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http://www.theatlantic.com/features/archive/2014/05/the-case-for-reparations/361631/

I haven't read every word of it yet (it's really long), but this seems like a really fine piece of writing showing how/why racism isn't over. It also has some good stuff about the economic impact(s) of racism in America.

I think reparations for slavery is not the answer. The answer would be making some sweeping changes to the way we handle race in America NOW.

As tiresome as reading that thing was (and I gotta admit I skipped quite a bit), the reparations the author talks about aren't really monetary - in fact, he pulls from 50's israel a lot, intimating that mere monetary remuneration would be unacceptable because it'd be absolution without actual remorse/change. Basically, the thing was a 10 page diatribe on how the plight of poor black people today is rooted in the racist treatment they've received over the last 300 years, and that racism and white supremacy is still ingrained in the American cultural identity. The reparations he wants are basically "owning up."

Not that I agree with all, or even most, of his points, but anyone can tell you there's still racism today. Heck, the briefest visit to 4chan is a window into the subconsciousness of the culture.

Thanks; I'm gonna go bleach my eyes.

#Bestof2014