As other minority groups that at one time were discriminated against were able to overcome difficulties, many question why blacks have not been able to achieve the same success. Identify and discuss three plausible explanations from the National Advisory Commission on

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

1.) Maturing economy: when European immigrants arrived, they gained an economic foothold by providing the unskilled labor needed by industry. Unlike the immigrant, the Negro migrant found little opportunity in the city. The economy, by then matured, had little use for the unskilled labor he had to offer.
2.) Disability of race: the structure of discrimination has stringently narrowed opportunities for the Negro and restricted his prospects. European immigrants suffered from discrimination, but never so pervasively.
3.) Entry into the political system: immigrants usually settled in rapidly growing cities with powerful and expanding political machines, which traded economic advantages for political support. Ward-level grievance machinery, as well as personal representation, enable the immigrant to make his voice heard and his power felt.
4.) Cultural factors: coming from societies with a low standard of living and at a time when job aspirations were low, the immigrants sensed little deprivation in being forced to take the less desirable and poorer-paying jobs. Their large and cohesive families contributed to the total income. Their vision of the future – one that led to life outside the ghetto – provided the incentive necessary to endure the present.