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A Rational Approach For Managing Disadvantages |
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The common sense blueprints of African Tradition are the
very best approaches for managing any type of unfair disadvantages facing Black
Americans as well as for peoples of the world. Their original first step for
dealing with problems was with the Math of the Equal Sign principles and its
emphasis on symmetrical fairness (which extends into Ma'at honorableness).
Whether in planning, preparation, or performance it is used for handling the
natural or unfair man-made problems. However, creatively figuring out solutions
(especially using geometry) is needed at each confusing step for devising what
is in the best interest of the (Black) community.
Since any workable approach
must be of a self-help nature, there are two models that have been well worked
out for arriving at a diagnosis and an appropriate management program-- the
tried and true medical model and the ten steps of the rational thinking method.
The best results come when they are interwoven for any type decision making and
problem solving. The point is that how well you survive and thrive depends upon
your skill in step-by-step rational thinking.
Step I, define the problem. Here, it is that Europeans' use
of weapons have fashioned an unfair advantage and therefore dark-skinned people
have been put at an unfair disadvantage. Step II is gathering pertinent
information directed toward understanding how the problem began and
pin-pointing these problems as stepping stones up to the present. Step III is
assessment of the gathered information, as in deciding where decisions and
solutions must be devised and in what order. Step IV is analysis of what has
been assessed and prioritized into order. Analysis includes definition clarity,
explanations for causes and effects, clarifications of distinctions discerned,
and appropriate additional assessments and prioritizations. It opens
possibilities for solutions. Step V is manipulating pertinent and significant
analyzed information so as to identify and properly order principles. These
principles are to be used as a standard against which you can compare your
thinking, feelings/emotions, speech expressions, and behavioral patterns.
The
same comparisons are made against the highest standards of societal common
sense. Both comparisons help determine what problems need to be attacked
head-on; what philosophies of life need rethinking; and what must be accepted
but handled in the most satisfactory way possible. Problems can be handled by
either the Bridge Method or the Check Method. Step VI is creative maneuvering
for any loss, lack, or obstruction present inside Step V. Creating is the
process of dealing with information and laws present on different planes of
existence by designing new forms, new arrangement, and/or new combinations. A
useful way to practice this is to examine a box to see all of its sides and
angles and possible ways out. Note the front/back, top/bottom, inner/outer of
each side as well as the angles associated with each side. For any given
problem, determine the advantages and disadvantages of each side and each
angle. From this, design a way out.
Step VII is the "Poetic Synthesis" of all pertinent
information in Steps II through VI and placed within the frame of how the
problem has been defined (i.e. Step I). Poetic synthesis is the interweaving of
the essence of pertinent information by means of your intellect and productive
imagination into a higher plane, a more harmonious fit, and a greater magnitude
compared with the sum of the original parts. Step VIII is the use of common
sense, rational thinking, and "pure" feelings to make a judgment as to Plan A,
B, and C. Plan A is the one most workable and likely to do the greatest good,
for the most people, over the longest period of time. Plan B is next and Plan C
is after that. Step IX is troubleshooting every step for practicality; for
harmonious fit; for the best decision and answer; and for meeting time limits.
Perhaps more education or training is needed; or aspirations reshaped; or
switching to alternative sources of satisfaction. Step X is Post-action
Judgments. Here, you determine how you could have prevented a failure or a
set-back; how you could have made a less than desirable result into something
good; how you could eliminate something neither bad or good; how you could make
a good result excellent; or how you could make an excellent result reproducible
and then routine. After decision making and problem solving is complete, I mull
over both and often get bonus insights for use anywhere.
Joseph A. Bailey, II, M.D.
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