Category Archives: Causes of the Revolution

Discussion of what might have contributed to the revolution. Includes information about current events and some historical events.

#84 Change Starts with Personal Responsibility

10 Wednesday Sep 2014

Posted by in Causes of the Revolution, Education Issues, Innovative Thinking: Ideas and Products, Possible Solutions, 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. )

Scene:  JC, Greenie and Jordan continuing conversation about higher education.  Start of conversation entry #80.

Greenie:  “I think most everyone wants teachers and productive members of society, 122813_2140_15Education2.jpgnot prisoners.  But when all is said and done, how are we going to make this happen?”

JC:  “Jordan, I agree with Greenie.  This idea seems too ethereal to me.  The concept is great but are the concrete steps to implement?  We need a simple plan.”

Jordan:  “It is a big, abstract idea.  But we’ve already laid out two steps.  #1 is stop busing and use tax dollars for teachers.  #2 is trade the cost of incarcerating someone for more teachers.”

k14630609JC:  “So, back to my question.  What are the concrete steps to implement the two ideas?”

Jordan:  “To me the first step is for those disadvantaged to begin saying ‘Stop busing.  Use the money saved to improve our neighborhood schools.”

Greenie:  “Then what?  Each situation is going to be different, so the residents need to realize they might end up working closely with the school board.”

122813_2140_15Education1.jpgJC:  “Residents might have to work with the courts also.  Remember busing started implementing Brown vs. Board of Education (Topeka) and the repeal of Plessy vs. Ferguson (separate, but equal).

Jordan:  “Speaking of Ferguson…Ferguson, MO might be a good place to start this project.”

Greenie:  “Excellent location, if nothing else for the publicity.  Someone needs to check how much busing actually goes on in Ferguson but I like the location.”

JC:  “Residents are probably open to most any idea that gives them more control.”

Greenie:  “Plus the Justice Department is already investigating Ferguson so they might be open to the idea as well.”

Jordan:  “So now we have one possible location for a pilot program.  We need some more locations.”

JC:  “Jordan, what about getting with Justice for ideas?  Surely they have a ‘watch list’ for school districts that are not complying with the law.”

Jordan:  “Alright.  I’ve got a contact there I’ll call.”

Greenie:  “You know what I like about this idea?”

JC:  “OK, what do you like about this idea?”

Greenie:  “OK, wise guy.  The plan puts more control back with parents and the school district.”

JC:  “I like more control with parents.  But some of the school districts do not want integration.”

Jordan:  “This plan might give some districts an out from forced busing, which they should support.  I can’t blame parents for not wanting to have their kids bussed.  Busing is a waste of time and eats into kids’ study time and free time.”

School-Bus-ClipartGreenie:  “Tell me about the disruptive part.  My kids were two blocks from the neighborhood school and ended up being bussed.”

Jordan:  “How long was the ride?”

Greenie:  “30 minutes each way.  60 minutes each day on some bus when the kids were two blocks from school.  A lot of kids spend even more time on the bus.”

Jordan:  “You know what might help get the effort going?  A template for parents to follow.”

JC:  “Why not publish a template?  Conservative political groups have templates for legislators.  Aren’t they running the NC House and Senate?”

Jordan:  “Seems like it.  More ALEC templates than any home-grown legislation.”

Greenie:  “These groups are effective.  And they must think the public is incredibly stupid.  In the 2014 mid-terms Republican candidates in three different states ran TV ads their Democratic opponent was the last vote that made Obamacare law.”

JC:  “Being last three times on a single vote is hard to do.  But, hey Republicans have their own math.”

Greenie:  “Now, now.  Be nice.”

Jordan:  “I’ve got another one.  The Charlotte Observer published a letter to the editor from someone I know.  He is CEO of his father’s business.  The son can’t string two sentences together, let alone a coherent letter.  He used a template for the letter and added a few names to make it local.  And the paper published it.”

Greenie:  “Not often do I admit learning something from far-right Republicans, but in this case, we should take a lesson from them.”

JC:  “Let’s use their template idea.  We need to make sure the tone and text focus on moving forward and not rehash old issues.”

ladderGreenie:  “If we’re not careful, we’ll spend too much time talking about why the black community remains at the bottom of the economic ladder and not enough time looking at solutions.”

Jordan:  “What do you mean?”

JC:  “How many times have you heard or read that blacks were slaves, then subject to Jim Crow Laws.  As a result, blacks lost self-esteem and blah, blah, blah.”

Jordan:  “JC, aren’t you being overly harsh?  Isn’t a lot of that true?”

JC:  “My point is what you keep preaching, Jordan.  You can’t drive very fast looking through the rear-view mirror. “

Greenie:  “But all the info is true.”

JC:  “And so what?  Every other ethnic group has been discriminated against.  And guess what?  Every other ethnic group has moved on.”

Greenie:  “Point well taken.”

boiling_potJC:  “Put all the information, arguments, blame and whatever else you want in a pot, turn the heat to high and wait for it to boil.  When it’s finished boiling, there’s one thing left.” Jordan:  “That one thing is.”

JC:  “Personal responsibility.”

Greenie:  “Seems to me we are back to the adage ‘You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.”

JC:  “That’s exactly where we are.  Nothing of significance is going to happen to get blacks off the bottom rung of the economic ladder until the black community stands up and says, ‘We want to change.  Not whites want you to change.  We, the black community, want to change.  We would others to help us.”

Jordan:  “The first project could be rebuilding neighborhood schools.”

 

#82 Why Pay for Public Schools? 5 Years in Prison Costs Same as Degree at MIT

04 Thursday Sep 2014

Posted by in Causes of the Revolution, Education Issues, Innovative Thinking: Ideas and Products, Possible Solutions, 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. )

Scene:  JC, Greenie and Jordan continuing conversation about higher education.  Start of conversation entry #80.

Greenie:  “What’s the real issue here?  Busing, separate but equal, quality 010414_1635_16StudentsL2.jpgneighborhood schools, or something else?”

JC:  “I’m confused too, Jordan.  What is the real issue?  And what do we need to do to address it?”

Jordan:  “Now we are getting someplace.  As a society we are great at treating symptoms and lousy at addressing the underlying causes.”

JC:  “OK, great Mr. Philosopher, explain to us mortals what you’re talking about.”

Greenie:  “Specifically related to schools or busing or education or whatever.  More to the point, please.”

Jordan:  “My view is the only sure-fire way out of poverty is education.”

122813_1403_12ThePoundD1.jpg JC:  “Agreed.”

Jordan:  “I also believe, based on many years empirical data in this country, and worldwide, that a  public-school system can deliver a high-quality education.”

Greenie:  “I agree.  We are all products of public primary and secondary schools.  And JC and I, unlike you Jordan, attended public universities for our advanced degrees.”

Jordan:  “I taught at a public university…or at least I was an adjunct.  So there.”

JC:  “Now that we have the public/private school backgrounds out of the way, what about recreating a credible, quality public-school system for K-12?  Make that K thru college.”

Jordan:  “I think that’s a good way to frame the issue?  ‘What’s required to recreate a credible, quality public-school system?’  I would add one element…affordability.  The system needs to be affordable for taxpayers and affordable for participants, especially at the college level.”

Greenie:  “Making it affordable is critical.  Have you checked tuition at some public universities?”

JC:  “Tuition rivals some middle-line private schools.”

Greenie:  “Jordan, are you suggesting we cut back on or even eliminate charters and private schools?”

Jordan:  “You know my feelings about charter schools.  Despite all the rhetoric, charters are a diversion of public tax dollars to the private sector.  Using tax dollar to fund charters is part of a long-term strategy to erode and eventually eliminate public schools.”

JC:  “Whoa, Jordan.  What about private schools?”

Jordan:  “If people want to pay for private schools, including parochial schools, I’m OK.  But…and this is an important but…”

Greenie:  “…no vouchers?”

Jordan:  “You got it.  You want to send your kid to private school?  OK but so subsidy from taxpayers.”

JC:  “What about home schooling?”

Jordan:  “I’m opposed to that as well.  As we talked about, parents can do all the home schooling they want after regular school hours.  If little Johnnie is as bright as the parents claim, then little Johnnie can soak all the information he wants after regular school hours.  Kids need to be exposed to more diversity, not less diversity.  Bright kids need to learn how to deal with others who aren’t as gifted.”

JC:  “Alright, what’s next?”

Jordan:  “The only way public schools are going to work effectively is to start with schools in the neighborhood.  Neighborhood schools allow kids to develop an emotional bond to the school.”

Greenie:  “Neighborhood schools mean no busing for most students.”

JC:  “What if the neighborhood has a high crime rate.  How are the kids going to get to school?”

Jordan:  “Here’s where society has an obligation.  We…collective we…have to protect the kids going to/from school.”

JC:  “I need to ask a question again about cost.  Who’s going to pay for all this?  I know the question sounds so Republican-like but who is going to pay for this?”

Greenie:  “Good question, JC.”

Jordan:  “It is a good question and a great lead-in to finding a solution.”

JC:  “…and that solution is?”

Jordan:  “A holistic approach to calculating cost.”

Greenie:  “Jordan, sounds like another abstract idea.  Washington have your brain muddied?”

Jordan:  “The approach might appear abstract but the approach is sound, and realistic.  To me using a holistic approach to cost is the only way we…again, collective we…are ever going to start making progress toward rebuilding a quality education system.”

JC:  “Why do you say that?”

122813_2140_15Education4.jpgJordan:  “A holistic approach allows all cost increases and all cost decreases to be combined.  Without a holistic approach, usually only a portion of the issue is addressed.”

Greenie:  “A holistic is an Interesting idea, but I need an example.  Still too abstract.”

Jordan:  “Alright.  Take the idea of what we’ve been discussing — credible, quality neighborhood schools.  What are the extra costs to achieve the goal?”

JC:  “More security in some neighborhoods.  Higher teacher pay.  Maybe rehabbing some schools.”

Jordan:  “What about the savings?”

Greenie:  “Fewer buses, less fuel, fewer bus drivers, more time before and after school for education and activities and probably lower crime.  And, eventually more productive members of society.”

Jordan:  “Take crime.  How much it cost to incarcerate someone?”

JC:  “How much does it cost to keep someone in prison for a year?  Don’t know.”

Jordan:  “Try $40-50,000 per year.”

JC:  “So over a 5-year period, the cost is $200-$250k.  Over a 10-year period, the cost MIT-logoto society is say $400-$500k.  So if we send someone away for five years, it’s the same cost as an undergraduate education at Harvard or MIT?  And that’s without any financial help from the school. I never thought about it that way.”

Greenie:  “You mean as a society we have a choice – send someone to prison for 5 years or pay full tuition, room, board, books and everything else for someone to attend Harvard or MIT?”

JC:  “I’ll take paying for someone to go Harvard.”

Jordan:  “I’ll take MIT.”

Greenie:  “We figured that.”

Jordan:  “Anyway, now you are beginning to see how the choices we make as a society affect us in different ways.  A holistic approach attempts to consider all implications of a decision, not just a few parts.”

Greenie:  “For the same cost to taxpayers, we can put someone in prison for 5 years and teach him or her few, if any, skills that are useful upon exiting or send someone to school and end up with a great education.  Duh.  Seems simple enough to me.”

Jordan:  “Let’s be realistic.  Not everyone who goes to prison comes out as totally untrained.  And not everyone who goes to prison is smart enough to attend university.  But many people are and as a society we are wasting that potential.”

JC:  “Interesting approach. Spend money in one area and avoid spending money in another area.  How are we going to get that point across?  So many politicians and voters focus on today and 10-second sound bites and not focus on the longer term.”

Jordan:  “What segment of society is affected most by lack of quality, credible neighborhood schools?”

Greenie:  “The black community, I guess.  But the issue really applies to a larger portion of society.”

JC:  “Greenie, you’re right.  Jordan has been outlining a program to help the black community get off the bottom rung of the economic ladder.”

Greenie:  “Is this holistic cost approach part of that program?”

Jordan:  “Implied but not overtly detailed.”  Maybe it should be.”

JC:  “Jordan, you used one word to summarize the program.”

Greenie:  “What word was that?”

JC:  “R-E-S-P-E-C-T.”

Aretha-aretha-franklin-27121751-1280-1024Greenie:  “You don’t sing like Aretha but its a great one-word tag line.  A two-word tag line might be “Holistic R-E-S-P-E-C-T.”

Jordan:  “Holistic respect is going to some explaining.  But it does capture the essence of the issue.”

JC:  “Holistic respect doesn’t ring, as they say.  Let’s have lunch and see how it sounds after some food.”

 

#79 Rock Man to Take the Lead (Rebranding #10)

23 Saturday Aug 2014

Posted by in Causes of the Revolution, 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. )

Initial episode for this section begins #67 “Why Do Blacks Remain at the Bottom of the Economic Ladder?”

Scene: Jordan returns from break and continues discussion with JC.

Jordan: “Yes mother…I mean JC…I washed my hands.”
010414_1635_16TeachingS1.jpg JC: “Now that’s a good boy. Now, back to more serious issues. Where does this project go from here?”
Jordan: (phone rings) “Excuse me, JC, we might have an answer to your question. (Answers phone.) “Rock Man, what’s up?”
Rock Man: “Called to get some advice. You got a few minutes?”
Jordan: “Having coffee with JC. You guys have met before, haven’t you?”
JC: “Yes. Please tell Rock Man I said hello. And take your time on the call. This might be important.”
Jordan: “JC says hi. She also said to take our time.”
010114_1917_19RockManCo1.png Rock Man: “I heard. I also heard this conversation might be important. What am I in for now?”
Jordan: “You called so you go first. By the way, I’m putting you on the speaker so JC can hear.”
Rock Man: “The rebranding project is a good idea but I think we need to reconsider the timing.”
Jordan: “What’s the issue?”
Rock Man: “We seem to be missing a beginning step. The project needs a rallying cry to get people’s attention.”
Jordan: “Funny you mention that. JC and I were discussing something very similar.”
Rock Man: “Good. At least I’m not out in left field in my thinking.”
Jordan: “You come up with a rallying cry?”
Rock Man: “Not really. I wanted to talk to you first. You come up with one?
Jordan: “Let me ask you the same question I asked JC. When I say the name Aretha Franklin, what comes to mind?”
Aretha-aretha-franklin-27121751-1280-1024 Rock Man: “R-E-S-P-E-C-T.”
Jordan: “Exactly. And you don’t sing any better than JC.”
Rock Man: “So you’re thinking the black community lacks respect? That’s pretty damning criticism.”
Jordan: “I don’t make that implication lightly, believe me. And besides you’ve known me long enough to know I choose my words carefully.”
Rock Man: “How did you decide the need for respect?”
Jordan: “The catalyst was events in Ferguson, MO.”
Rock Man: “What part. Surely you don’t believe the police were justified in killing that kid.”
Jordan: “No. My analysis goes several steps deeper. Blaming the police might be justified. But issues are broader based. When the issues are sorted out, there is one fact staring everyone in the face.”
Rock Man: “And what’s that?”
Jordan: “People need to take responsibility for correcting what they think is a problem. Blaming someone else does not solve the problem.”
Rock Man: “You’ve lost me.”
Jordan: “Ferguson is about 75% black yet has a white mayor and white majority of city council members. Either the mayor or city council likely selects the chief of police, who is also white.”
Rock Man: “…and…”
Jordan: “Think about what I just said. Three of every four citizens are black and they cannot elect a black mayor or get a majority of city council? That tells me most black residents in Ferguson don’t care who’s governing the city because…”
Rock Man: “…because they don’t vote.”
voting Jordan: “Now we are on the same page. Not voting and/or not doing anything to correct a situation means to me that you don’t respect yourself or respect the system.”
Rock Man: “Voting is a bit abstract and a bit of an academic argument. You have an example that is more concrete?”
Jordan: “What about looting and burning stores in your own neighborhood? That shows blatant disrespect for your family and your neighbors.”
Rock Man: “I agree looting and burning stuff in the neighborhood is stupid…really stupid.”
Jordan: “See where I ‘m headed with this conversation?”
Rock Man: “Yeah. Some examples from our earlier conversations are making much more sense now.”
Jordan: “Keep going.”
ladder Rock Man: “If people want to start moving off the bottom rung of the economic ladder, they first need to start respecting themselves.”
Jordan: “Yes.”
Rock Man: “With self-respect, people will begin to look differently at tasks that might seem frustrating, difficult, or even demeaning. But with self-respect they can tackle the tasks with their head held high.”
Jordan: “Yes.”
Rock Man: “Take education. One idea would be to encourage everyone in the black community to get a high-school education, no matter how old they are.”
Jordan: “Great idea.”
Rock Man: “With self-respect people could take whatever job or jobs necessary to make ends meet and/or help kids get an education?”
Jordan: “You are on a roll.”
Rock Man: “Strongly encourage people to stay away from drugs and stop others from doing stupid acts.”
Jordan: “What else?”
Rock Man: “As we talked earlier, play football and basketball in college for a scholarship, then use the education for a job and not go to the NFL and NBA.”
Jordan: “You know I like that idea but a tough sell.”
Rock Man: “Begin rebuilding neighborhoods with black-owned businesses.”
Jordan: “Yes.”
Rock Man: “Make the church more of a center of the community.”
preacher Jordan: “Yes. And you know what Rock Man? You’re starting to sound like a preacher man.”
Rock Man: “How would you know what a preacher man sounds like? But I hear you.”
Jordan: “Do me a favor…no do the black community a favor and this country a favor, please.”
Rock Man: “I’m afraid to ask what.”
Jordan: “Spend some time thinking about how to launch the effort to rebrand the black community. Start the rebranding effort with ‘respect’ as the rallying cry.”
Rock Man: “Alright but I need some time to pull a plan together.”
Jordan: “Thanks. Rock Man. Thanks very much. Talk later.”
Jordan: “Whadda think JC?”
JC: “Well, I think this might be the beginning of a very interesting and productive relationship.”

#78 Lesson from Aretha (Rebranding #9)

20 Wednesday Aug 2014

Posted by in Causes of the Revolution, 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. )

Initial episode for this section begins #67 “Why Do Blacks Remain at the Bottom of the Economic Ladder?” Scene: Scene: Jordan and JC continue the conversation in the coffee shop after a short break.

Jordan: “Now that you’ve had a while to let the ideas soak in, any comments, questions?”
010414_1635_16TeachingS1.jpg JC: “Yes. I want you to help me synthesize what you’re saying. Our conversation has covered lots of ground and some major topics. So, what’s the underlying theme?”
Jordan: “You want it in one word? One word that I think the black community needs to work toward?”
JC: “One word would really help. The topic is so broad with so many variables, it’s hard to understand.”
Jordan: “With one word, I think we are on to something. “
JC: “And the one word is?”
Jordan: “When I say Aretha Franklin, what comes to mind?”
Aretha-aretha-franklin-27121751-1280-1024 JC: “R-E-S-P-E-C-T.”
Jordan: “You don’t sing as well as Aretha but you are spot on with the word…respect.”
JC: “That’s interesting. Why did you select the word respect?”
Jordan: “Because my assessment is many in the black community do not respect themselves, let alone respect others.”
JC: “Jordan, that’s very harsh criticism. You really mean that?”
Jordan: “What tipped my view were the riots in Ferguson, MO.”
JC: “You know the police shot an unarmed teenager…shot him six times no less.”
Jordan: “The police went way overboard with the kid and dealing with many of the protestors. I’m not disputing that.”
JC: “Then what is your point? “
Jordan: “Two points really. One we talked about earlier. Anyone who loots and burns someone else’s property gets no respect in my book. Worse still the rioters looted property in their own neighborhood, including a McDonald’s. It’s like burning your own house.”
McDonalds Logo JC: “What did Mickey D do to deserve that?”
Jordan: “Nothing. And how many neighborhood kids worked there…used to work there? If I were McDonald’s I might reopen the store.”
JC: “What’s your second point?”
Jordan: “You have a town that is what about 75% black but the city council, mayor and most of the police force are white.”
JC: “The imbalance is part of the problem.”
Jordan: “I agree it is part of the problem. But what is the cause?”
JC: “Whadda mean, what’s the cause?”
Jordan: “Blacks have an overwhelming majority of the population and yet can’t elect a majority of city council or elect a black mayor? The math doesn’t add up.”
JC: “What do you think the reason is?”
Jordan: “A key reason is blacks don’t get out to vote. In an article in the New York Times, only about 12% of blacks voted in the most recent primary election. Guess what folks. If you don’t vote, your candidate might not get elected.”
JC: “Point well taken. You can’t complain about the election results if you don’t vote.”
Jordan: “And I think…no empirical studies to support…a primary reason blacks don’t vote is they do not respect themselves, or the system.”
JC: “Have you been taking nasty pills, lately? You’re being brutal.”
Jordan: “Think about the points I’m trying to make. Simply put, if one wants to start making change and start having people show you respect, then that person needs to respect himself or herself first.”
JC: “R-E-S-P-E-C-T is a simple theme but seems like a great place to start the rebranding effort.”
Jordan: “Easy to understand the idea. Hard to execute. Now, show me some respect, please, I need a short break.”
JC: “Make sure you wash your hands”

#77 Tough Questions about the Project (Rebranding #8)

16 Saturday Aug 2014

Posted by 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. )

Initial episode for this section begins #67 “Why Do Blacks Remain at the Bottom of the Economic Ladder?” Scene: Coffee shop. Jordan musing about the project, then interrupted.

Jordan: “Wow, JC, what a pleasant surprise. I was just out here…”
010414_1635_16TeachingS1.jpgJC: “…I know, thinking.”
Jordan: “Thinking about…”
JC: “…Jordan, are you OK? You look awful.”
Jordan: “That’s what I like about you JC. Always tactful.”
JC: “Well, are you OK?”
Jordan: “I think so. Just tired. This project has become a strain.”
JC: “What are you involved with now? What is it this time? Saving the squirrels?”
Jordan: “I wish it were that easy. Besides, I don’t think the squirrels need any help. They seem to do quite well, thank you.”
JC: “Alright, then what is the project?”
Jordan: “Before I discuss the project, what brings you to town…and why are you here. Pleased to see you but must be a reason you’re in town.”
JC: “On my way to see Greenie. But she is busy until this afternoon. I got in late last night and took the chance you might be here.”
Jordan: “Well, thank you for coming…and at such an awfully early hour for you. I feel honored.”
MaleJC: “Glad you feel that way. Now tell me more about the project, please.”
Jordan: “I’ve had this idea for a long time. Seems to me…”
JC: “…Get to the point, will ya?”
Jordan: “I want to try to reposition the black community?”
JC: “Do what?”
Jordan: “Reposition the black community. You know how different products – cars, clothes, computers – have different positions in the marketplace? Really certain perceptions of the products. Well, I want to change the perception of the black community.”
JC: “Are you whacko? What’s a white guy like you involved in a project like that? You must be crazy.”
Jordan: “Probably am. Probably nuts to even think about it. But none of the current efforts to help the black community is working.”
JC: “Well, I will say one thing. Mrs. Springer taught you well.”
Jordan: “What are you talking about?”
JC: “Your grammar. You used the proper predicate with the subject ‘none.’ You said ‘None is’ and not ‘None are’, which is not correct.”
Jordan: “Glad I got something right.”
JC: “Let’s get a refill and then continue with the story about the Little Jordan’s new project.”
(Coffee refilled)
Jordan: “Good coffee.”
JC: “Quit beating around the bush and tell me what’s giving you pause about this project. Solving complicated problems is usually not an issue for you so there must be something a little more fuzzy and abstract. So tell me, already.”
Jordan: “You’re very perceptive. I’ve almost convinced myself I am crazy and the project is hopeless.”
JC: “C’mon, Jordan that kind of thinking is not like you. Why hopeless?”
Jordan: “The attitude of the black community is baffling to me.”
JC: “What makes you think blacks are so different? The attitude of evangelical Christians is baffling to me. So are members of the NRA. So you don’t understand them. Does that mean you shouldn’t help?”
Jordan: “No. But what it does mean is my efforts are likely to fall on deaf ears. Why waste my time?”
JC: “What has gotten into you? Drinking bad water that’s creating a bad attitude?”
Jordan: “No. I just think it is a realistic attitude.”
lucy-the-doctor-is-in1 JC: “Alright, pretend you are on the couch in your psychiatrist’s office. ‘Now tell me, Jordan, what do you think caused you to change your attitude?”
Jordan: “Well, doctor, I think I stepped over the edge during the riots in Ferguson, Missouri.”
JC: “You mean the town where the white policeman shot and killed that unarmed black teenager?”
Jordan: “Yes. From everything I know the policeman overreacted to some stupid behavior by a couple of teenagers.”
JC: “So what caused you to change your mind about the project?”
Jordan: “The way the black community reacted to the incident.”
JC: “They protested. They have every right to protest.”
140810_ferguson_riots_04 Jordan: “I agree. But they do not have a right to loot and burn buildings. Looting and burning stores, especially in your own neighborhood, is criminal and idiotic.”
JC: “Anything else? “
Jordan: “The blame game. Residents might not be able to control behavior of police but resident can certainly control their own actions.”
JC: “OK, a few people got out of control.”
Jordan: “Who should have stopped the looting and burning…before it got out of control? Residents.”
JC: “What about police overreacting?”
Jordan: “I agree police overreacted, or at least appeared to overreact. But let’s go back and look who started the looting and burning? The police? No. Residents. My point is simple. Who started looting and burning and caused the police to come out in force?”
JC: “Point well taken. I still think police overreacted but, you’re right, the police did not cause the looting and burning.”
Jordan: “The pattern of burning one’s own house, as it were, seems to have existed in a number of black communities over the last 50 years. The lack of understanding of the consequences of that kind of behavior gives me great pause.”
JC: “What else?”
Jordan: “A bit of a sidebar but I have another example about lack of responsibility that gives me pause about the project.”
JC: “OK, what?”
122813_2140_15Education4.jpg Jordan: “The claim that kids in schools with a high-rate of poverty among parents need to be bused to schools with lower rates of poverty.”
JC: “I’m missing your point. Kids in schools with high rates of don’t do as well in school.”
Jordan: “And my response is the question, ‘why’? Why are kids not learning? And you think time on the bus will help them learn?”
JC: “Well, not really.”
Jordan: “Why did you work hard in school, JC?”
Jordan: “Same reason you did. We were motivated.”
Jordan: “And what was the source of motivation?”
JC: “Parents some. But really from within.”
Jordan: “Were you motivated because your school was new and pretty and had all kinds of neat stuff to play with?”
JC: “No, the school had been built in what the 1920’s or 1930’s, maybe earlier.”
Jordan: “Right. I’ll grant you that parents who have higher incomes might…emphasize might…provide a more encouraging environment for students to be motivated and learn. But lower income does not prevent parents from encouraging their children. If anything, the lower income should encourage them more. Motivation comes from within, not on some bus.”
JC: “Have you been watching Fox News too much lately?”
Jordan: “No. You know I don’t watch Fox News. But maybe I should present this argument to Fox and MSNBC. I think need for personal responsibility is an issue that Republicans, Democrats, Independents and Libertarians can all agree on.”
JC: “If I interpret your comments correctly, you think busing is not worth the effort.”
Jordan: “More than that. I think busing has a negative effect on education. It not only disrupts kids lives but it eliminates the bonding that comes with attending a neighborhood school, it takes money that could be spent on teachers and wastes it on diesel fuel…and worst of all, it takes away the responsibility of parents and students to be motivated. The situation is such now if students do not learn, they can always blame someone else.”
JC: “Whoa, Jordan. I need some time to let this soak in.”

#75 Rebranding the Black Community: Potential Problems…and Is It Practical? (Rebranding #6)

09 Saturday Aug 2014

Posted by in Causes of the Revolution, 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. )

Jordan and Rock Man have been 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?” Current entry, a couple of days since the last session. Jordan and Rock Man in Jordan’s office.

Jordan: “Rock Man, nice to see you. Have a productive couple of days?”
Rock Man: “Jordan, you make my head hurt sometimes. I can’t get this project out of my mind.”
Jordan: “Good. What’s hurting your head?”
010114_1917_19RockManCo1.png Rock Man: “Two big issues, which we’ve mentioned but never really addressed.”
Jordan: “And the issues are?”
Rock Man: “What problems are we likely to encounter? And, is this project even practical?”
Jordan: “The answer to your second question is probably ‘no’ but that should not stop us. At the beginning of every major project most people would say the undertaking is impractical. For now, let’s ignore whether it’s practical.”
Rock Man: “You have a great way of dismissing issues.”
Jordan: “I’m not dismissing the issue of practicality. But go back to an earlier conversation. This rebranding project is like eating an elephant.”
Rock Man: “Yeah, I know, one bite at a time.”
Jordan: “Now, what’s on your list of problems?”
Rock Man: “Aside from practicality, which you dismissed…”
Jordan: “…dismissed temporarily. List of problems, please.”
Rock Man: “I have three. #1 is motivating the black community to accept the new branding positioning statement. #2 is finding someone credible to lead the effort. #3, appropriate metrics for measuring progress.”
Jordan: “Excellent set of concerns. I think we are ready to begin the next phase of the rebranding program – ‘how do we get there?’”
Rock Man: “Finally. Seems like forever since we started.”
Male Jordan: “I told you the effort would not be easy and take a long time.”
Rock Man: “OK, Mr. Marketing Genius, how do we motivate the black community to accept the new branding?”
Jordan: “First step is to find out if they agree with it or even understand it.”
Rock Man: “These folks are not stupid, Jordan. C’mon.”
Jordan: “My comment is not to imply anything. My comment is based on experience. Any kind of rebranding takes a while for people to understand it. Really understand what the new positioning means. Frankly some people never understand but that’s OK as long as most people understand.”
Rock Man: “So we need to start testing the proposed positioning?”
Jordan: “No kemosabe, you, not we. You are in a good position to test the idea.”
Rock Man: “How and with whom?”
Jordan: “Whomever you want. Get a small group together – a focus group – and start evaluating the positioning. Select people who will give you an honest opinion. Use the group to find out what they like, dislike or are concerned about. They might have ideas that we overlooked.”
Rock Man: “What kind of materials do I need?”
Jordan: “If I were conducting the focus group I would include the positioning statements and some non-verbal props for reference – books, clothing, pictures. Anything that will help people understands the intended meaning of the positioning statement. And, make sure you have a whiteboard for notes.”
passionRock Man: “How ‘bout a blackboard instead?”
Jordan: “That was good. OK, blackboard but white chalk, both sides need to participate.”
Rock Man: “You suggesting having some white folks in the focus group?”
Jordan: “You decide whether the groups should be mixed. Early on I think separate groups might be more enlightening. But you definitely need to find out how whites react to the proposed positioning.”
Rock Man: “I agree. You available to help?”
Jordan: “Help, yes. But this project needs to be lead by someone in the black community. And my vote is for you to be the lead dog.”
(To be continued)

#74 What Is…and Why (Rebranding #5)

07 Thursday Aug 2014

Posted by in Causes of the Revolution, 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. )

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: “I’m encouraged and excited about rebranding the black community. But I have one question. ‘Will it work?’”
Jordan: “Why do you ask?”
010114_1917_19RockManCo1.png Rock Man: “The question reminds me of a great joke, but I’ll stay serious this time. Why I ask is whether long-held biases can be eliminated.”
Jordan: “Give me an example other than blacks.”
Rock Man: “OK, smart guy, what about Jews? The Jewish community has accomplished virtually everything we’ve talked about for blacks. The group is highly educated, many in professional careers, widely recognized for major academic contributions in sciences and the arts. And very strong philanthropic base. Yet, discrimination remains. Why?”
Jordan: “Anti-Semitism, at least in the US, is not as overt and prevalent as discrimination against blacks. And the intensity of the discrimination has declined over the decades. But, as you say, ‘discrimination still is.’ And I will tell you, I do not know why it continues.”
Rock Man: “That’s my very concern. Jews have made all these gains, yet discrimination continues. So why is this effort at rebranding the black community going to make any noticeable reducing in discrimination?”
Jordan: “I’m confident it will…over time. As you just pointed out, there is going to be some discrimination no matter what. But that fact should not stop us from trying.”
Rock Man: “OK. I really needed to get the concern off my chest before we go any farther and start getting other people involved.”
Jordan: “Your point is a good one and one to remind each other and your colleagues when things get rough or when it seems as if progress is really taking two steps backwards.”
Rock Man: “Alright. Discrimination is…and will continue at some level forever. And, we will never understand why. Now, I need a couple of days off to get my head back together.”
Jordan: “See you in a couple.”

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

30 Wednesday Jul 2014

Posted by 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. )

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: “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.”
122813_2140_15Education4.jpg 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.”
chrch2Jordan: “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.”
McDonalds Logo 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 in Causes of the Revolution, 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: “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.”
Black Positioning 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.”
010114_1917_19RockManCo1.png 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.”
shovel_ready 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.”
backwards-day 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 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?”
010114_1917_19RockManCo1.png 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 – doctor-clipart-illustration-31325Saks, 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?”
elephant-clip-art 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.’”
Buick 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?”
Michigan 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)