For Black people, the climb to the top is almost always rigorous. We are still, for the most part witnessing the wave of first-generation college students earning degrees. One would think such an accomplishment would open the door to endless possibilities. However, there is a rarely discussed barrier that impedes Blacks on their rise to the top. The barrier to be addressed in this blog is the slave mentality and how, when combined with positions of authority, sabotages Black-led organizations.
To begin, you may be wondering what the slave mentality is. I will give you a mental image to help answer part of this question. Picture a bucket full of crabs. If you have seen crabs in a bucket, you notice they struggle to get out because they continuously climb on top of one another, always pulling each other down to get out. I have given you an example of what the slave mentality looks like; now, I will explain the why behind it.
Blacks’ awareness of systemic racism and how it limits Blacks’ opportunities causes there to be a cutthroat response when it comes to opportunity. Centuries of serving in primarily entry-level positions have made positions of authority the holy grail for Blacks. Unfortunately, the prospect of occupying a position of authority sends the type of unity seen at protests against racial injustice right out the window. Sometimes Blacks will use the same tactics they have experienced from their oppressors to ensure that they are the last ones standing.
For example, Black managers may hire a staff of incompetent or easily controlled people to avoid pushback and exposure to some Black managers’ limited abilities. Without blinking an eye, at the request of top officials, Blacks will also dismiss quality workers with essential skills to improve the organization’s efficiency. Even in circumstances where senior officials are open to suggestions regarding layoffs, Some Black managers will still unload quality personnel out of fear that they could take their positions or expose the managers’ lack of abilities.
The slave mentality explains why Blacks cling together in times of despair but turn on each other at the potential of advancement. On the other hand, whites have what can be referred to as an “us” mentality. In moments of crisis, Whites stick together, and in moments of prosperity, Whites tend to stick together. Comparing Blacks and Whites in this way is like comparing apples and oranges, but there are some essential things to note with this comparison. It is easy for Whites to stick together because, as a whole, their race is never really under threat.
On the other hand, Blacks face many threats. The threats may cause some Blacks to justify the no holds barred approach when climbing to the top or submit to the idea that this is just how life goes. The fundamental flaw with this form of thinking is that the ultimate goal in any business is to achieve the business goals. Blacks’ preoccupation with solely getting into high positions is why many primarily Black-led organizations fail or are constantly struggling. At some point, Blacks have to let go of the fear that they will lose their spots or be exposed for not knowing what they are doing and put the organization first.
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