talking.”
Jordan: “Dogs are really interesting animals. Many humans could learn a lot from dogs.”
Maggie: “Mom, what about Pepper when I was growing up? I must admit Pepper wasn’t the friendliest dog in the world.”
Ms: “Because he took after the other person in the household, who was not too friendly either.”
Jordan: “I think that’s one of the lessons. If a dog takes on the personality of the owner, then the owner needs to recognize that’s how other people see him or her.”
Ms: “Good point. By the way, Jordan, did you have a dog growing up?”
Jordan: “Yes, a wonderful dog and a great friend.”
Maggie: “You friendly with all the dogs? Animal dogs, I mean.”
Jordan: “Good zinger, Maggie. Actually, it’s rare that I meet a dog that I don’t get along with. But my dog growing up was special.”
Ms: “Why’s that?”
Jordan: “Pound dog just like me.”
Maggie: “What are you talking about, pound dog?”
Jordan: “You know, from the shelter. Abandoned. Pound dogs always seem so grateful.”
Maggie: “So what kind of dog was it?”
Jordan: “Heinz 57. Who knows what breeds? The dog was a bit odd looking but smart.”
Ms: “Characteristics run in the family.”
Jordan: “I suppose so…if I only knew what family.”
Maggie: “What are you guys talking about?”
Ms: “Inside info. Let’s get back to the dog story. What was the dog’s name?”
Jordan: “Snowman.”
Maggie: “Got him in the wintertime, eh?”
Jordan: “Yes, and the coloration reminded me of a snowman.”
Ms: “How old were you when Snowman arrived – 8, 9?”
Jordan: “Eight, I think.”
Ms: “So you have your buddy through grammar school and all the way thru high school?”
Jordan: “Snowman lived until I got out of undergrad – 15 years or so. I don’t remember exactly.”
Maggie: “Why are we talking about dogs?”
Ms: “Maggie, as you get older, you’ll start to realize…or at least I hope so…that the most meaningful parts of life come from relationships. Not from money, not from things but from relationships.”
Jordan: “And that what Max and Snowman provided. As odd as it may sound, the relationship that Max and Snowman had with me was unconditional. No strings attached…other than to provide food and water.”
Maggie: “I’ve never thought about how a dog could be the model for an ideal relationship with someone else.”
Ms: “It’s a great model as long as you don’t bark and wag your tail…too much anyhow.”
Jordan: “OK, a toast to Max and Snowman. Two of my best friends. Let’s toast Pepper who made an effort at being nice.”
Ms: “Hear, hear. To Max, to Snowman and even to Pepper.”
Maggie: “You guys are a bit goofy but I’ll join you in the toast.”
Jordan: “And may the lessons of these friends carry forth.”
Ms: Jordan, I’d like to hear more about your project with POTUS. Maggie, let’s go.”
Maggie: “Jordan, great to see you again. Please keep us posted on the project.”
Jordan: “I will. A great evening. I really enjoyed it.”
Ms: “So did we. Remember, check’s on me.”