Reparations In The Case For Reparations And The Marrow Of Tradition

Both “The Case for Reparations” and The Marrow of Tradition, examine the issue of reparations in return for the egregious injustices committed in the form of slavery by our predecessors. The cornerstone of this problem is that after years of generational oppression and discrimination, what form will this reparation end up taking? A reparation that is based on doling out mere financial support for those that endured the brutality of slavery is unreasonable. It is an insult to the blacks that were subjugated in the slave economy of the past under the guise of racial superiority. Simply treating this issue in a one-dimensional viewpoint that can be solved through a monetary basis will not suffice and is stripping from it the aspect of humanity.
Janet was ostracized by Olivia and cheated out of her inheritance. When Olivia comes to the realization that Janet was wronged in not receiving her rightful inheritance, it dawns upon her how closely the past and present intertwine. It brings to light the idea of reparations and Olivia realizes the grave nature of the life she is living: “If the woman had been white, —but the woman had not been white, and the same rule of moral conduct did not, could not, in the very nature of things, apply, as between white people! For, if this were not so, slavery had been, not merely, an economic mistake, but a great crime against humanity” (Chesnutt 208). It is almost as if she refuses to believe that blacks deserve an equal level of treatment and she is skirting her sense of obligation to the issue at hand. Indirectly she is implying that blacks do not deserve any compensation and no wrong-doing has been done upon them since they are not equals in humanity with whites. However, her belief that whites are superior and that blacks possess no rights as equals or even individuals is shattered. When in time of grave need when Dodie is nearing death, she swallows her pride and asks for the help of a black doctor, Dr. Miller. Olivia asking for the help of black doctor symbolizes how we have the capability to treat each other as equals in humanity and be compassionate, the color of our skin should not act as a barrier that only serves to invoke hatred. The manner in which Janet chooses to help save Olivia’s son is symbolic of her morality and willingness to bridge the gap between black and white, “But that you may know that a woman may be foully wronged, and yet have a heart to feel, even for one who has injured her, you may have your child’s life…” (Chesnutt 246). A woman, of a different