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It's OK to Leave the Plantation : The New Underground Railroad
This book discusses the "plantation mentality" that is causing Americans to become co-dependent. It is historical however does look at the authors personal journey from a Berekely militant to a conservative businessman.
184 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1998
About the author
Clarence Mason Weaver
5 books13 followersLONG BIO
Mason's distinctive point of view is a direct result of a past tragedy that has produced a present day triumph After approximately 2800 pounds of steel and iron plates fell on him, while on active naval duty in San Diego, California, the Navy classified him disabled and discharged him.
Mason found himself unskilled and disabled. He had to discover a new way of earning a living. After graduation from UC Berkeley with a degree in Political Science, he won a position with the US Department of Energy against 2,400 applicants for four job openings. Between 1976 and 1980 he was promoted from an entry level employee to a Mid Level Senior Contract Specialist with a "Confidential Security Clearance". He negotiated many multi-million dollar government contracts with major contractors, including TRW, General Dynamics, and General Electric.
In 1980 Mason resigned to become an entrepreneur, forming a private consulting company to assist businesses in obtaining and administering government contracts. He has consulted with many multi-national companies on government and political issues. But Mason Weaver had to learn how to earn income, how business was achieved and how to teach others.
Mason has been the national and regional spokesperson for many groups and organizations. He is a noted conference speaker and guest lecture. Mason Weaver has appeared on national TV, cable and news programs. He is often contacted by national news organizations to comment on breaking stories.
Mason hosted a live call in radio program and wrote a weekly column on social and political issues. He soon became a sought after public speaker and lecturer. Mason is gifted with an extraordinary view of government and business.
Mason Weaver is the author of It's OK to Leave the Plantation, The Rope, Diamond in the Rough, Polishing the Diamond in the Rough and Tribalism which discusses the social issues that affect us all and that bind us together. Noted for his quick wit, vigorous debate and forceful oratory, Mason is a challenge to the opposition and an instructive persuasive counselor to allies.
Mason's distinctive point of view is a direct result of a past tragedy that has produced a present day triumph After approximately 2800 pounds of steel and iron plates fell on him, while on active naval duty in San Diego, California, the Navy classified him disabled and discharged him.
Mason found himself unskilled and disabled. He had to discover a new way of earning a living. After graduation from UC Berkeley with a degree in Political Science, he won a position with the US Department of Energy against 2,400 applicants for four job openings. Between 1976 and 1980 he was promoted from an entry level employee to a Mid Level Senior Contract Specialist with a "Confidential Security Clearance". He negotiated many multi-million dollar government contracts with major contractors, including TRW, General Dynamics, and General Electric.
In 1980 Mason resigned to become an entrepreneur, forming a private consulting company to assist businesses in obtaining and administering government contracts. He has consulted with many multi-national companies on government and political issues. But Mason Weaver had to learn how to earn income, how business was achieved and how to teach others.
Mason has been the national and regional spokesperson for many groups and organizations. He is a noted conference speaker and guest lecture. Mason Weaver has appeared on national TV, cable and news programs. He is often contacted by national news organizations to comment on breaking stories.
Mason hosted a live call in radio program and wrote a weekly column on social and political issues. He soon became a sought after public speaker and lecturer. Mason is gifted with an extraordinary view of government and business.
Mason Weaver is the author of It's OK to Leave the Plantation, The Rope, Diamond in the Rough, Polishing the Diamond in the Rough and Tribalism which discusses the social issues that affect us all and that bind us together. Noted for his quick wit, vigorous debate and forceful oratory, Mason is a challenge to the opposition and an instructive persuasive counselor to allies.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 13, 2008
The message of this book is more importnat now than ever before.
This is one of those books that you just have to read for yourself and draw your own conclusions.
This is the book that inspired Mason Weaver to write The Rope.
Mason weaver is a Former Radical Leftist, Former Black Panther, and Former Racist..
This book sheds light on the history of Black America's relationship with the Democrat party and how through intimidation and the promise of hand outs, the Democrat party has won the black vote in America.
Mason Weaver is a graduate of U.C. Berkley in Political Science and Black Studies.
Mason's distinctive point of view is a direct result of a past tragedy that has produced a present day triumph After approximately 2800 pounds of steel and iron plates fell on him, while on active naval duty in San Diego, California, the Navy classified him disabled and discharged him. But, before that day, Mason served in Vietnam and received the Vietnam Service medal with one Bronze star.
Back in the real world, Mason found himself unable to perform the duties for which he had trained almost four years. So he retrained himself by going to college. And, between 1972 and 1975 he received degrees from Merritt College in Oakland California and UC Berkeley. After graduation from UC Berkeley with a degree in Political Science, he won a position with the US Department of Energy against 2,400 applicants for four job openings. Between 1976 and 1980 he was promoted from an entry level employee to a Mid Level Senior Contract Specialist with a "Confidential Security Clearance". He negotiated many multi-million dollar government contracts with major contractors, including TRW, General Dynamics, and General Electric.
This is one of those books that you just have to read for yourself and draw your own conclusions.
This is the book that inspired Mason Weaver to write The Rope.
Mason weaver is a Former Radical Leftist, Former Black Panther, and Former Racist..
This book sheds light on the history of Black America's relationship with the Democrat party and how through intimidation and the promise of hand outs, the Democrat party has won the black vote in America.
Mason Weaver is a graduate of U.C. Berkley in Political Science and Black Studies.
Mason's distinctive point of view is a direct result of a past tragedy that has produced a present day triumph After approximately 2800 pounds of steel and iron plates fell on him, while on active naval duty in San Diego, California, the Navy classified him disabled and discharged him. But, before that day, Mason served in Vietnam and received the Vietnam Service medal with one Bronze star.
Back in the real world, Mason found himself unable to perform the duties for which he had trained almost four years. So he retrained himself by going to college. And, between 1972 and 1975 he received degrees from Merritt College in Oakland California and UC Berkeley. After graduation from UC Berkeley with a degree in Political Science, he won a position with the US Department of Energy against 2,400 applicants for four job openings. Between 1976 and 1980 he was promoted from an entry level employee to a Mid Level Senior Contract Specialist with a "Confidential Security Clearance". He negotiated many multi-million dollar government contracts with major contractors, including TRW, General Dynamics, and General Electric.
July 5, 2020
2020 Reread
Typical GOP claptrap written specifically to maintain the status quo and not address the historic race based bias against Black Americans created at the foundation of this country.
Typical GOP claptrap written specifically to maintain the status quo and not address the historic race based bias against Black Americans created at the foundation of this country.
June 15, 2024
A REJECTION OF THE MENTALITY THAT DISCOURAGES INDEPENDENCE AND CHARACTER
Author C. Mason Weaver wrote in the Preface to this 1996 book, “This book discusses some of the family and environmental conditions that led to my change from liberal to conservative. It also discusses how Black Americans came from slavery to freedom. How did black people end up in America as slaves? … This book outlines the spiritual and social reasons Africa submitted to the Europeans… The Africans were captives in America and resisted as much as possible. The captors had to develop self-hatred, worthlessness, and hopelessness in the Africans to make them think they were slaves. [This book] examines the ‘Plantation mentality’ that still plagues us today. The Plantation Mentality is a system that discourages independence and character and encourages reliance on masters or appointed tribal chiefs in our community.” (Pg. I)
He continues, “This book examines some other celebrations, superstitions and contrived traditions being substituted for the strong culture and honor we have had as a people. The danger of recognizing false traditions and holidays is the loss of the lessons of our real history… The celebration of Kwanzaa as a traditional African holiday is not only untrue, but, in fact, weakens the real rich heritage our ancestors gave us.” (Pg. IV)
He explains, “in my radicalism at Berkeley… hating … was eating me up and preventing me from learning and developing… as the years have gone by, I have found something greater than racial hatred. It is called forgiveness. I had reason to hate; therefore, I also had the power to forgive… The Biblical principle of forgiveness works and was freedom for me. It took a spiritual heart transplant to give me a forgiving heart. I am writing about this spiritual, Biblical, Christian change because I am hearing the demands for an apology for slavery… If we become a forgiving nation instead of an apologetic one, we would also become a victimless one.” (Pg. 7-8)
He acknowledges, “No one could deny the absolute cruelty of the slave trade… There have not been people of any nation, during any time, who have suffered as much as did the Black Americans under slavery, as well as afterwards. However, despite laws that made it illegal to read and write, despite laws forbidding ownership of property, despite families separated by selling and buying black people not only survived slavery in America---we have thrived!” (Pg. 35) He adds, “we are the wealthiest, best-educated, healthiest, most influential black people on this planet. No African nation can claim the educational or political influence of Black Americans. No Caribbean Island can compare with the health of Black Americans.” (Pg. 37)
He asserts, “The real ‘sellouts’ are those Black Americans who try to keep others down by looking at themselves as victims. Those black people, who are trying to keep you from speaking the English language, getting education instead of recreation, competing instead of complaining and actually dreaming of a better life instead of resigning yourself to poverty and hopelessness, are the ‘sellouts.’ … They want you to follow them instead of your dreams. They treat black people as if we are a group of retarded individuals who need their care and concern.” (Pg. 43-44)
He suggests, “Today the black community controls 99% of the problems we face. We can blame the white man, slavery, poverty, police brutality or unemployment. However, we are in charge of our own education, we elect the politicians and we control our own destiny. We give far too much credit to white people and the system and far too little credit to ourselves. We continue to allow our schools to turn our slaves for the system, then blame the system. We see drugs in our neighborhoods and blame the white smugglers instead of the black pushers… We cannot control the white manufacturers or the smugglers, but we can control out children.” (Pg. 65)
He points out, “I just do not believe those calling for reparations have clearly thought out how it would be implemented. I have interviewed and discussed this with the proponents, and no one can tell me how it would be accomplished. Let us imagine Congress enacting a bill tomorrow apologizing for slavery and authorizing every black descendant of slaves to receive some amount of money. All of a sudden, the 30 million Black Americans would swell to 60 million. Everyone with any trace of black blood in them will claim to be eligible for the reparations… Also, how would you determine if some Black Americans were descendants of Africans who migrated to America after slavery or those who were here free and were never slaves?... If we gave black people reparations, would they be required to repay any welfare payments, food stamps, free medical treatment and other government assistance?... There are too many variables making this far too complicated to work.” (Pg. 77-78)
He states, “We want to compete with white America. We demand a right to take all we can earn. We will not be satisfied with a share of the pie that the leftists set aside for us. We can earn more than your allowance. Keep the set-aside programs and quotas; they only keep us from competing for the whole pie.” (Pg. 87-88)
He argues, “Black English is not new… Is it just an excuse for poor verbal skills in the black community? … No, it is simply about money and power and who will control it. Millions of Federal Bilingual Education dollars are riding on this decision. If Oakland can convince the Federal government to include Black American children in their bilingual programs, local school districts will be in line for more federal dollars… It is shameful that these so-called educators are willing to sell the future of these children just to manage more federal money… For a little blood money the community was sold out. It is called being a ‘sell-out.’” (Pg. 93)
He states, “There is no ‘Black Culture.’ Some black people like jazz, blues, rap, or gospel music. Some are Christians and some are Muslims. Well, I have news for you! Some are even conservative and some are liberal, some are right-wing and some are left-wing…My question to you is, do you recognize only one wing? Do you purposely seek out only one small section of our community for comments and reactions to current events?” (Pg. 126)
He contends, “I have never thought slavery was motivated by hatred against Africans or black people. It was tried on many other people first, including Europeans and American Indians. Slavery was motivated by control, not racism. The current surrender of our economy and sovereignty is an issue of power and who wield it.” (Pg. 149)
He says, “When I said we are in control of the drugs and guns in our neighborhood, some whining cry-baby from the lewd left would say, ‘We don’t have any airplanes and gun factories; the white man brings this into our neighborhoods… Even if the CIA brought drugs into the community, even if mad scientists created AIDS to exterminate black people and even if the FBI allows guns into our community, so what? How much cocaine would I have to pour out on your lawn to get you to sell it to your own child? How many guns would I need to bring into your home to get you to murder your brother? Are we not at least in control of our personal actions? Is the white man so powerful he controls our voluntary actions?... Where are the militants of the 1960s marching against the gang members instead of against the ‘white corporate structure’?” (Pg. 166-167)
This book will be of great interest to conservatives, from ALL ethnic groups.
Author C. Mason Weaver wrote in the Preface to this 1996 book, “This book discusses some of the family and environmental conditions that led to my change from liberal to conservative. It also discusses how Black Americans came from slavery to freedom. How did black people end up in America as slaves? … This book outlines the spiritual and social reasons Africa submitted to the Europeans… The Africans were captives in America and resisted as much as possible. The captors had to develop self-hatred, worthlessness, and hopelessness in the Africans to make them think they were slaves. [This book] examines the ‘Plantation mentality’ that still plagues us today. The Plantation Mentality is a system that discourages independence and character and encourages reliance on masters or appointed tribal chiefs in our community.” (Pg. I)
He continues, “This book examines some other celebrations, superstitions and contrived traditions being substituted for the strong culture and honor we have had as a people. The danger of recognizing false traditions and holidays is the loss of the lessons of our real history… The celebration of Kwanzaa as a traditional African holiday is not only untrue, but, in fact, weakens the real rich heritage our ancestors gave us.” (Pg. IV)
He explains, “in my radicalism at Berkeley… hating … was eating me up and preventing me from learning and developing… as the years have gone by, I have found something greater than racial hatred. It is called forgiveness. I had reason to hate; therefore, I also had the power to forgive… The Biblical principle of forgiveness works and was freedom for me. It took a spiritual heart transplant to give me a forgiving heart. I am writing about this spiritual, Biblical, Christian change because I am hearing the demands for an apology for slavery… If we become a forgiving nation instead of an apologetic one, we would also become a victimless one.” (Pg. 7-8)
He acknowledges, “No one could deny the absolute cruelty of the slave trade… There have not been people of any nation, during any time, who have suffered as much as did the Black Americans under slavery, as well as afterwards. However, despite laws that made it illegal to read and write, despite laws forbidding ownership of property, despite families separated by selling and buying black people not only survived slavery in America---we have thrived!” (Pg. 35) He adds, “we are the wealthiest, best-educated, healthiest, most influential black people on this planet. No African nation can claim the educational or political influence of Black Americans. No Caribbean Island can compare with the health of Black Americans.” (Pg. 37)
He asserts, “The real ‘sellouts’ are those Black Americans who try to keep others down by looking at themselves as victims. Those black people, who are trying to keep you from speaking the English language, getting education instead of recreation, competing instead of complaining and actually dreaming of a better life instead of resigning yourself to poverty and hopelessness, are the ‘sellouts.’ … They want you to follow them instead of your dreams. They treat black people as if we are a group of retarded individuals who need their care and concern.” (Pg. 43-44)
He suggests, “Today the black community controls 99% of the problems we face. We can blame the white man, slavery, poverty, police brutality or unemployment. However, we are in charge of our own education, we elect the politicians and we control our own destiny. We give far too much credit to white people and the system and far too little credit to ourselves. We continue to allow our schools to turn our slaves for the system, then blame the system. We see drugs in our neighborhoods and blame the white smugglers instead of the black pushers… We cannot control the white manufacturers or the smugglers, but we can control out children.” (Pg. 65)
He points out, “I just do not believe those calling for reparations have clearly thought out how it would be implemented. I have interviewed and discussed this with the proponents, and no one can tell me how it would be accomplished. Let us imagine Congress enacting a bill tomorrow apologizing for slavery and authorizing every black descendant of slaves to receive some amount of money. All of a sudden, the 30 million Black Americans would swell to 60 million. Everyone with any trace of black blood in them will claim to be eligible for the reparations… Also, how would you determine if some Black Americans were descendants of Africans who migrated to America after slavery or those who were here free and were never slaves?... If we gave black people reparations, would they be required to repay any welfare payments, food stamps, free medical treatment and other government assistance?... There are too many variables making this far too complicated to work.” (Pg. 77-78)
He states, “We want to compete with white America. We demand a right to take all we can earn. We will not be satisfied with a share of the pie that the leftists set aside for us. We can earn more than your allowance. Keep the set-aside programs and quotas; they only keep us from competing for the whole pie.” (Pg. 87-88)
He argues, “Black English is not new… Is it just an excuse for poor verbal skills in the black community? … No, it is simply about money and power and who will control it. Millions of Federal Bilingual Education dollars are riding on this decision. If Oakland can convince the Federal government to include Black American children in their bilingual programs, local school districts will be in line for more federal dollars… It is shameful that these so-called educators are willing to sell the future of these children just to manage more federal money… For a little blood money the community was sold out. It is called being a ‘sell-out.’” (Pg. 93)
He states, “There is no ‘Black Culture.’ Some black people like jazz, blues, rap, or gospel music. Some are Christians and some are Muslims. Well, I have news for you! Some are even conservative and some are liberal, some are right-wing and some are left-wing…My question to you is, do you recognize only one wing? Do you purposely seek out only one small section of our community for comments and reactions to current events?” (Pg. 126)
He contends, “I have never thought slavery was motivated by hatred against Africans or black people. It was tried on many other people first, including Europeans and American Indians. Slavery was motivated by control, not racism. The current surrender of our economy and sovereignty is an issue of power and who wield it.” (Pg. 149)
He says, “When I said we are in control of the drugs and guns in our neighborhood, some whining cry-baby from the lewd left would say, ‘We don’t have any airplanes and gun factories; the white man brings this into our neighborhoods… Even if the CIA brought drugs into the community, even if mad scientists created AIDS to exterminate black people and even if the FBI allows guns into our community, so what? How much cocaine would I have to pour out on your lawn to get you to sell it to your own child? How many guns would I need to bring into your home to get you to murder your brother? Are we not at least in control of our personal actions? Is the white man so powerful he controls our voluntary actions?... Where are the militants of the 1960s marching against the gang members instead of against the ‘white corporate structure’?” (Pg. 166-167)
This book will be of great interest to conservatives, from ALL ethnic groups.
January 15, 2020
Though provoking. Breaking ground in areas that need discussed....
June 16, 2020
One of the most enlightening books I have ever read.
October 28, 2021
An eye opening supposition that those in power, to stay in power, need poor people to stay poor. And that includes Blacks. A very brave soul to beat this drum but he makes a convincing argument.
February 14, 2017
I'm actually in the process of returning my copy. I believe I have an older version (in paperback), but it was so poorly edited that I stopped halfway through chapter three. I believe Mr. Weaver's message is powerful and important - I saw him interviewed on "Louder with Crowder" - but this book does him little justice. It's in dire need of work;for example, it doesn't even have basic page numbers. Adding on the poor layout, grammar mistakes, and muddy writing I was unable to force myself through it.
November 11, 2012
Very important message not just for Black Americans, but all people everywhere. As much as freedom has cost those who've paved the way for us, there's still a price that none of us can ever get away without paying for it, and that's simply honesty with one's self.
January 20, 2009
I really enjoyed reading this book and then I gave my only copy to a friend to read and I haven't seen it since. I hope he read it and passed it on. Good story.
September 8, 2012
It started off really strong and then it leveled out. Even though this was written in the 90s, I wish I read it then or it was written in a time like this. Either way, it was a great read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews