Chapter 1: The Challenge of Individualism

In order to revitalize the movement for positive social transformation for Black Americans and society as a whole, it is crucial to address the prevailing culture of individualism. Many individuals perceive personal achievement as the ultimate life objective, which often leads to a neglect of the welfare of their larger communities. This mindset exacerbates existing inequalities, with analysts warning that "the median Black household could reach $0 by 2053" and that "the same fate awaits the median Latino household by 2073" if the current trajectory persists in the United States.

What occurs when individuals rise above their socio-economic backgrounds? The classic 1970s sitcom "The Jeffersons" and its iconic theme song, "Movin' On Up," represent the seductive nature of achieving the American dream—a slice of the proverbial pie. For those who start without privilege, attaining personal success can offer relief from the grim realities of poverty. While this success is often a source of pride, it can also lead to a detachment from the struggles faced by communities that remain marginalized, inadvertently nurturing a "crabs-in-a-barrel" mentality.

Michael Harriot, a journalist and contributor for The Root, illustrated this narrow-mindedness through an old Geechie Gullah story. In this tale, a fisherman struggled to catch crabs because "they were too clever. Even when ensnared, other crabs would come to their rescue." Initially, their unity was a source of strength, but one day, an elder crab agreed to betray his companions for his own freedom. The next day, the fisherman’s nets overflowed with crabs, requiring barrels for containment. "Whenever one crab attempted to escape, the others would pull it back in." How did the elder crab persuade the others to keep dragging one another down?

"He convinced the least intelligent crabs that fishermen were smarter than all crabs, making resistance seem pointless." In this narrative, the elder crab represents Stephen A. Smith, a sports commentator whose betrayal of the Black community mirrors the self-serving crab, seemingly placing his personal gain above racial solidarity. Following the resurfacing of a 1957 photograph of Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, standing with a group of White students against Black students at a North Little Rock High School, Smith defended his actions rather than confronting his past as a segregationist. This situation highlights how societal acceptance and material success can obscure the plight of the Black community. It is time to redefine success beyond individual wealth and pave the way for meaningful social transformation.

Individualism, as depicted in the Geechie Gullah tale, perpetuates the harmful belief that achieving personal success absolves one of responsibility towards others. This mentality has been exploited to excuse the indifference of affluent Black individuals, such as billionaire rapper-turned-business mogul Jay Z, who has labeled the term "capitalist" as a derogatory term aimed at undermining successful Black people. Far from being a slur, "capitalist" accurately characterizes those who accumulate wealth at the cost of their community, turning a blind eye to the suffering in neighborhoods they once inhabited. Black communities often suffer due to the powerlessness of individuals to alter their circumstances. Consequently, it is significant that many wealthy Black individuals choose not to leverage their resources to alleviate hardship.

The connection between individualism and capitalism is clear, as scholars Sidanius and Pratto (1999) contend that "capitalism values individual freedom highly but equality poorly." This perspective encourages the pursuit of wealth without consideration for the resulting inequality in resources and authority. In contrast, they assert that "communism prioritizes equality but diminishes individual freedom," while "fascism ranks low on both values and socialism is high on both."

Prominent Black civil rights figures, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., have long critiqued the capitalist framework in America, recognizing its contradictions with the quest for social justice. In a 1966 address, King expressed that "there is something fundamentally wrong with capitalism" and advocated for a shift towards democratic socialism. During a speech to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Atlanta, he stated, "Capitalism forgets that life is social. The kingdom of brotherhood lies neither in the thesis of communism nor the antithesis of capitalism, but in a higher synthesis." King understood that an equitable society requires a shift in values to balance individual freedom with social responsibility.

The Black Panther Party for Self-Defense serves as a compelling illustration of collectivist principles in action, focusing on community-driven initiatives like the Free Breakfast for School Children Program. Some Americans may be unaware that this initiative inspired the federal government's free breakfast program. Had the organization solely prioritized individual success, there would have been no need to create programs that ensure that underprivileged children receive adequate nourishment. Their focus on collective welfare sharply contrasts with the individualism espoused by those in privileged positions who fail to acknowledge the perpetuation of systemic inequality.

The dominant culture of individualism obstructs the positive social change that our society is capable of, not just within the Black community but throughout America. By fostering self-blame among those who struggle and apathy among the affluent, individualism sustains a narrative that overlooks systemic inequalities in resources and opportunities. This isolating mindset undermines our collective potential for advancement and prosperity. Conversely, embracing collectivism can cultivate a deeper sense of connection and accountability towards the community's well-being. As the renowned poet Maya Angelou stated, "None of us can be free until everyone is free."

Individual success should not be viewed as an end goal; rather, it can be a vehicle to uplift others and challenge unjust systems. To dismantle the "crabs-in-a-barrel" mentality and create a more equitable society, we must redefine success as a measure of communal welfare rather than personal achievement. Only by acknowledging our shared human experience can we overcome adversity and build a society that benefits everyone, not just a select few. We must critically assess the values that shape our society and their influence on our attitudes toward progress. By confronting the damaging legacy of individualism and adopting a collectivist mindset, we can rejuvenate the movement for positive social change.