With many of us being dependent on other than ourselves for sustenance, we are in essence placing our destiny in the hands of our provider. In addition there are no banks within inner city communities, but only check-cashing venues, which does not provide the opportunity to accumulate wealth or even interest for that matter. By controlling the thoughts of someone, you will in turn controls their actions to a certain degree. If existing beliefs of inferiority are continually reinforced on a daily or even hourly basis, thoughts and attitudes will begin to form based on the opinions of others. For example, a young Black male may believe that he belongs on the basketball court afterschool rather than the library or the computer lab because of the way society dictates who should be doing what.
Children only imitate their atmosphere and their environment, therefore they do what they see.
If a Black male child grew up continually seeing Black men playing sports, making music, and being entertainers, then that will reinforce their belief that this is what a Blackman is supposed to do with his life. Therefore they will carry this out subconsciously unless taught otherwise. Society makes an attempt to dictate our identity to us from the moment we awaken until the moment we go to sleep. Early on and throughout the day, we are bombarded with mixed messages on television, radio, and real-life all fighting for control over our minds, and in turn our actions. Take myself for instance.