The economist and director of BlackEconomics.org and member of black conservative group Project 21 opines: "Even though Black Americans have shown a great proclivity to find solutions to problems through inventions, there is little known of great Black innovators. They were not bountifully enriched by their 18th, 19th, or 20th century inventions. Why should we expect otherwise during the 21st Century? There is no end to the discussion concerning the Black-White academic achievement gap — especially in the physical sciences. Rationally, we should ask, 'Why does the gap exist and persist?' The logical answer is that there is abundant evidence that Black actors, athletes, and musicians can become rich. There is little evidence that a Black inventor can achieve fame and fortune."
Mr. Robinson continues his commentary: "Black youth are wise and rational actors. Their eyes are open. They know what they see. Therefore, until we have rich and famous Black innovators other than in the entertainment world, we should not expect to see Black scientists solving the world’s problems. The sad fact is that even White inventors today can rarely claim the wealth and success of top Black athletes and entertainers, so there is little motivation for Black youth to travel the physical science route."
More commentary from the conservative economist: "The problem with this outcome is that, without the knowledge and inclination to innovate, Black Americans will always be in a work trap trying to earn enough to purchase newly invented products — and never benefiting, albeit modestly, from their own inventions and production. In addition, an absence of Black innovator-entrepreneurs means that the Black unemployment rate will always be higher than it would otherwise be. Therefore, not only should we expect a continuation of the Black-White academic achievement gap in the physical sciences, but we should also expect to see Blacks remaining at the bottom of the consumption-production-wealth pyramid."
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B.B. ROBINSON COMMENTARY: How The Permanent Achievement Gap Keeps Blacks At The Bottom
