Customer Reviews

Atonement and Forgiveness: A New Model for Black Reparations (George Gund Foundation Book in African American Studies)

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Yes, it does provide a new model for black reparations. However, the book thinks it is smarter than it is. The author makes an extremely weak case for even having black reparations in the first place. The case is essentially that Germany did it, so we should too. It ignores several key points, such as who will actually be hurt by the reparations (non-blacks) and the issue of fighting injustice with injustice. He wants repartions for slavery, but the victims and perpitrators are long dead. If you are looking to be convinced that there should be reparations, this certainly is not the book. If you are ready to jump to the conclusion that we need them (I certainly am not) then I guess this could be a possible way to go at it. Check out the Penn and Teller season 4 episode on reparations.

Many people who oppose the idea of reparations and redress in America today are confusing the redress movement with the tort-based reparations idea inspired by General Sherman's Field Order 15 granting freed slaves the mythical "40 Acres and a Mule." Since Andrew Johnson undid much of the work that Lincoln invested himself in to insure that Reconstruction would level the playing field, black Americans have been seeking a form of redress that would account for the 400 years of capital stolen from slaves by the American government. Professor Brooks presents an alternative to the Tort Model that focuses on not the financial ramifications of redress, but more importantly on the Progression of Truth towards a self realization by the perpetrator - the US government. While many confuse the word reparations with "money", Professor Brooks' Atonement Model deals with the idea of redress and an official apology from the perpetrator to the victims. This is a must read for all Americans. Given the proper exposure, this model should seek roots in the black community and redifine what reparations proponents are seeking.

Excellent read for serious minded reparations scholars. Reparations are truly about redressing the past for a better future. The author presents a strong argument that atonement, forgiveness, and racial reconciliation can only be achieved through the act of reparations. His model is one that is feasible, reasonable, and promising.