Progressives Give Blacks Just Enough

 Affluent progressives manage their wealth and reputation while addressing race relations in America, particularly in relation to Black communities. The author examines historical and modern tactics used by political leaders to maintain control over Black voters without genuinely empowering them.

• Manipulative Strategies: Post-World War II, Democrats, particularly Lyndon Johnson, shifted from intimidation to more subtle methods to control Black voters. Johnson believed that giving Black communities "a little something" would keep them from gaining true power.

• Exploitation of Black Leaders: To maintain control, the establishment selected certain Black leaders whom they could manipulate. Martin Luther King, Jr. was initially a powerful figure but was later marginalized by those who claimed to support him. In contrast, figures like Jesse Jackson emerged as leaders who communicated victimhood and dependency, ensuring their influence without elevating the community.

• Perpetuation of Discontent: The article contrasts two pathways to power: uplifting communities or fostering discontent. The latter is easier, requiring mere rhetoric to sustain grievances among Black communities. Booker T. Washington’s writings note this phenomenon, where some leaders benefit from keeping the spotlight on Black struggles, thereby ensuring their own jobs.

• Modern Examples: The author points to modern pandering tactics, like branding initiatives (e.g., capitalizing "Black") and performative acknowledgments of inequality. These actions, while seemingly positive, do not lead to substantial change or empowerment.

• Racism in Policy: The article also critiques progressive assumptions suggesting that Black people are inherently incapable of achieving certain standards (like obtaining IDs for voting), leading to lowered expectations and continued dependence on governmental support.

Overall, the article posits that affluent progressives have maintained control over Black citizens through manipulative measures that reinforce feelings of helplessness and victimization, rather than providing true opportunities for growth and empowerment. It highlights a historical cycle of exploitation and dependency that persists into contemporary politics, raising questions about genuine intentions and effective solutions for racial equality. 

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/01/progressives_give_them_just_enough.html