Both governments and media present the image of an integrated, egalitarian society, which in reality contradicts racial discrimination, and class oppression that is exercised against various minority groups. In each `integrated' and `equal' society, racial and ethnic discrimination is directly related to economic and class issues. Since the period of merchant bankers and the British east India Company, modern capitalist forces have penetrated `developed' and `developing' societies by division and conquest. Capitalist countries and companies pursue profit motives by providing arms, money, patronage and privilege to l

"An examination of these two lists creates two very different perceptions of the well-being of America's black community, on the eve of the 21st century" (Black Wealth, White Wealth 1). African Americans are very well represented in the first list, which generates an optimistic view of how black Americans have progressed economically in the United States. Conversely, the near absence of blacks on the Forbes list paints a much more pessimistic outlook.

Each year new reports are published concerning individuals and their levels of income. If one was to look at a list of people ranked solely by yearly earnings in the entertainment industry, the list would surely be topped with such names as Oprah Winfrey, and Michael Jackson, as well as such sports figures as Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. On the other hand, if one were to consult Forbes magazine's list of the 600 highest compensated CEOs and chairmen, one would find very few black Americans represented. The Forbes list goes a few steps further and not only supplies information about yearly earnings, but goes into detail regarding individuals assets and their command over monetary resources.

Certain individuals have commented on the impact of race and class in the United States and the public policy implications. The individuals chosen for this analysis are Quincey Jones and Kathleen Cleaver. Quincey Jones is an award winning composer, arranger and publisher. He derives his viewpoints from first hand experience as a result of his childhood and his involvement in the music industry. Kathleen Cleaver is a visiting professor at Cardoza School of Law. She derives her knowledge from her involvement with the Black Panther Party. These two individuals discuss issues relating to race and class and its impact on society and public interest.

The corporations of America had the resources and the power to use the government's resources to advance their agendas, which was exactly what the Party was opposed to. They had plenty of money to silence the Black Panthers because they had commitment and the glorious belief that the spirit of the people was greater than man' s technology. Cleaver felt that the Panthers were right, and as a result of their beliefs not being consistent with the American people they were forced to disband. She feels that one of the reasons we have the largest black middle and under class in history is because of the takeover of legal and political structures by corporate interests. Information services are supposedly for the people but are now at the service of corporate interests. The educational system is supposed to be controlled by the community, although on the surface some may say that it does just the opposite. A radical gap in income and residence has occurred through subu

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Approximate Word count = 1879
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)