Category Archives: Societal Issues

#76 Musings. Will the Project Really Work? (Rebranding #7)

13 Wednesday Aug 2014

Posted by in Personal Stories, 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?”

Scene: Jordan, early morning, sitting alone outside at a coffee shop.

Jordan’s thoughts. “What have I gotten myself into? Where is this project to rebrand the black community really going? Trying to rebrand sounds good in theory but can it really happen?”
Male    Jordan, my man, this is a 40-50 year project, maybe longer. Why do you think little old you can make any difference?
You have all the wrong characteristics – white, not young by most standards, no real experience similar to the lives of many people who will be involved…and a personality profile that suggests you are more akin to a scientist than someone comfortable in front of the public.
Besides, what’s the payback? A lot of frustrated people? But then again, this is the kind of project you have always taken on – complex, longer range, difficult to implement and a lot of resistance.
Reminds me of the woodworking class you started in Connecticut many years ago. The first night students were to bring a piece of wood to make something out of. What do you bring? A big hunk of wood from a maple tree that had been cut down recently. The instructor said the wood and my proposed project were too complicated. I never went to the second class. Why did I remember that after all these years?
blank-paper Same situation when assigned to the GM EV1 (electric vehicle). The interview consisted of being asked to develop demand for electric vehicles worldwide and put the staff together to support the effort. When I asked for guidelines, I was given a blank piece of paper.
And so it has gone over the years. Many projects have started with blank pieces of paper. Some were successful, some were not. The lack of clarity for this project is no different.
But, really, why this project? I have no real skin in the game. In fact I’m not sure the guy I think should run the project (Rock Man) has any real skin in the game. Great background but it has been years since he was living the life of many in the black community. He might have lost his credibility, or even worse, his desire to get involved. Life is very comfortable for him.
If I just let this idea fade away…I mean, who will really know other than Rock Man? Of course, I will have to look at myself in the mirror. But over time most of us are able to overlook or rationalize our faults.
I know the project feels like a mitzvah but what an undertaking. And what’s my involvement supposed to be?
Am I more effective at putting out the idea and letting others, like Rock Man, run with it. Should I increase exposure to the idea by promoting it more? I really do not want to get sucked into a no-win project. At the same time, as best I can tell, no one else is making a similar effort.
Is this project such an uphill battle that it is impossible? The culture in part of the black community is so different that I have a hard time understanding certain behavior. One real head scratcher is the response to aggravation. Why would you destroy something in your own neighborhood as revenge?
The riots 50+ years ago in Newark, LA and Detroit had similar patterns of behavior – blacks looted and burned stores in the neighborhood. Why? I understand being frustrated, even angry, but why destroy something in your own neighborhood?
The pattern continues today. The protests in a suburb outside St. Louis showed blacks looting and burning neighborhood stores.
Connecting Dots Doesn’t anyone think about the consequences? What merchant, especially a large national chain, is going to invest in a neighborhood where residents will loot and/or burn the store if they become angry? If the community cannot connect the dots with something this simple, then how are they going to support the proposed positioning?
Maybe this project should be more about teaching common sense and making sure people understand actions have consequences. Trying to reposition the black community may be way too advanced for what’s required to begin making change.
I need to think about this project some more.” (Voice) “Excuse me, Jordan, may I join you?”

#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.”

#73 ‘Need to Rap? Try TAP.’ Rock Man Becomes a Painter. (Rebranding Part 4)

02 Saturday Aug 2014

Posted by in Innovative Thinking: Ideas and Products, Possible Solutions, 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: “Jordan, we’ve covered a lot of ground. Are we making any progress?”
Jordan: “I’m sure this conversation seems as if we’re spending too much time covering stuff you think everyone knows.”
010114_1917_19RockManCo1.png Rock Man: “Yes, it is frustrating. When do we start making some real progress?”
Jordan: “You ever painted a room before the room was prepared properly?”
Rock Man: “Haven’t we all? What a disaster. After the first coat of paint I had to go back and fix some stuff. In the end it took me twice as long to paint the room as it would have had I spent more time preparing it properly.”
Jordan: “And how did the room look after all that extra work?”
Rock Man: “Room never did look right.”
paint_and_brush_clip_art_10540 Jordan: “Alright, let’s pretend this project is like painting a room. We need to make sure we take enough time to prepare.”
Rock Man: “OK, I’ll be patient. What’s next?”
Jordan: “Where do people in the black community get information?” What’s the most credible source of info?”
Rock Man: “Good questions. I don’t know.”
Jordan: “Where do you think kids get info?”
Rock Man: “Like all kids, everyplace but their parents. Let’s see – friends, social media, school, TV, some internet sites.”
Jordan: “And who do the kids trust most?”
Rock Man: “When all said and done probably an adult they respect and trust. One thing to get info from your friends. But kids are not stupid. They know adults have more knowledge about a lot of issues.”
Jordan: “So the key to getting info to the kids is twofold: a credible source and relatively easy access.”
Rock Man: “Kids need to be willing to talk to these adults without fear of retribution.”
Jordan: “What we need to figure out is what type of person kids will listen to and talk to.”
Rock Man: “Don’t know why I thought of this but we need a “Dear Abby” for black kids.
Jordan: “…and one for adults.”
Rock Man: “Maybe there is one. That’s the kind of information you miss out on when you live outside the US for a while.”
Jordan: “Who can become the ‘Dear Abby’ in the different neighborhoods?”
Rock Man: “Let’s go back to the basics. Historically, who has been the ‘go to’ person for advice?”
Jordan: “Teachers and preachers?”
Rock Man: “We could start a program called TAP – teachers and preachers.”
Jordan: “Our theme — ‘Listen to TAP, not rap.”
Rock Man: “Kids are going to listen to rap no matter what we say. But let’s get someone to write some rap lyrics about TAP.”
Jordan: “We can change to ‘Need to rap? Try TAP.’…or something like that.”
Rock Man: “Now we have the foundation for a promotion program. I like it. ‘Need to rap? Try TAP.’”
Jordan: “As they say in advertising business, the idea has ‘legs’. Lots of potential variations. Let’s move on.”
Rock Man: “What’s next?”
Jordan: “Trying to decide. Several items we would normally discuss – production, profit, penetration.”
Rock Man: “Any of those really apply to this project?”
Jordan: “Probably not now. Let’s try another key item, then we can take a break. Passion.”
Rock Man: “Passion by whom? And passion for what?”
passion Jordan: “Passion for change. Does the black community want to make change? Without the passion to address and overcome some major barriers, this program will never be a success.”
Rock Man: “Are you saying ‘you can lead a horse to water but can’t make it drink?”
Jordan: “Exactly. Furthermore, someone in the black community needs to take the lead and start promoting the idea of real change.”
Rock Man: “Thought we weren’t ready for solutions, yet.”
Jordan: “We’re not. But we need to have some understanding whether the black community really wants to change…and is willing to make the necessary sacrifices for changes to occur.”
Rock Man: “Seems like an odd question. Why wouldn’t the black community want to change? The current situation is anything but ideal, even after the revenge revolution.”
Jordan: “I agree it seems obvious the black community would want to change. I also know reality. Some people in very difficult…even dire…circumstances resist change.”
Rock Man: “Give me an example.”
Jordan: “Look at the Palestinians in the West Bank and especially Gaza. Do you see any real effort to make change? The answer is ‘no.’”
Rock Man: “Are you saying Israel has no fault in this situation?”
child_suicide_bomber Jordan: “You can find fault on both sides and passion on both sides. When one looks at the type of passion, the differences are dramatic. The passion of many Palestinians is about complete destruction of another society, Israel. The Palestinians are so passionate they are willing to sacrifice their own people…even its own children…to destroy the other society.”
Rock Man: “I agree that a society has a warped sense of value when parents cheer when their own children die blowing up themselves and others nearby.”
Jordan: “Passionately cheering when your children die is set of values that is not only hard to understand but eliminates the possibility of any real solution.”
Rock Man: “You’re not implying the black community is like many of the Palestinians are you?”
Jordan: “No. But the behavior of the Palestinians is one of the reasons I suggested earlier the black community is doing itself no favors by allowing so many members to convert to Islam. Have passion, yes. Have misguided passion, no. Misguided passion will make problems worse.”
Rock Man: “You’re really asking if there is enough passion…positive passion…in the black community to address problems facing the community.”
Jordan: “That’s exactly what I am saying.”
Rock Man: “Let’s go back to painting the room. We need to check the passion of the black community. Is the community willing to address problems and take the time to develop and implement proper solutions?”
Jordan: “We are talking about a program that is likely to take several generations. Lots of discipline. No shortcuts. And, like painting the room, the preparation often will be tedious, even boring at times.”
Rock Man: “We need to find out if the community is ready.”
Jordan: “Rock Man, I think you just turned into a painter.”
(To be continued)

#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)

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

19 Saturday Jul 2014

Posted by in Innovative Thinking: Ideas and Products, Possible Solutions, 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 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…”
010114_1941_20RockMans1.png 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.”
Kennedy Requests Funding for Apollo 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.”
Moon Walk 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 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?”
010114_1917_19RockManCo1.pngRock 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.”
Car 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.”
NFLJordan: “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?”
Cotton 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 in Economics, Personal Stories, Possible Solutions, Societal Issues

≈ 13 Comments

(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: 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.”
010114_1917_19RockManCo1.png 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?”
ladder 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?
Nobel 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.”