Basic outline of book: Mis-Education of the Negro

Hello, I apologised for the delay. I been busy—relaxing and taking it easy. I haven’t finished the book as of yet. However, I will provide you with some information as to how I perceive it so far. I agree with some of the theories outlined/detailed by the author. Personally, I feel that African-Americans and individuals of African origin should read this book—it provides “real world” explanations where one is required to think independently about the content of proposed theories [mindsets, attitudes, oppression, self-actualization, principles of economic etc.]. I will now highlight interesting viewpoints. If you are not mature enough to ‘stomach it’, you should not read the quotes or notations as you may become overly sensitive (keep it mind, this literature was written in the 30’s). If you choose to read it, "don’t get upset with the author, get upset with the idea”. By the way, those of you whom are not of African descent, don’t call “us” Negros, especially those from my generation, if you must apply a ‘label’, I prefer African-American. If you are unsure as to what term to use, I suggest that you asked. I will begin by reflecting on these chapters.

Chapter V pg. 39 as cited by the author,

The so-called education of Negro college graduates leas them to throw away opportunities which they have and to go in quest of those which they do not find.

Interesting viewpoint…I think this idea is dependent upon the exact circumstance one is place into—where they are in life and their field of study and of course their intention. What is it, one desires?

This chapter has many useful illustrations in relation to the quality of education and learning; however, I will only reflect upon two theories.
Chapter VI pg. 60 Woodson stated,

Theologians of our time defend segregation and the annihilation of one race by the other. They have drifted away from righteousness into an effort to make wrong seem to be right.

What do you think about this idea?


Pg. 61 cited by the author,

Negros how to quarrel and fight about trifles until their enemies can overcome them. This is the keynote to the control of the so-called inferior races by the self-styled superior.

For me, I perceive this as ‘measures of divide and conquer’ design to create confusion within the group. This is termed as ‘crab mentalities—a characteristic that centres on “backstabbing” or others may term it as ‘uncle tom mentalities’— useless individuals that does more harm than good. These terms usually apply to principles of survival often derived from being enslaved or having an enslaved mindset. This illustration is a powerful creation that is attributed to those from the dominate culture as a means to control [colonisation/imperialism/caste systems].

Pg. 84 cited by the author,

If you can control a man’s thinking you do not have to worry about his action. When you determine what a man shall think you do not have to concern yourself about what he will do. If you make a man feel that he is inferior, you do not have to compel him to accept an inferior status, for he will seek it himself. If you make a man think that he is justly an outcast, you do not have to order him to the back door. He will go without being told; and if there is no back door, his very nature will demand one.

I interpret this as being a form of operant conditioning that creates ‘learned responses in behaviour’. This could be characteristics of accepting social oppression by the oppressor or learning how to be helpless. Furthermore, it could lead to 'multigenerational transmission phrase'--that is a systematic cycle found within the family system that centres on conflict and high peaks of unbalances—‘I think, therefore, I am’ [Rene Descartes].

Pg. 101 cited by the author,

An irate resident in an exclusive district protests against an invasion by Negroes because he has learned that these poverty-stricken people are carriers of disease and agents of crime; the Negroes, believing that such is the truth, remain content in the ghetto.

For me, this description relates to a classical example of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs’—Safety affect/Locus of control factors. I won’t provide any details and lead it up to you to think independently.

Pg. 104/5 cited by the author,

Denied participation in the higher things of life, the “educated” Negro himself joins, too, with ill-designing persons to handicap his people by systematized exploitation. Feeling that the case of the Negro is hopeless, the “educated” Negro decides upon the course of personally profiting by whatever he can do in using these people as a means to an end.

I won’t comment or provide feedback; don’t you find this quotation interesting?

Pg. 107 cited by the author,

The menial Negros, the aggregate of parasites whom the “highly educated” Negro has exploited, will not be needed on tomorrow.

These are ‘thinking behaviours’ that produces negativity and is perceived as survival mechanisms or in the practical sense, a principle of economics that centres on—law of value.

Pg. 108 cited by the author,

There is no reason for lack of confidence because of the recent failure of Negro enterprises, although the “highly educated” Negroes assert the contrary. This lack of confidence is the cause of the failure of these enterprises. If the Negroes had manifested enough confidence in them and had properly supported them, they would have been strong enough to stand the test in the crisis. Negro banks, as a rule, have failed because the people, taught that their own pioneers in business can not function in this sphere, withdrew their deposits. An individual cannot live after you exact the blood from his veins. The strongest bank in the United States will last only so long as the people will have sufficient confidence in it to keep their money there. In fact, the confidence of the people is worth more than money.

Notes: Positive esteem-------coupled with support=survival
Poor esteem----------influenced by circumstances and network system=self fulfill prophecy of failure

Okay, that’s enough for tonight, I have to depart now!