"Which of these statements comes closer to your own views, even if neither is exactly right? (a) Racial discrimination is the main reason why many black people can't get ahead and (b), blacks who can't get ahead in this country are mostly responsible for their own condition."

My answer: B

The Jay-Z show was at the Apollo, and it was FANTASTIC!

(c) both.

If I had to pick one though, I'll lean towards (b). It's a bit more complicated than one or the other or even both. I think people's mindsets have a lot to do with it. You can be a victim of your circumstances or a survivor of them. Discrimination has been around for ages and it's not about to go anywhere. Many black people (African-American, not African/American or West Indian/American) people go far in life without being born without the silver spoon. I do think that the government, specifically the Democratic party, is responsible for the sense of helplessness (though I'll take their paternalistic attitude over the Republican's reckless disregard). Everyone focuses on what the problem is and who's responsible but I seldom hear anyone talking about solutions.