You’re right as far as you go, but I’m pretty sure Shelby Steele is using the title for effect and is proving more deeply into the reasons why race relations in America are the way they are. Brown was the proximate cause of his own death, but ultimately he was killed because of the liberal agenda implemented in the 1960’s in the name of racist equality. Instead of equality, that agenda promoted victimization and destruction of the social fabric of the black community. The destruction of the black family and its replacement with the “Great Society” agenda is ultimately what killed Michael Brown.
You’re quite right. I meant in the very short term and I agree with yours and Shelby Steele’s analysis.
BTW, I believe a lot of the Appalachian whites share a lot of the problems that hold them back as inner city blacks, though not quite the same ones you mentioned.