Category: Blog 11/11

I believe Coates does make his case because Coates provides sufficient evidence to prove that African Americans need some sort of reparation for the wrongdoings that were done to them in the past, even if it was “150 years ago”, like Republican Senator and House Majority Leader Mitch Mcconell says it only amounts to. In regards to the philosophical question, “Can something be not your fault, but still your responsibility?”, I believe this hold true, but especially to people that are in power and are in charge of fixing issues like these. in the case of Mitch Mcconell, I believe he is doing something morally wrong here because he is in a position to amend or soothe tensions about this tricky event from the past, but he is instead fueling the fire and escalating tensions among the public who feel deeply about this issue, and even goes as far to say he is not responsible for these acts. It’s obvious that he himself is not responsible for the atrocities that took place back then, but he is responsible for acknowledging his power to offer reparations and is responsible for the consequences of his comments that will deeply impact the rest of society for years to come.

Responsibility is to be accountable for something that is within your own power. This definition does not provide a timestamp for which responsibility ceases to exist or expire. Reparations should be no different as slavery was a driving factor for the United State’s economy during the 18th century to the beginning of the Civil War that would fuel global industrialization. The fruits of this labor is still seen today as America is one of if not the emblem, of economic power and trade. This is also thanks to as Coates mentioned, to many deals that we have made and still keep even though all participants involved are deceased. While we may not be able to compensate those who lost their lives, the responsibility does shift. Generations before us have ignored this call for justice but reparations in some form is due. We may see this problem as distant as we are not at fault, but to see the disparity between black people and other races would hold the humanity within ourselves accountable. Hence, yes, you can be responsible for something that isn’t directly your fault.

Coates does a fantastic job of reminding all Americans of what success for our society as a whole looks like. For our society to flourish, there must be a coordinated and unified effort to act on our values, values like equality, peace and honor. I believe that Coates was correct in evaluating that the country must atone for instances when we betray these ideals with a supplement of the values themselves.

It is within our power to strategically address these instances with  repayment, either in finances or principle, even when it’s not easy. Neglecting the historical accomplishments of African-Americans and omitting the country’s culpability of wrongdoings not only corrupts us morally, but gradually detracts from our nation’s progress and success in the future. In this way, reparations for black citizens in one form or another are not as much commendable for the well-being of America as they are required.

When I think about this philosophical question “can something be not your fault, but still your responsibility?” I think about the racial context of America that has been going on for generations. Some may say that racism isn’t their fault and was not something that they contributed to, however, I believe that this form of ignorance is what keeps racism alive. I believe things that have been going on for a long time, such as slavery, creates this foundation of accepted behavior within society. Ta-Nehisi points out that America still follows treaties that dates back to hundreds of years ago and follows the writings of people who are not alive. Therefore, it is our responsibility, from authorities to ordinary civilians, to fight discrimination and racism that has been forming since the country’s past and aim to create a society more just for the country’s future.

In this video, Ta-Nehisi Coates is speaking to the House in response to Republican Senator and House Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s statement “America should not be held liable for something that happened 150 years ago, since none of us currently alive are responsible.” Coates argues that our country upholds treaties that were made hundreds of years ago and still pay pensions to the families of Civil War soldiers, even though no one is still alive. He also makes a point that enslavement has shaped the economy and politics of America. Ultimately, America would not be what it is today without slavery. Based on the points that Coates makes, I think his argument is valid. When pondering the question, “can something be not your fault, but still your responsibility”, I would answer this by saying yes. Even though the people alive today did not own slaves and were not enslaved people, they still face the repercussions for hundreds of years ago. Whites in America are not at a disadvantage because their ancestors were not slaves. Instead, their ancestors were the slave owners. On the other hand, people of color are at a disadvantage because their ancestors were enslaved, discriminated against, and faced segregation. The side effects are still seen today. For example, there are health disparities that people of color face. They are also paid lesser wages than white people and are more likely to be arrested. Therefore, slavery may not be the fault of the people who are alive today. But, it is still their responsibility to be held liable for something that happened 150 years ago because they are at an advantage based on what occurred.

I am honestly torn on where I stand on this issue of reparations. Reasonable and justifiable claims can be made for both sides. I can argue for either but when I veer into one, it disrupts what I believe in the other. For me to pick a side I will need more information of how these reparations are going to come about. In this lengthy article Coates makes “The Case for Reparations” but not how much in reparations is needed nor where these reparations are going to go. To me, he made a solid case, but the deciding factors will be the numbers and where they will go. If the African American community feels it needs reparations to get back on equal footing, then I’m all for it. However, I just wonder whether the money will even solve the problem. What if these societal trends still continue after the reparations? Furthermore, if reparations are to be given out, how long will they last? Is this a one time payment? What about the future generations of the African American community? However, the most important question is – where will the money go? For example, in the scenario Coates demonstrated of Israel and Germany, the money went towards capital which created jobs and boosted the economy. If reparations are to be granted, I believe they should go towards essential infrastructure in these troubled communities. This will create opportunities for growth and success. If the reparations are to be given to individuals, who knows where it’ll go and if it’ll even result in progress. In conclusion, If reparations are the solution to inequality, then I believe they are due. However, in order for reparations to be considered, some important questions will need to be answered first.

This question is a very contradictory one. Often times people think that responsibility and fault are the same thing, but they are slightly different. In the article, Coates explicitly and implicitly states the differences and similarities between the words. After reading the article, my answer would be it depends on the circumstances and situation. Sometimes something is your fault and responsibility while others it is only one of the two. I think that fault is when you are actually doing something wrong, like tax fraud. You are the one doing something wrong and therefore it is your fault. But responsibility doesn’t necessarily have to be something that you did. For example, Racism, which is present today, is everyones responsibility. We have to acknowledge and act on the wrong doing of other people. It is our responsibility to make the world better and care for other people even if whatever is going on isn’t our fault. That is part of many of the problems in the world today.