The Constructive View of Reparations with Olúfẹmi O. Táíwò

In this episode we talk to Olúfẹmi O. Táíwò. Táíwò is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Georgetown University. In this episode we talk about his recently published book Reconsidering Reparations, which examines arguments for reparations historically and offers a philosophical argument for a constructive vision of reparations.  Along the way Femi looks at the linkages between slavery, racism, colonialism, imperialism and climate change.  In looking at this world system which he articulates as Global Racial Empire, Táíwò offers a vision for reconfiguring this world system in a more just way. Along the way he tackles issues of racial justice, economic security, and also a global vision of disability justice. We talk about systems of global distribution. And Femi examines arguments related to Rawlsian visions of justice, questions of identity and reparations, and certain critiques of reparations arguments. Táíwò also shares concerns about symbolic notions of reparations and advocates a materialist world-making project as a political horizon. Mentioned in the episode is a debate between Adolph Reed Jr. and Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor on the issue of reparations, you can listen to it here.  And just a reminder that we do need support to be able to run this show. If you like what we do, want us to be able to keep doing it, particularly as frequently as we do, please give a little money to our patreon. It’s through your support that we are able to do the show, keep the show free, keep it ad-free, and deliver you conversations like this unfiltered and unfettered by corporations or foundations.