Adverse Prosperity

1) The evidence he provided for his statement was the sense of posterity among its inhabitants. The attitude was that no matter how difficult things may be, the future was worth thinking about and planning for. Many inhabitants were farsighted, and they focused on events and ideas whose outlines were uncertain. In their hearts was the hope that through their hard work and determination they would break through the prejudices of segregated society.

2) Bronzeville institutions fostered community by building social institutions that were parallel to those of the white community. These institutions included a competition for the "mayor of Bronzeville," and even a full-fledged scouting program for black children. These and other institutions gave the people something to look forward to, a belief that there was a free society just beyond the horizon and hoped for its speedy arrival.

3) Business, legal and illegal, in Bronzeville was difficult, but those who prospered under the yoke were examples of "light shining in the darkness." They were rolemodels for many who sought to libe above the poverty line. Those who succeeded were regarded as moral heroes who won fairly against an unfair system. The ability to succeed amidst hardship provides hope that is different because people cannot relate to the rich and famous on a TV show, where the story is ficticious and romanticized for a captive (or envious) audience. In contrast, people who have a neighbor who owns and runs a successful business have a true and fascinating story. It is an example that is concrete and realistic; it can be grasped and followed as far as life allows them to. That is the difference between the hope created by real life as opposed to that fostered by a TV show.