Xanthi Gladstone

In this insightful discussion, Charlie McCann—an Economist reporter—and the Gladstone family, including Charles and Xanthi Gladstone, confront a painful legacy linked to their ancestor's slave ownership. They explore what it means to inherit guilt while traveling to Guyana for a public apology. The emotional weight of acknowledging history is palpable as they discuss privilege, personal responsibility, and the societal push for reparations. This journey reflects broader themes of atonement and the complexities of reconciliation in the face of colonial pasts.

Charlie McCann, an Economist reporter, and Charles Gladstone, a descendant of slave-owner Sir John Gladstone, explore the deep waters of inherited guilt and reconciliation. They discuss the Gladstone family's apology in Guyana for their ancestor's role in slavery. The conversation sheds light on the broader reparations debate emerging among Commonwealth nations. With personal anecdotes, they address the emotional weight of acknowledging such a legacy while highlighting the complexities and societal implications of their family's historical ties to exploitation.