Debating Reparations for Slavery

Glenn C. Loury of Boston University and Melissa Nobles of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology debate the pros and cons of slavery reparations.
How do you put a price on 300 years of injustice? The legacy of slavery in the United States continues to shape life and society for all Americans. The controversial arguments surrounding slavery reparations is proof that this country is still struggling with how to address and overcome the repercussions of slavery. Does this country owe a financial debt to the descendants of black slaves? Who should pay and receive reparations? How much is owed? Instead of repairing damage, might such payments polarize communities and create new racial tensions?

[@specialone678]

Why are we even discussing this? There is debt that need to paid pay it!

[@blade0817]

We are an immigrant family, we struggled for years to stand up on our own feet from low level jobs. We have NOTHING TO DO with slavery in the US or anywhere. Why do we pay for something we never done, from the money we struggled for years to get? This is LEGAL RACISM!

[@sandyp1824]

Thank you my sister....they don't want us to have nothing........the most high is going to take of all evils....

[@brenyahyisrael9552]

Exactly!

[@mmdoz711]

WE DECIDE TOGETHER AS ONE A WHOLE WHAT OUR PAYMENTS SHOULD BE . With SOME AGREEMENTS !!

[@TeesSmootheSounds]

If Prof. Loury is Sincere...why does he Fear being in a Black Only venue to discuss Reparations?

[@ericg4568]

Reparations is not a old debt it's an ongoing debt.

[@ttylohz]

4 years ago she is speaking truth still stands

[@ericg4568]

Race will never be over on this country especially against ADOS, until it is.

[@rubenbell7685]

Cut the check!!!!!

[@rubenbell7685]

@gary grine ,,,,,,,,,,, with that type of answer I can see what type of person you are

[@Armando-sl5ly]

No one is entitled or owed anything but what we honestly earn through hard work..

[@thinktwice2001]

I agree. That’s why reparations are owed because many that have acquired wealth didn’t earn it through hard work but rather through the enslaved labor of others.

[@mmdoz711]

U are respondable for ur Fathers!!!! How u think we Got here? And its in Our Good Book !!! KJB

[@jimdandy1949]

Reparation should be put put in a trust account for each individual.they can use it.as they please

[@d.george]

jim dandy I have no doubt many Americans would boycott in the form of taxes, or for some of us, tax shelters. There’s no way in hell I’m funding that.

[@TeesSmootheSounds]

Such a shame that even the kids don't understand what the ultimate purpose of an education really is. Most people graduate & expect to Get a Job. Well, We already have Thousands of Black people w/ an education...and No JOB! Mexicans are doing quite well here in the USA..w/o an education but rather, using their opportunities to work in construction.

[@estebannemo1957]

Any living slave should get reparations.

[@marcusmcnair7479]

This young brother who is against reperation I would like to see the same brother go against corporation that profit off of private prisons Laws and policies that was put together to incarcerate people I would like him to go against police misconduct with taxpayers have to pay for I would like to see this young brother talk about how to CIA evidence with a carbureted in a city with drugs how after school programs have been shut down by local cities so I would like to see him Lobby against those same people that enforce these laws against I would people I think that he can help our people more if he was going against those same people

[@estebannemo1957]

Loury was SO much sharper back then!

[@TeesSmootheSounds]

Mexicans' choice to come to the USA f/ "opportunity" is their choice but, it has Nothing to do w/ the USA responsibility for Reparations.

[@FM19MONTH]

How about a THANK YOU for those of us still on the side of ENDING SLAVERY?

[@jimdandy1949]

I need my payment now.no more studies on reparation

[@mmdoz711]

I would rather have ESTHER'S SPEAK FOR ME !!!

[@ileenrandle3558]

We want Our Reparations 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥👊🏾

[@karens5267]

How is this even a debate? this is a long overdue aknowledgement apology and reparation...(period)

[@a.rthurlovejoy2373]

Why is it that when debates and open forums are given somehow certain well qualified people are not in attendance to defend and explain the case for reparations people such as Dr Claud Anderson ,Dr Boyce Watkins to name a couple of people who are working to inform America in general and black America in particular of our right to being compensated for the wrongs and evils done to ADOS not only in the USA but throghout the Americas The recent reparations hearing a perfect example of a lack of representation for the case of reparations!!

[@lexionline9240]

You should really check out Yvette Carnell. She is a political Science Major and is really on a role and know what she is doing when it comes to reparations for black Americans

[@nativesunnation8323]

The speaker saying 'no money' I'd like to have his "receipts" checked. Is HE a descendant of American slaves?? What person in a group argues AGAINST getting money, when that is exactly how this nation runs?? Corporations and every other group owed AND having received reparations got money, as well.

[@illijah]

"Wouldn't it be too bad if we had an America First, I got mine, foreigners fend for themselves approach?" No.

[@ericg4568]

That's right shout out to the Bury!

[@seansoblixe9711]

just another form of P A N H A N D L E I N G

[@nativesunnation8323]

It's not skintone. Lineage. Lineage matters and we ALL know who we are. Ridiculous.

[@ericg4568]

The Third King is a speech the two Americas!

[@theblackforce4285]

Why is everybody trying to included they seft in our claim with other groups to get something out of our struggle had nothing to do with them

[@samualowens635]

Time for Dems to put up or get out

[@mmdoz711]

.OWN THIS LADY COME UP IN THE WHITE DRESS IS COMPLETELY CORRECT!!!!!

[@keegssolo3192]

Crazy man

[@jefferybarnes7472]

B1

[@bud1239]

Glenn Loury is a beast!!!!

[@bud1239]

reputations won't improve anyone's live for the long term if it all gets spent and reputations don't give people job skills that makes them more employable. Also Reputations are not the same as long term opportunities and investment.

[@bgandjsco1]

We already have reparations for slavery . Welfare ,Food Stamps ,HOUSING VOUCHERS...affirmative action Etc,Etc,Etc. and what has it done

[@mmdoz711]

Everyone is responsible for the SINS OF THEIR FATHERs !!In our Bible !!!! How ALL THINK WE GOT OVER HERE BEING A SLAVE !!!!

[@mmdoz711]

50,000.00 month ok for how many years ? Should be forever!!! But each head has to decide the total settlement amount for each Jew Black Hebrew !! Shalom

[@nonenone4078]

Lets say 400 years

[@lexionline9240]

What is we wrong with this guy. We're talking about a debt that's owed and he's talking about feeding the world

[@jimdandy1949]

It's always at least that one.uncle ruckus

[@brenyahyisrael9552]

Hmmmm, I believe he’s getting paid to go against justice.

[@ericg4568]

This gentleman obviously dont understand that reparations as far as ADOS is concerned is for more than just a check!

[@abundantsunflower1107]

Why are these people talking about civil rights? Go join the NAACP! Reparations=money for all of that slave labor (free work). Work that built and sustained America!!!!!!!!

[@Firefighter2220]

This man does not understand that with or was that reparations the days that he’s asking for will not happen it will be twenty forty one hundred years later and the things he’s stating will not happen. Therefore, reparations, why not? He’s for his own, separated agenda. Sad

[@mmdoz711]

THIS BLACK MAN SAY THE REPARATIONS DON'T MEAN ANYTHING !!! oh yes we WANT TO HAVE REPARATIONS! !!!!PLUS OUR OWN BUSINESSES N SCHOOLS N COLLEGES ETC..OUR OWN !!! This man got it half wrong!!!! WE WANT A INCOME THAT WE DESERVE !!!

[@d.george]

You don’t ‘deserve’ an income...

[@altonpaige2388]

@@d.george you either.

[@TeesSmootheSounds]

The Distribution of Viable Checks is the receipt of Back Pay for the Forced Labor of Our (Kidnapped) Enslaved Ancestors! It is OWED & We are Entitled. It is Our Inheritance!

[@SteveLeicht1]

Think, though, how the success of blacks has decreased greatly since the sixties. The telling statistic is that 20% of Black babies were born to unwed mothers in the sixties, but 70% are now. That's an unfortunate and tough way to start off life.

[@SteveLeicht1]

@James Gray Look at the statistics.

[@d.george]

And therein lies the problem: believing you are entitled. You’re not a part of my family so you don’t get a part of my inheritance. And I’m 1st generation so nope, I didn’t do a thing to enslave anyone.

[@andreakerry3411]

African blacks sold the first slaves. Check your facts.

[@andreakerry3411]

Does Obama get paid?

[@ericg4568]

I would like to ask that gentleman that if I came into his house beat up his wife and his children can I get away with that? And if I can't get away with that why not? That seems to be all right by you right now!

[@claytonchar9232]

Reparations for Black children born during the Great Society. This single program destroyed the Black family. Black children are now growing up in female single-head of household families with children sired by different fathers(?) and grandmothers raising them with checks from the Federal Government. What's wrong with this picture?

[@brenyahyisrael9552]

Where did they get the second white/black wannabe guy from? Please, have a seat! We want our reparations just like everyone else has received.

[@Anonymous-zn4ou]

reperation and reconstruction is needed. We need the protection the fake Jewish people have and the Indians. We need time to come together as a NATION of GREAT PEOPLE, and DO whats right for FAMILY, Communities, Healthcare, FOOD,Security ,Education and our religious beliefs...one{ GOD, I AM THAT I AM}, because thats the vain of our problems RELIGION. ... To many gods, idea's, attributes of this world and COUNTRY. Right now it needs to be( All about US.)....

[@richardhead1210]

Human Beans, This is a question for Caucasians here.: If a Black man drove his car into your ancestors 40 years ago and five of your ancestors died in the accident that was the Black mans fault because he was drinking and doing illegal drugs.The Black man lived and thrived. Would you take him to court and sue him for reparations/damages he did to your ancestors? Of course you would, unless you were mentally ill. Now when you are in court the Black judge asks the Black man who killed your family what does he think he should do to make things right by you? He says give them a new house, car, and ten thousand dollars. Would you be happy with that? Or would you think you deserve millions more? Anyway I'm tired of hearing what Whites think they should do. You never allow the guilty party to decide what punishments should be given to the party that was harmed. You all need to sit down and learn about what happened and let us make the financial decisions. You won't be hurt at all if the judge awards some of us who can prove our ancestors were here before 1865 and enslaved. Are you hurt by all the billions America is giving to Ukraine? Are you hurt by the 4 billion America gives to Israel for GOD knows what? Of course you wouldn't be your financial would remain the same or increase as we buy new cars, homes from you. We don't want your pale, pasty, looking, wrinkled females. I like my women to be Black or Brown, not Albino looking. Some Indian tribes are receiving up to 60K per person in the home, tax free every month. Qualified Black people should be receiving at least that much since our holocaust lasted 250 years, between 12M and 20M people were destroyed; not 10M like the Jews, or perhaps 375T like the Native Americans. If this doesn't happen soon stop calling yourselves Christians. Everyone in the King James from Jesus to Moses was an African person. White people are not mentioned anywhere in the oldest, most accurate KJV. GOD will likely send those of you with hatred for us straight down to Hades where you will suffer until the end times. It doesn't have to be that way. It's your choice. Heaven, or the hot p[ace where you will get a nice tan. ImHotep

[@1lover633]

All I hear about is the "Labor" the slaves did. What about the murders of slaves, beatings and whippings, what about killing blk babies and ripping babies away from there mother's? The Labor is the least horrible thing in my book.but the murderers are long dead and gone so I don't know how to fix this

[@Anonymous-zn4ou]

Michael Genova ,Hey, we were coming out of this mess/ black wall street, and 50 other towns like it, every time we try and come together as one, they interfere...Why, because they need us, we don't need them....This has been a systemic system set up just for US...The powers that be have destroyed our lives in every area, Healthcare,with their race specific vaccinations?, Education with demonizing publicly our children , with drugs to learn, bad schools, security forces etc?, Houseing, landlords not caring of the condiction? Workforce need I explain? Judicial system one of the worst for our people, especially OUR men ( black men) divide and conquer for our family. And we wont discuss, giving our children to ALLIGATORs,Soy milk to bring a generation of gay men and women, killings, ungodly practices against our body's, minds and souls is what they really are after, TO kill us off and to make sure we end up in Hell!...We OUR A ONE GOD NATION, {I AM THAT I AM , his name is AHAYAH and YASHAYA our SAVIOR}. NOW RECOMPENSE IS COMING TO ALL WHO HAD A HAND IN OUR DEMISE IN BABYLON AMERICA .and where ever we are scattered across the world. BE BLESS AND SAFE.

[@ericg4568]

Everyone need to go to ADOS101.COM, and get schooled!

[@antp1900]

This guy making a argument against reparations because of his fear.

[@laurentiumanolescu]

Should also arabs pay to blacks and the people from Balkans or western caucas ?

[@nonenone4078]

Yes

[@godlovembanga2432]

Reparations should be paid by whom, and to whom ? Who in this day living was a slave holder, (not a descendant of a slave holder, but an actual slave holder ?) And who in this day living was a slave (not a descendant of a slave but one individual actually forced into slave labor ?). Hitting the hammer on the nail as regards slavery, what about the African slavery ? That, having nothing to do with any caucasian. Africans need to pay reparations to other Africans for enslaving their own, and also to Caucasians for having enslaved the caucasians, Arabs need to pay Africans, Caucasians, and other Arabs for enslaving them. You get the point. Who will pay who ? Who will receive from whom ? This argument FOR reparations is devoid of ALL historical TRUTH, MORALITY and as a matter of fact an argument for injustice, forcefully taking from those who had nothing to do with the wrong doing and ever so graciously giving to the lazy and arrogant, those who are no victims, have gone through not even one / one millionth of the grief their fathers have been through, thus making light of their fathers plight.

[@ericg4568]

Not just black people do drugs sir!

[@Firefighter2220]

The majority of Black people does not buy drugs sir. You are wrong. You’re a joke to think not getting Reparations will benefit slavery

[@wilfordmurray]

Yes, Reparations! Reparations should consist of a one-way ticket to Africa for anyone who whats one.

[@rockmusic175]

Did reparation paid to slave owners consist of a one -way ticket to England?

[@SteveLeicht1]

My family fought for the Union. I'll be expecting a check in the mail from Blacks anytime now for freeing them.

[@alexandersinclair]

Of course you know that blacks also fought in the Union. Maybe you should ask white women for your check. Man you can spout nonsense.

[@nonenone4078]

Keep waiting like we waiting for our reparations

[@JokinJoe]

alexander sinclair In Africa, wealthy families had white slaves. Where’s my reparations?

[@nonenone4078]

@@JokinJoe lies lies

[@578sundriedAZ]

My family fought in the Civil wars and were generals and sergeants. They had to return to slavery due to them being constitutional apostate 3/5 human with no pay and no veterans pay.VA was created in 1930. Pink scholar put on the IQ cap.

[@jasonj7817]

Trust fund?wtf