Final answer:
Coates begins the article with biblical and philosophical quotes to establish the foundations of his argument. He uses a specific example, Clyde Ross, to illustrate the housing discrimination faced by African Americans. Housing policy in the United States demonstrates systematic racism through deliberate segregation and disadvantage of African Americans. Coates argues that paying reparations would involve addressing the wealth and opportunity gaps created by historical discrimination.
Step-by-step explanation:
1. Why begin this article with a quote from the Old Testament and one from John Locke?
Coates begins the article with a quote from the Old Testament and one from John Locke to establish the historical and philosophical foundations of the ideas he presents in his argument. The quote from the Old Testament references the idea of restitution, which is relevant to the concept of reparations. The quote from John Locke introduces the idea of property rights and how they have been historically denied to African Americans.
2. Why use Clyde Ross, a resident of North Lawndale in particular, to illustrate much of this article?
Coates uses Clyde Ross as a specific example to illustrate the systemic racism and housing discrimination faced by African Americans. By examining Ross's personal experiences in North Lawndale, Coates provides a concrete and relatable example that demonstrates how housing policy has disproportionately affected African Americans.
3. Just considering housing as a topic, how does housing policy illustrate systematic racism?
Coates argues that housing policy in the United States has been deliberately designed to segregate and disadvantage African Americans. He points to historical policies such as redlining and predatory lending practices that have limited housing opportunities for African Americans and perpetuated racial disparities. These policies have had long-lasting effects on African American communities, contributing to ongoing wealth and opportunity gaps.
4. "We invoke the words of Jefferson and Lincoln because they say something about our legacy and our traditions. We do this because we recognize our links to the past - at least when they flatter us. But black history does not flatter American democracy; it chastens it.... White supremacy is not merely the work of hotheaded demagogues, or a matter of false consciousness, but a force so fundamental to America that it is difficult to imagine the country without it." From Coates' evidence, explain this.
Coates argues that despite the lofty ideals expressed by American leaders like Jefferson and Lincoln, the history of racial oppression and white supremacy in the United States cannot be ignored. He suggests that white supremacy is deeply ingrained in the fabric of American society and has influenced policies and attitudes for centuries. Coates presents evidence from history, including examples of discriminatory laws and practices, to support his claim that white supremacy is not just the work of individuals, but a pervasive and systemic issue.
5. What would "paying reparations" to American blacks look like to Coates?
Coates believes that paying reparations to American blacks would involve acknowledging the historical injustices and systemic racism they have faced. He does not propose a specific monetary amount but emphasizes the importance of addressing the wealth and opportunity gaps created by centuries of discrimination. Coates suggests that reparations could take the form of investments in education, housing, and economic opportunities, aimed at dismantling the structures that perpetuate racial inequality.