Coates

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.