Joseph A. Bailey, II, M.D.

Among all the traditions shattered by the impact of slavery, the shattering of African Tradition paradigms had the greatest long term impact. Lost were models and patterns for living as well as the archetype concepts inside those "seeds". In their place, the captors introduced distorted and delusional "seeds" (e.g. subhuman-ness) that became self-fulfilling prophesies; introduced new models (e.g. depend on the White man for everything); and introduced new patterns (e.g. stud breeding). Some of the new patterns that became customs were the result of Slave Resistance. Examples are Hypochondriacal Delusions (a false belief of being sick) and procrastination which, following slavery, became bad habits or self-defeating practices. Some delusions were reactions to mental, spiritual, and physical pain (e.g. dissociations). Some were self-induced, as occurs when one believed he had done what he only talked about doing. Some were post-slavery reactionary patterns, like Delusions of Grandeur (e.g. a superiority complex to mask an inferiority complex). These were not self-corrected in the struggling decendents of the slaves because anti-self-improvement had been brainwashed into the slaves. Furthermore, the slaves nor their struggling descendants were able to refashion new paradigms that would work well inside racist America.

To illustrate a bad long-term effect, let us use Determination. Whereas striving to reach the heaven Afterlife was central to Ancient African Tradition, the impact of enslavement and inhumane treatment caused the slaves to "turn off" their determination for any such work activities. Reasons: (1) To avoid punishment was the only benefit of work; (2) There was no place else for determination to be used toward a goal since there was nothing to do but work; (3) The only thing the slaves could count on for tomorrow was an even worse day (e.g. perhaps being sold); and (4) There was no hope of a "better life" at any time until death. This "turn off" of determination became a way of life for the slaves and was culturally transmitted into today's struggling Black communities. Hence, any enthusiasm for self- or group improvement generated in afflicted Blacks quickly dissipates and no "first step" toward action will be taken. Lack of determination is a major factor in keeping Black youth from rising above poverty. It is typical to persuade today's struggling Black people into a state of enthusiasm about some worthwhile project that can benefit their lives. However, that enthusiasm dissipates as they walk away. No further action taken means the persistence of the status quo.

website: www.jablifeskills.com

Joseph A. Bailey, II, M.D.