We understand the hardships African-American slaves endured more than 300 years
ago.
However, reparations for slavery has several shortfalls, and we, as students,
feel they are not justified.
In the past, reparations were granted to Jewish Holocaust survivors and Asian
women who were enslaved by Japanese soldiers during World War II. The only difference
in the hardships is those who received reparations were still living.
More than three generations have passed since slavery was in effect, so would-be
beneficiaries have never experienced the hardships of their ancestors.
And what good would reparations to today’s African Americans do? How would
it be distributed? How would it be proven you are of slave descent, and how would
it affect the economy?
Economic disaster would ensue the disbursement of reparations, because if one
portion of society is granted money, many deserving minority groups, including
Native Americans, would surely want retribution as well. Where do we draw the
line on what is fair and who is more deserving?
Yes, many groups were not treated fairly, but we can see where this is going.
Minority groups today say they strive for equality between races and look for
a way to unify America. How then, would granting a specific portion of society
monetary compensation accomplish that?
To accomplish equality, we all must work to accept each other’s differences
and heal as a nation from the wrongdoings that occurred in the past.

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