Reparations: The Savior Of African Americans?
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Reparations: The Savior Of African Americans?

Should African Americans receive reparations? If so, how?

16
Reparations: The Savior Of African Americans?

Reparations is "the making of amends for a wrong one has done, by paying money to or otherwise helping those who have been wronged.”

Talk of reparations has been going on since 1865, when General William Sherman promised to give former slaves 40 acres of land and an army mule. Before all former slaves could get their promised land, President Andrew Johnson recalled the land and mule stating it was government property.

Fast forward a few years or so and black people were still going through the same issues as when they were slaves but with a slightly different delivery. Jim Crow had come to town and was wreaking havoc on the black community through racist bigotry. Still, black people were unable to vote and killed and tortured for trivial reasons or lies. There was redlining which made it difficult for black Americans to buy homes and if they did get the chance to it was usually at some exorbitant price. On top of it all the government was purposefully working to destroy black communities by assassinating leaders, introducing hard drugs, etc.

Somehow, African-Americans found ways to uplift themselves. They fought for civil rights and liberties for all Americans while still going on with their daily lives. Many programs and organizations were started in order to help African-Americans. One problem was the psychological perceptions African-Americans had of themselves. African-Americans are more likely to be of a lower socio-economic class than any other ethnic group and are more likely to be introduced to alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs. It’s difficult for people from low socio-economic classes to stop the cycle. The perception of scarcity rules their mind along with insecurity and self-doubt. They cannot see the available opportunities and if they do they question whether they qualify. Now this isn’t to say this is how every black person feels, but there is a good portion of African-Americans that don’t recognize the groups that want to help them.

One person in particular that wants to help African-Americans. His name is John Conyers, a Democratic Congressman from Michigan. Conyers introduced the bill H.R. 40 in 1989, which called for a commission to survey the damage of slavery and discrimination of African-Americans. The commission would then offer solutions to any issue which may present itself. But the bill didn’t make it out of committee. Every year since, Conyers has proposed H.R. 40 and every year since it has never been passed.

Although the bill was not directly connected to reparations, it is obvious that if passed this bill would obligate the United States government to rectify their past in some form or fashion. Should the United States give African-Americans reparations? If so, how? This is where much debate begins.

It begins with a yes or no. Those who say yes believe African-Americans are owed because of the unpaid labor of slavery and every act of discrimination since. Everything the government did and/or allowed in the past has given Caucasian-Americans an unfair advantage in life. Therefore, giving blacks something to get them to where they would be is only right. The opposing side believes since most directly affected by slavery (the slaves themselves) aren’t alive, African-Americans shouldn’t get anything. The American dream is to make a living by pulling yourself up by your bootstraps. Get yourself together and get out there because there are opportunities.

Opinions are further divided when those in favor decide in which way they would want reparations given. Many say monetarily, but the cost would be over $10 trillion in today’s system. So that’s a no go. Others believe reparations should be given in the form of opportunity based organizations, grants and funds specifically for black people. But aren’t there enough out there? Theodore Johnson believes blacks should receive 5/3 of a vote. He states “This weighted vote… would offer African-Americans an outsize influence on national and state elections. Politicians would have to truly compete for the black vote…This would provide an incentive to prioritize African-American policy concerns and act on them”.

But even then there would be the question of who qualifies. Would black immigrants get these benefits? Who is considered “African-American?” Who would be in charge of the funding? To be honest, reparations are more difficult than it may be worth.

Call me cynical but if African-Americans are counting on a government that systematically institutes racism, prejudice, and death to apologize and try to make things right, I wouldn’t hold my breath. Protests and riots aren’t working. #BlackLivesMatter kind of worked in the sense that people said "Hey, I don't like what's going on!" but we faced the double edged sword of social media. What is news today is gone tomorrow. I believe the most we can hope for is to get young Blacks out to vote in all elections. That’s the only way I see things will change.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71091
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132716
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments