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To: A_perfect_lady

I remember a colleague of mine, we were both doing well in our lines of work, both university-educated white guys. He was English, I wouldn’t say a toff (ie upper-class) but he came from a well-to-do family and was very liberal in politics.

We frequently debated politics and he knew my right-of-centre politics and we would wind each other up.

One day he said to me that did I not accept that the British government (taxpayer, I reminded him) should pay reparations for the slave trade that had enriched Britain.

I asked him why, he said we enjoyed a privileged position and that privilege was based on the wealth accrued through three centuries of imperialist exploitation and it was incumbent upon us to pay a little back.

I looked at him and stated coldly, “I don’t know what your ancestors were doing and if you feel ashamed about it feel free to hand over whatever of your wealth you feel derived from exploiting black people. My ancestors were starving to death on the windswept mountains of Donegal eating nothing but rotten potatoes while the British Empire grew fat, I don’t owe black people anything.”

He left it at that, I honestly believe that it was the first time that he realised that not all white, heterosexual males who have made a bit of money for themselves were racist exploiters of black people.


41 posted on 04/30/2014 12:32:45 AM PDT by PotatoHeadMick
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To: PotatoHeadMick
He left it at that, I honestly believe that it was the first time that he realised that not all white, heterosexual males who have made a bit of money for themselves were racist exploiters of black people.

Well done. Actually, I think he owes YOU money! LOL!

43 posted on 04/30/2014 6:09:20 AM PDT by A_perfect_lady
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