Intelligence Squared

The West Should Pay Reparations For Slavery

Oct 4, 2019
Kehinde Andrews, a Professor of Black Studies, and Esther Stanford-Xosei, a reparations activist, passionately argue for reparations for slavery, emphasizing the ongoing impacts of historical injustices. In contrast, Katharine Birbalsingh, headmistress at Michaela Community School, and educational consultant Tony Sewell raise counterarguments, warning against economic consequences and the complexities of reparative justice. The discussion reflects on shifting public opinion and the moral responsibilities of Western nations in addressing these deep-seated issues.
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ANECDOTE

Taxpayer-Funded Bailout for Slave Owners

  • In 2018, the UK Treasury tweeted about taxpayers helping end the slave trade through taxation.
  • This was incorrect, as taxpayers funded a bailout for slave owners, not the enslaved.
ANECDOTE

Post-Slavery "Apprenticeship"

  • After slavery ended, formerly enslaved people had a four-year "apprenticeship."
  • During this time, they worked for free for half of their day, effectively paying reparations with their labor.
ANECDOTE

Haiti's Reparations Debt

  • Haiti, after liberating themselves from France, had to pay 150 million francs to the French in 1825.
  • This debt, meant for slave owners, impoverished Haiti and contributed to its current status as the poorest country in the world.
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