Reparations for Black People

 June 23, 2019

I believe that the increasing discussions of reparations for Black People is important.  It could have a big impact upon the depth of racism that we may have in our future.

I recall talking with three high school classmates, asking them to look at a YouTube video on "White Fragility".   One of them clearly indicated to me that:  1.) I was accusing them of being racist and 2.) That my interest in racism related to the fact that my wife is Black, implying that they needn't have a significant interest in racism.

White Americans (such as myself), presuming that they oppose racism) can commonly:  1.) ignore racism most of the time, 2.) try to oppose racism in various small ways, not ignoring it, but not having it impact upon their lives in major ways or 3.) become active in major ways, working to help end racism.

Listening significantly to discussions about reparations may have a significant positive impact upon helping move White Americans further along a path towards becoming activists on racism related issues. 

One can simply dismiss the idea of reparations as Senator Mitch McConnell did recently.   That is not helpful towards anti-racist activism.

Regardless of whether one feels threatened by reparations, or welcomes the idea of them,  serious discussions of reparations may help one seriously think about  some of the relevant issues. 

Thinking of reparations as a simple payout isn't helpful. 

I believe that substantive changes are needed to seriously work towards ending racism.   Thinking, reading and discussing issues related to reparations may expand one's vision on various issues that are important.

Becoming more aware of the depth and breadth of racism may help a lot in this area.  It is shocking to me that many White People think that issues related to racism ended with the freeing of the slaves in the 1860's.   The effects of Jim Crow are effectively ignored.   The realities of life before the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950's and 1960's are ignored.   The lingering racism which permeates our society today are ignored.

As I learn more, I am more and more disturbed and moved to work towards positive change.  I hope that the increasing focus upon reparations will help many of us grow and become more active in working towards positive change.

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