7.10 The Case for Reparations Lecture (DISCUSSION)
Answer the following questions individually. You can even copy and past the question and write them under if you'd like. Each question must be two paragraphs each.
1) Go back to "Coastes Opening statement to Congress" What did you think about the points he made? Were they valid? If so, which points were particularly strong? If not, choose a point and dissect why it was not strong.
2) What are your thoughts on articles in Redlining in San Diego? How did it help expand your understanding of the city? What differences can you noticed in different neighborhoods throughout the city?
1- Vilma Linsteadt
1) Go back to "Coastes Opening statement to Congress" What did you think about the points he made?
Coates’s speech to congress offered validity to the argument of reparations for the enslavement of black Americans. His speech was to the point and provided valid argument that I agree with that black Americans are still suffering from the history of enslavement more than 160 years ago after the emancipation. Throughout American history black Americans suffered and are still suffering from racism and neglect. He pointed out that it is the government’s responsibility to provide reparations in advancing the lives of many black Americans. So far few governments, state or federal are willing to provide substantial reparations. Coates stated in his argument that disparity such as healthcare, economic education and the ability to live in peace is lacking. Massive incarceration of black men is a form of modern-day slavery. The cause of these disparities and the solutions to right the wrongs still feel a long way from being resolved.
Were they valid? If so, which points were particularly strong? If not, choose a point and dissect why it was not strong.
Coates narrated that slave owners held the power of helping enslaved black Americans but did not do so. Instead, the money was used for enriching and maintaining white control over black Americans that continues to this day. The institution of Jim Crow, lynching and redlining are some of the many deprivations used against black Americans. The argument was that people of today are not responsible for what happened in the past. However, those who held the power, such as Mitch McConnell, could have supported reparations for black Americans through government legislation to improve their lives. But Senator McConnell declined.
2) What are your thoughts on articles in Redlining in San Diego? How did it help expand your understanding of the city? What differences can you notice in different neighborhoods throughout the city?
When you drive around San Diego, there are places that physically support the unfortunate assumptions of the 1936 map. They were, it seems, built in response to the assumptions of the day. These neighborhoods according to the map are colored red which mean that it was the home for brown people with a large number of crimes while wealthier people were weary to do business for fear of being a victim of those crimes. There are now many good neighborhoods in spite of their humble beginnings.
Fifty years ago, the Fair Housing Act and Homeowners’ Loan Corporation were established to help people own homes after the economic depression. However, this did not happen because the banks identified these neighborhood owners to be more likely to default on their home loans. As a result of this redlining, the neighborhood remained isolated with poor roads, poor education system and poor health care. In La Jolla, Del Mar, Coronado and other cities colored blue, the wealthy white community had big houses, beautiful lawns, good education systems, better health care facilities and other amenities that made their life better. Even the roads were better. They are still the neighborhoods of money, being given the good start almost 100 years ago.
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2-Rhythm Kemble
1) Coates Opening Statement to Congress:
Coates gave a strong and powerful presentation on reparations for African Americans. He explained that America has both credit and debit in its history. As an example, Thomas Jefferson helped build the country but, at the same time, he owned slaves. Coates argument that we have to take the credits and debits of history was so strong. He also clarified how slavery and racism did not merely happen in the past and they still affect money and work, schools and chances here now.
One part that was unclear was exactly how reparations would function or what they should claim. In spite of this, his speech spoke understandably of the reasons why reparations are needed not just in terms of finances, but also as a way to acknowledge the harm that was done and to try to fix some of the problems that still remain. Through the use of history, statistics, and anecdotes, he lent much credence to his cause and made me understand that this is an issue that affects many people today.
2) Redlining in San Diego:
Reading about redlining in San Diego revealed how discrimination in housing policies formed the city and continue to impact people today. Black and minority families were usually denied home loans and were unable to purchase homes in some neighborhoods. This discouraged them from becoming wealthier and gaining access to quality schools. Areas that were once redlined, like Southeastern San Diego, are still under-funded and resource-depleted, while historically white areas like La Jolla consist of improved houses, streets, and schools.
Learning this made me actually think about the huge differences between San Diego neighborhoods, and why they are that way. The city isn't unequal by chance policies like redlining created lasting differences in wealth, education, and access. Seeing how history shapes neighborhoods today made me realize that unequal treatment years ago has consequences working all the way up to today, and it made me realize why people should learn about these things more.