Commentary on Reparations: The Big PayBack Episode 1, Why Now?
Below are my comments on the podcast, “Reparations: The Big Payback.” Each week, I will listen to an episode and provide my comments. Be sure to visit the show’s website.
While listening to this episode my first impression was that I loved the opening with the different perspectives and ideas about reparations.
This episode, which starts the show, begins in New York City. Some people may not think of New York City as being an appropriate starting point for a conversation about reparations. But it makes sense.
In the first episode, Erika and Whitney visit and reflect on the New York Municipal Slave Market Marker, Trinity Church, a statue of George Washington, the New York Stock Exchange, and African Burial Ground National Monument.
What the podcast doesn’t reveal is that The African Burial Ground National Monument is surrounded by these buildings: The US Treasury Department, The Internal Revenue Service, The US Court of International Trade, NYC Commission on Human Rights, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.
Altogether, the locations put the nexus of politics, money, slavery, and religion in focus. The location changes in the episode are interesting, but they require the listener to stay focused. It’s a little awkward to listen to places you should see.
And the ads in the show are a constant irritation that come out of nowhere. I wish this show had another funding stream besides ads, or that the ads were placed at the end.
Listen carefully when Erika speaks. She drops some gems in this episode you may want to write down. Whitney, however, gives a white perspective and white optimism.
The opening episode gives a preview of what’s to come in the season. I am little concerned with the bothsideism that’s sure to come.
This episode made me wonder what’s happening in New York with reparations.