We will know that the reparations debate is morally serious when this question is a part of the mix:
How much does Ghana owe the USA?
Why? “The Ashanti Empire (1701–1901) in modern-day Ghana was a prominent participant in the slave trade. Enslavement was primarily fueled by warfare, where the empire acquired captives from rival states. Slaves were then traded to Europeans and other networks for firearms, or utilized internally for agriculture and gold mining.”
Many Americans are descendants of slaves who were first captured and sold by Ghanians.
Reparations for other people’s sins is an immoral idea and practice—no living Americans were slaves or slaveowners, so none is obligated to pay reparations and none is deserving of them. And I doubt that any living Ghanians participated either, so it’s wrong and ridiculous to go after them.
The point is, though: If reparations is not merely a money-grab, then it will seek restitution from all major participants. And if advocates of reparations are singling out some participants only while ignoring others, then that reveals the guilt-grift for what it is.
Related: My podcast episode: