Hi Everyone,

Thanks for a spirited, engaging discussion today!

For Tuesday:

1) Read Kevin Williamson’s “The Case Against Reparations” and Coates’s response, “The Case for History,” both of which you can find here.
2) Write a brief summary of Williamson’s argument and of Coates’s response (no more than 2 sentences).
3) Continuing what you began in class today, write a one-page (200-250 words) position paper on the issue of reparations (you’ll be turning it in to me but not for a grade). Remember, a position is a “rationalized mental attitude.” This means you do not have to be for or against reparations but rather might want to be somewhere in between. A valid position could be, “I’m only for reparations if the money can be given out as educational vouchers (i.e. the reparations money has to be spent on education).” This position is “for” reparations but with an exception. Any position is acceptable as long as you do your best to rationalize it.

Also, here is a good video of Coates discussing the article if you want to check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eB1S9-GsBW8.