The Problem Of African American Unemployment In Us

Bing defines social problems as “an undesirable situation that people think should be rectified.” I consider the unemployment of black men to be an undesirable condition. According to News One article, a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows that “the unemployment rate for Black Men dropped from 11.2% to 11.02% in December 2014” and that the percentage of African American males in the labor market is increasing. It would also be beneficial to train people on how to use these techniques to reduce unemployment. Black men’s unemployment rates will fluctuate as long as we do not address the factors that cause problems in their community.

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, African American males aged between 18 and fifty-four are the most unemployed in America. This information has been updated since July 6, 2018 and I believe that this is still a major problem for society. Heather Long writes in the Washington Post: “Black unemployment in December fell to 6.8 %, the lowest it has ever been recorded by U.S. Labor Department”. I agree with Heather, and believe that this is a positive report, but we still have 6.8 % to go.

The criminal records of an applicant are important to consider when searching for a new job. Certain background histories prevent a person from being hired for government positions or certifications. The Law Dictionary states “most common felon rights are lost or greatly curtailed, including: voting, travelling abroad, the rights to bear weapons or own guns; employment in certain areas, parental benefit, public social services and housing.” It means they must release a parole to someone in their family if there’s no other felon present. Some states do not allow felons to live with residents who have children below a specific age. This can make it difficult for a felon to find stability. De’shawn’s mother died of a sudden heart attack. He had to pay the bills because his mother couldn’t afford life insurance. He is forced to work a second part-time to cover the debts that his mother has left him and pay child support. A second job means he has to miss a whole semester of college. He becomes depressed and is arrested for theft. He has been convicted of a felonage and is unable to receive parole from his family. He has no way of contacting an employer, nor money to purchase supplies. I am not in favor of stealing. However, I can understand De’shawn’s situation.

The African American community is experiencing a severe shortage of resources for education. It is because of the preconceived notion that African-Americans do not wish to work. Over the years, society has told us repeatedly that black men do not work and are lazy. Most black men who are unemployed cannot afford to get a good education. The slogan “different strokes” is something I hold dear. It refers to the fact that many school systems have let black students slip through cracks in the testing and educational system, all for the sake of a touchdown or academic scholarship. The school gets more funding if they score touchdowns and make baskets. This allows athletes who are undereducated to not prosper after graduation. Education Next states that inner-city low-income black children who enter primary schools are concentrated in failing school. It’s more common that they will be suspended or enrolled for special education. They also have a lower chance of graduating high school and are more likely not to. As they grow older, young black men, in particular, are less inclined to attend postsecondary institutions or enter the workplace. Between 20 and 32% of young black men have been unemployed and disconnected from vocational and educational institutions. In 2011, more than a quarter of young black men were not employed, nor were they enrolled in vocational or school education. The classrooms are always overcrowded due to a lack in space or funding. I remember that in my first-grade class, there were three different grades. The same teacher taught all the students, but they sat in different grades. There were only worksheets in class and a recess. First graders who were unable to get a seat in the classroom sat all day on the carpet so that the older children could have them. This is what happened in a city with four districts of schools. The teachers were not given any personal time and the discipline was high. Education Next said it best, because many jobs in the media require a minimum of a bachelor degree. Minorities do not have funds set aside for their children’s higher education. Due to the economic difficulties that single-parent households face, it is difficult for them to save up money to go to college. Students rely heavily on Federal Student Aid (FSA) and student loan programs. Students who lack a solid education foundation are less likely to be able to maintain good grades, which can lead to them losing funding and leaving school in order to get a job.

Racial bias can manifest itself in many ways at work. Racial harassment shows that the employee’s mindset is the one being displayed, and not necessarily the company. A single employee’s action can have devastating consequences for a company. Despite this, you’d expect employees to behave in the workplace and keep personal preferences at bay. According to European Journal of English Language and Literature Studies, “African Americans have difficulty finding employment because of the need for soft skills. These include motivational and interpersonal skills. African American males have less chance to get a job. White men, it is said, have better soft skills. African American men do not. They shouldn’t automatically assume that they’re being discriminated. They may be told that they will be discriminated against by the society, but for me this creates negativity as well as a lustful mindset even before they submit an application. Yes, racial prejudice is present in many workplaces and this can lead to black men losing their jobs. I do agree that the slogan “every company, every business” does not fit all companies.

I hate the way that some African American males accuse the system for discriminating against their race and claim they haven’t made enough efforts to find work. You can get what you want if you really want it. I believe in making the most of all resources. I see friends as resources, and it’s sad for black males to just sit on their bums and not achieve any goals. I don’t believe black men who show a lack of effort. They think that the government will support them throughout their lives. Dead weight is anyone who doesn’t work. We have to get rid of them or our community will fail and not prosper.

The problem of unemployment among black men is a concern to me. I feel that this community is being dishonored by other races because they discriminate against them in terms of education, criminal record, race, and self-confidence. Black men’s unemployment rates will fluctuate as long as we do not address the factors that cause problems within the community. This includes criminal records, education shortages, racial prejudice, and a lack effort. I think that the African American community can achieve a zero unemployment rate if they use all their resources.