quote:
The genesis of these problems are rooted in slavery and 100 years of living as third class citizens after that that instilled a cycle and culture of poverty, disenfranchisement, and broken homes. Again, this doesn't absolve black individuals of personal responsibility, but it does give the overall issues of society social context.

While I appreciate the argument I think it's horribly flawed. To blame the current "broken home" situation on slavery and the societal conditions that followed it just doesn't make sense.

If slavery and racist societal conditions cause broken homes, shouldn't the rate of "broken homes" slowly reduce the less racist society becomes. It's the opposite. Currently the birth rate outside of marriage for the black community is around 72%. It's at least 30% higher than it was in the 60's. It negates your argument utterly.

Let's say it's 1955. At that point it was potentially possible to actually know someone who was born into slavery. They would be old but it's possible. There would be a direct connection to slavery at that point. In addition I don't think anyone would disagree that the deck was stacked against you if you were black. What explains the lower birth rate out of wedlock during that time? Keep in mind this is before birth control and legal abortions.

In addition, if I have "white privilege" because I didn't come from a "broken home" ( My parents were divorced BTW) Doesn't that mean a black kid whose parents are married also has "White privilege"?

The cultural acceptance of those that have children out of wedlock are to blame for the increase in "broken homes". It has nothing to do with something that happened in the 1800's. The birth out of wedlock rates are increasing for white births too. Can they blame slavery?