The concept of "self-help" has never been well received in black America. The classic response to those who implore African Americans to "pick themselves up by the bootstraps" has long been: "How can we do that when we have no boots?" The alternative to self-help has been to assume the status of a victim.
This fit well with the civil rights movement because an appeal for equal rights unavoidably looked to the largesse of those in power. However, the commitment and courage of the civil rights activists who confronted the violent opposition of the bigots gave the "victims" a heroic aura.
But that day is past. There is no longer anything heroic in continuing to be a victim. …
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