AIBU to think I should get reparations?

[PositiveEngine]

I’m from a working class background. My ancestors, going back 200 years, were also working class people and before that, agricultural labourers. They weren’t slaves, but they were engaged in backbreaking manual work, for very little pay, housed in what were effectively slums, to make capitalists rich. They had no practical way out of that life and the impacts are still felt; I’ve done alright for myself, but the biggest determinant of where someone ends up in life remains where they started.

AIBU to think some reparations would level the playing field a bit?

Well it does show people tinkling about reparations like it’s the maddest idea in the world that it is done

Yes, it is true that if you start off wealthy life is easier.

That said, if you don't start off wealthy, there is nothing stopping you (not you personally, the generic 'you') from working harder and doing better for yourself.

I am not stupendously wealthy, but I have worked hard, and am now comfortable enough to not really have to worry about money. Can I buy the yacht I want? No. Can I pay the bills? Yes. We all have the same opportunities that I did.

Weavers and coal miners?
Mine were agricultural labourers, domestic servants, mole catchers, asylum attendants…the list of poorly paid menial jobs goes on. In the current climate I’m all for reparations, I can name some of the employers too!
In reality, reparations are not a thing I think anyone should be paying out. I can’t be held responsible for the sins of my ancestors

But if someone of your resistance and intelligence had inherited a country estate imagine what you could’ve achieved with that.

as I said before, achieving well for a poor person doesn’t mean much when you compare yourself to a lazy or thick aristo, outperforming you everytime

😂 😂 😂 😂 😂

Totally agree. Although I'm not sure if I am especially intelligent or resilient. I know people who are (IMHO) complete imbeciles who have gone on to have much more successful careers because they had the right tie.

It's the way of the world. We have to play the best hand we can with the cards we are dealt.

How is your ancestors being exploited any different to today's employees who do all the work for their rich bosses

What if my ancestors were poor and exploited, but I’m not? Am I included or excluded from compensation?

How should we be preparing for the generational consequences from the current economic underclass? Should we put rules and laws in place to compensate their descendants?

I actually thought this thread was hilarious until I realised OP is being serious.

Yes of course. Can I have some too? 🙋 Similar reasons, but a lot of mine also died in industrial accidents, starvation, etc. Must be worth a few quid 😉😀

Absolutely not reparations, they are for people who have been colonised or victim of other acts of human rights violations.
But I do think there should be grants to help those from underprivileged areas to go to college. These are in place in Ireland, and lots of other countries, I'm not sure about the UK.

Reparations are an impossible and silly idea.

However, those that go on about race based reparations should realise the logic of that, if accepted, would have widespread applicability.

Like Wales then. Wales was colonised.

Yes, like that. Whether reparations for Welsh people would be a good idea or not is beyond me.

Your mum would get some cash but you wouldn’t. You’d probably just buy expensive cheese and wine, or use it to rent a house in Tuscany for the summer, whereas your mum could use it for some new brushes to scrub her front step, or treat herself to some curlers.

Like Wales then. Wales was colonised Welsh DH is willing to wave a placard about with the rest of the Welsh if he gets enough for a new set of golf clubs. Otherwise, he says he can’t be arsed. My ancestors were penniless Irish blacksmiths, and I’m one of those things (hint, I’m not Irish and I can’t make a horse shoe), so I’m presuming that means I get double?

Unfortunately, in the current climate, we’re returning to who you know rather than what you know to get a job.

So was England, I claim reparations from the romans and vikings and anyone else who might be around!

No they colonised all of the UK. Not just England.
The Welsh were definitely invaded and is why Cymraeg/English speaking is still so contentious in some parts.

Even the romans gave up on domination in Wales. Long shanks hated us. We were annoying because we hid in forests and hills, jumping out to kill small parties of the enemy. Our terrain certainly worked for us.