Lebron presents Patrick Moynihan’s culture of poverty
thesis. The thesis argues that “blacks are the cause of their disproportionate
inequality because they have developed a culture that not merely embraces
disadvantage but uses it as a wedge to blame society for their ills when in
fact, their embrace of disadvantage has perpetrated a culture or shared way of
life among blacks that justifies poor social, economic, and political choices”
(49). Lebron responds by saying that this argument is ignorant of how
disadvantage can deeply affect an individual’s agency and beliefs of his or her
life prospects. He goes on to say that unfortunate decisions made by blacks are
rational “in the face of radical institutional unfairness” (50). They are also
not unethical as the structure of society is fundamentally unjust with regards
to race.
I think it is important that conservative thinkers of racial
equality and poverty understand Lebron’s arguments. However, I also believe
that a middle ground approach is best when addressing this issue in a way that
would result in tangible change in the lives of black people. I understand that
Lebron defends the rationality of choices of blacks for the sake of trying to
help outsiders have a better grasp on how social position influences one’s
decisions. However, if all blacks understood their situation as Lebron
understands it, would it not perpetuate the cycle of disproportionate inequality
without blacks feeling empowered to act upon their circumstances to escape this
cycle? Instead perhaps there can be a middle ground approach, one that takes into account obstacles that a group faces due to the problem of social
value but also empowers them with the agency to make different choices, that would result in more tangible changes in
their lives and more success stories like Lebron’s.
Any other thoughts in
this claim that Lebron makes? It seems like it is quite a bold statement that
is worth unpacking and for further discussion.
I think that considering agency is important, as it has been a common theme throughout the semester. Sen demands that the human freedoms be met for an individual to have agency. Kant requires that free will is respected for proper agency. Anderson discusses commitments and collective identities in regards to agencies. It would be interesting to discuss what grounds Lebron thinks are sufficient for an individual to be considered as having agency, and as a result, accountability for their actions. How far does his account extend past the responsibility institutions have to enhance agency? What are the explicit requirements of individuals to ensure that everyone's agency is respected, according to Lebron?
ReplyDeleteKhadija, I think the questions that you raise are very valuable. It think it is also related to the capabilities argument that Sen makes - if individuals do not have the agency, surely they do not have capabilities that ensure them basic human rights. I think Lebron's main point in addressing the culture of poverty thesis is that because social value affects black people's agency, society should be hesitant in considering that they are fully accountable for their actions. I am interested to hear more from Lebron about the balance of responsibility between institutions and individuals in this case.
ReplyDeleteI, too, like the concerns both of you bring up. I think that LeBron brings us to a point that we has not been articulated before. Still, I'm unsure what his future looks like. Is it important to consider the cultural realities? Like institutions, social practices (like parenting styles, values, etc.) are passed down via generation. Although I agree that what we see is the result of rational decisions in the face of unfair circumstances, but I'm unsure whether certain aspects are too embedded in our society. I mention the idea of success: is succeeding in the white man's way entrenched as not only feasible, but wrong? How do we stop producing certain emotions- like frustration and hate- when these are large motivating factors for many? Do those disappear as well?
ReplyDelete