A little puzzled

[KARL]

The name of Elmina Castle (I have not seen it in print) in Ghana is in the media and it set me wondering. El Mina, or Al Mina, is arabic for "the harbour". Arab slave traders operated along the east coast of Africa both before and after eurpoeans did - were they also instrumental on the west coast ? Enthusiastic involvement of native Africans is documented. There is no question that the slave trade in Africans, and in europeans before that, was a grotesque outrage - seen from our modern vantage point, rather less grotesque at the time. I have no doubt that if I were able to trace the behaviour of every one of my ancestors I would not only find criminals but quite possibly murderers. I unreservedly condemn them for such actions but I would be rather perplexed if someone came up to me and told me a long dead relative of mine stole his long dead forefather's chicken or even killed someone while carrying out the theft. This I would never condone - but what am I to do about it now ? I know for a fact that ancestors of mine were taken in europe and transported as slaves (at least if the genetic research is to be believed - even without it the odds are in this direction). I know with very high reliability which the masters were from, but I bear not one ounce of enmity toward today's people in that country - I am now descended in tiny part from both master and slave. The point is, I believe, that while individual apologies about history are inappropriate (as is dismissal of the facts), collective regret can and should be expressed if the correct time, venue and way to do it arise. To those whose ancestors enslaved my ancestors I would say: "No hard feelings, water under the bridge, I came out OK all these centuries later". I choose not to agonise - but I acknowledge that we should and largely have learned from history. I am told the Saudi royal family only officially declared freedom of slaves about 30 years ago.

[sp1814]

Well put Karl!!!

[jno]

but if your ancestors made a lot of money from the slave trade (or just made a bit of money because they could save themselves time by getting slaves to clean the house), and you've inherited this money and now live in comfort...

while the descendants of those slaves live in poverty or in jail (because black people are more likely than white to be doing either of these)...

well, you shouldn't be too surprised if they felt a little bitter towards you.

[KARL]

The enslavers of my ancestors came from a now very wealthy country and its people live in one of the safest and most priveleged parts of the world. I, on the other hand, am the descendant of an illegitemate (and, it seems, abandoned), impoverished daughter of someone from the same master country. I inherited nothing until well after I, entirely on my own, had established myself, and it made no significant difference to my life (I would rather have my parents than their money, which amounted to less than mine) - I remain far from rich. I think it would be absurd for me to march to the (former) masters' embassy and demand an apology, not to mention reparations. On the other hand, I know others might be tempted to try it. I know quite a few west-africans and have spoken to many more. I was struck by how only a very few suggested past slavery (or even colonialism) really had anything to do with their current position. They, however, complain bitterly about the ineptitude of their own leaders. I am no apologist for slavery or any of the wrongs that have been or continue to be done. On-camera apologies by politicians which therefore sound like designer-soundbites turn me off. Dignified statements of regret under weighty circumstances will, when well done by people who have earned genuine respect, correctly express the utter rejection by all of us, whatever our colour, of oppression of all kinds. I have no time for those who try to politically score something through all of this or set up some form of pay-off (whether on the receiving or giving/cleansing end). I am reminded how often (most notably, US excluded) victims of crime have asked not for retribution/punishment but for an explanation and an apology. We are priveleged to live in our times, we should all join in celebrating this while remembering sacrifices made by our predecessors everywhere. I wish they could see us now - I am sure they would be delighted. No surprise jackpots.

[sp1814]

Karl

But I'm sure that Tony has issued a statement, declaring 'regret' at Britain's involvement in the slave trade. He just hasn't said, "I'm sorry".

Basically, I believe that all the people who need to apologise and beg forgiveness are now dead. If I murder someone today, I wouldn't expect my great grandchildren to apologise to the descendents of my victims, but they could express their shame and regret at my deeds.

[KARL]

sp1814, yes I agree. I am however not thinking of any particular politician's statement (whether made or not yet - I am at a remote location and am out of the loop a bit) but the overall principle: regret should be there, apology is something else. Another thought regarding jno's reply: We know that muslim terrorists are assured, in addition to promises of rewards in paradise, that their families will be financially looked after (upon the bomber's martyrdom, as it is called). I understand they families do indeed receive money from the likes of Hamas, Al Qaeda and the like. This would mean the families of today's terrorists have profited - should the victims' families be bitter toward the terrorists' families ? That seems to me an unfair reaction(the families are often utterly dumbfounded and bereft, having been completely in the dark) - and that is today, not centuries ago.

[jno]

I think if I were a family member of a victim I would indeed feel bitter towards the perpetrator's family, especially if I saw them receiving handouts I wasn't getting myself.