Political Science Paper Sample: SHOULD THE DESCENDANTS OF AMERICAN SLAVES RECEIVE REPARATIONS?

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Political Science Paper Sample
SHOULD THE DESCENDANTS OF
AMERICAN SLAVES RECEIVE REPARATIONS?
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Slaves were brought to America from Africa via European ships and were treated like
property and sold as such. African Americans have been involved in a struggle for rights
since 1783, when a move was made by abolitionist to eradicate slavery and put an end to the
slave trade. Although slavery was abolished some time ago, there is great controversy over
whether or not the descendants of American slaves should receive reparations. Many
proponents, including Bittker (2007), feel very strongly that reparations should be paid and
have presented a strong case along those lines.
African Americans toiled as slaves for over two centuries. Their labor was free, as they were
not paid for their work. They were forcefully taken from their countries and made to live in a
strange land under the total control of their white masters. They were estranged from their
familiar culture and society. This is just one reason why African American descendants
should be paid reparations.
Slaves were endlessly tortured, and this did not end with slavery. African Americans were
subjected to unjust imprisonment, extreme violence, branding and many were killed. White
slave owners were often responsible for the violence against, and murders of, African
American men. Once freed, African Americans were also unfairly treated and some believe
they are still targeted by white authorities.
African American women were treated cruelly as slaves. They were used for breeding
purposes and had to be made available for the whims of their white slave masters. Rapes
against them conducted by white slave owners were rampant and many children resulted
from these forced dalliances.
Reparations are necessary because of the stereotypes that have resulted from African
American slavery. From the beginning of the slave trade, African American slaves were
ridiculed while they were being captured, transported, inspected and sold. Their physical
characteristics were highlighted as a point of entertainment. The entire race has been made to
feel inferior and their traditions and religions have been subjected to extreme criticism.
Millions of African Americans were enslaved to increase the wealth of the world’s richest
nations. The Dutch, Irish, British, Spaniards and other Europeans highly benefited from the
vileness that was the slave trade. All of these countries condoned and encouraged the use of
African slaves, especially in the colonies that were established in the Americas. As for
America itself, even after the abolitionist movement began, the southern states refused to

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abolish slavery. All of these nations should be included in the payment of reparations to the
descendants of African American slaves.
African American slaves worked for others and received nothing in return, except for the
cruelest treatment possible. After all this time, reparations need to be given to the descendants
of these individuals in order to only begin to compensate for all that their ancestors went
through.
Native American Indians and Japanese-Americans have had the courtesy of reparations from
the government for the mistreatment done to them. As mentioned by Torpey& Burkett
(2010), it is difficult not to argue that if these groups were deserving of reparations, then
African Americans should also receive something because of their torturous treatment.
There are several crucial reasons why descendants of African American slaves should be paid
reparations. Although there is nothing that can erase the damage that has been done by this
travesty, a heartfelt apology along with the payment of reparations would go a long way to
show African Americans that this horrific experience is recognized and that it is deeply
regretted by the nations that took part.

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References
1. Bittker, B. 2003. The case for black reparations. New York: Random House.
2. Torpey, J. & Burkett, M. 2010. The debate over African American reparations.
Annual Review of Law and Social Sciences, Vol. 6, pp. 449-467.