Question about reparations - [View All]

Yes, out government should pay reparations to black americans - or no, our government should not?

I've been thinking about this all morning. I just got a new Dead Prez cd and listened to it earlier. For those of you that haven't heard of Dead Prez - they are a political, underground rap group. (I'm one weird pushing 32 year old white chick, I know)

Anyway, as I was listening to the cd I was checking out the paper insert in the case. Printed on the inside is this exact message:

**All yall wannabe down white people must support and demand reparations from your government for the stolen wealth, power, resources, and freedom of the black, brown, and red people!**

This got me thinking about this subject. I guess I would say I'm not firmly settled on for or against, and I'd like DUers input on this. I'd especially like to know what black DUers think. I'm not at a place in my life currently where I have any black friends to ask. (I'm not currently living in a mecca of diversity)

I guess my general feeling on the subject is that I'm against it. I fully appreciate the struggle of black people in this country. Our history of slavery and the snatching of africans from their homeland sickens me. I find it especially disgusting that the true nature of slavery and the treatment of blacks is glossed over (if discussed at all) in schools. I believe that is an important part of our history we must face, and understand. Every time I've heard a white person utter the words "they can go back to africa if they don't like it" I am appalled at the ignorance behind such a statement. I'm damned near 100% German in heritage, but no one alive in my family has ever been to Germany. No one would ever think of telling me to "go back to Germany" - I'm an AMERICAN, damnit.

That said - I don't think reparations now are the answer. Because no one alive now dealt with slavery, it just doesn't seem to me like a check from the government to all black people is what it takes to wipe the slavery slate clean. I think that money could be better spent on better education (instead of the glossed over crap they feed in schools now) to the true nature of slavery and its effects, college grants for any black american that wants to go to school, grants to start businesses, cleaning up neighborhoods, providing people someplace better to live than the "projects" - ect.

I really hope this doesn't start a flame fest - please don't allow it to degenerate into one. I'm looking for honest, respectful discussion about this issue. I don't know if I was able to express myself as well as I would have liked to above - I'm hoping my intent is understood.

Discuss.