Recorded history tells us that the growth and development of the human species was borne by the suffering of millions who were forced into bondage and slavery. In disputes and wars enslaving the vanquished was the ultimate humiliation of the enemy. Generations upon generations were born and bred into it. They ultimately died serving their masters. No civilization, race, nation, clan or tribe is free from the scourges of this abhorrent act that still exists in some form or the other.
Most recently, from the 15th to the 19th century, in their greed for the power associated with wealth, the Europeans embarked upon and implemented the most notorious form of slavery in modern history. They competed vigorously, one with the other in the ruthless trade and ownership of human flesh.
In an effort to absolve their own selves of any blame for the slave trade, Euro-Centric historians have revised history. Today our textbooks have become slanted. We are being led to believe that Tribal African Chiefs and Arabs were responsible for the capture, enslavement and trade of millions of Africans; notwithstanding the indisputable evidences of Forts, Trading Stations and written Journals that exists to this day. Notwithstanding the toil, sweat and blood expended by the slaves on the plantations of the White Massa. Notwithstanding the names inherited from the White Massas. Notwithstanding the burgeoning progeny of slaves that now populate the Caribbean, North and South America and Europe.
Yes, these sons and daughters of Massa do not want to acknowledge the sins committed by their fore-parents. They would rather have another people be held accountable for those deeds.
It is in this light that we begin to understand that Massa was not responsible. As such there is no basis for any apologies. And if there be no apologies, then there cannot be reparations. The Jews have received reparations for their suffering during the Holocaust. The Japanese interned in POW camps in North America during the 2nd world war have received reparations. The thousands of Asian women used as sex slaves by the Chinese army have received a muted apology.
The apology and reparation due to the descendants of slaves is yet to come. Admission of guilt bears unfathomable moral and monetary consequences. Somehow I believe that the amount of 771 trillion US dollars as calculated by a group of African states will never see the light of day.
Jay Mobeen
jaymo