6 Reasons Why People Don't Support Black Business

I came across a couple of articles that touched on why people don't support black business when they should. I gathered a short list of typical reasons from what I read.


1. Why support it when its leaving the community?


Many people don't feel its necessary to support back businesses since their dollars "leave the community just as quickly as it comes." But the reason this happens in most communities is because there are not enough black businesses and not enough people supporting them. But if people were worried about their dollars leaving the community shouldn't they take a chance on a black business, instead of willingly and deliberately supporting other races?

2. Their prices are too high!

Oftentimes, blacks have to do a little bit extra to get something to call their own in this racist society. So prices aren't going to be the cheapest.  But wouldn't you rather pay a little extra to help your community get out the cycle of oppression than to buy something cheaper, only to have your money immediately leave the community?

3. Service is terrible!

Because we place so much more value on white establishments than black ones, many of us already think either subconsciously or consciously that we aren't qualified enough to run a business. So as soon as you have one or two bad experiences with a black businesses, you are already convinced that they are all the same. The few black businesses that actually do have bad service continue to perpetuate the stereotype because there is only but so many black businesses.

4. They cant be trusted!


Black people have a hard time trusting other blacks in business because we are conditioned to believe that our people are less trustworthy, less knowledgeable and less fit to lead.


5. I watch T.V and I'm not convinced that it will be wise to support them

The media has definitely influenced our perceptions of blacks. We are constantly criminalized and labeled as dangers to society on the news and on televisions hows. These constant images continue to feed the stereotypes that make people less likely to trust blacks over non-blacks.

6. I'm trying to make it so why would I support them?

Just like in slavery days when masters put dark skinned slaves against light skinned slaves, our community is still very well divided today. We have a hard time appreciating other blacks do well. Most of us have the "token black guy/girl" syndrome, in which you take pleasure being the only black person "making it like the whites." But we have to kill the jealousy and realize what is really important which is supporting  one another.

http://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/why-i-support-black-business-owners-dg/
http://www.blackbusinessnetwork.com/Home/