Originally posted by
Octopus Garden
Right down to what we consider pure ego, the type it takes to strive and survive, is affected by being easily accepted into the greater working world. Ego is erroneously mistaken for a function of what an individual thinks and feels about themselves. When really, it's what the person thinks of themselves, plus what he or she thinks others think of them.
As this is the case, ego is a general consensus construct that becomes internalized. This is why appearances are so important, why personal dignity is everything to us--and why black people have an aversion to being near us, as well. Until it is made abundantly clear that they are more than welcome to participate in white society, and no longer unfairly persecuted by the legal system, they will shy away. Who wants an existential as well as an ego crisis to have to deal with?