Freakonomics Radio 427. The Pros and Cons of Reparations
Jul 23, 2020
Glenn Lowry and Derek Hamilton, both esteemed economists, dive deep into the complex world of reparations. They discuss America’s racial wealth gap, highlighting the historical injustices that still affect Black families. The two tackle the challenges of defining reparations, advocating for innovative solutions like Baby Bonds to invest in future generations. They also emphasize the need for Black ownership and address the hurdles Black entrepreneurs face in emerging markets like cannabis. This thought-provoking conversation navigates moral considerations and practical solutions for equity.
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Lowry's Experience with Racism
- Glenn Lowry, despite progress, still faces racism.
- He recounts an incident with John Kenneth Galbraith at Harvard in 1982 where Galbraith offered a handshake without acknowledging him.
Systemic Racism as a Slogan
- Glenn Lowry views "systemic racism" as a slogan hindering deeper analysis.
- He believes it oversimplifies complex social and historical causal chains, offering a blanket explanation.
School Discipline Disparities
- Lowry uses school discipline disparities to illustrate his point about "systemic racism."
- He argues that attributing disparities solely to racism might overlook complex behavioral patterns.